Gynecomastia
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
Gynecomastia, excessive breast development in adult men or boys, is a
disease involving little or no pain (sensitivity of the chest) but is
often difficult for affected individuals to come to terms with. In
Gynecomastia, the effect on the breast may be symmetrical or not and
both breasts are not necessarily affected.
In theory, one can distinguish "true" Gynecomastia with only an
excessive development of the mammary gland and "false" Gynecomastia
where there is only an excess of fat (adipomastia). But in reality the
two types are frequently linked.
The appearance of Gynecomastia is related to age. It is seen in
new-born infants and at the time of puberty and disappears after two
years. Gynecomastia also occurs in adult men and it becomes common
after the age of 70.
Gynecomastia is usually normal or idiopathic (without apparent cause)
but it is always necessary to make a full assessment (examination by an
endocrinologist, blood tests, ultrasound and / or mammography) to find
a possible cause whether pathological (tumours on the testicles;
adrenal, pituitary and lung tumours, Klinefelter's syndrome, diseases
of kidney and thyroid, cirrhosis of the liver, testicular failure,
etc.) or medicinal (oestrogens, cimetidine, spironolactone, etc.).
Gynecomastia, especially in unilateral form, may, in an adolescent or
young adult, be an indication of the presence of testicular or breast
cancer.
In all cases, searching for a possible cause of the Gynecomastia is
the priority and if it is found, that will be managed first. Hormone
therapy may be prescribed to reduce Gynecomastia.
The decision to treat Gynecomastia surgically will only be taken as a
second line after the failure of medical treatment. Surgery for
Gynecomastia is indicated for large and embarrassing or hypersensitive
shapes and also when Gynecomastia causes psychological disorders.
Only in the case of "false" Gynecomastia, is excess fat in the breast
removed by liposuction. True Gynecomastia, with a hard mammary gland,
is treated by surgery and removal of the gland. The type of procedure
will depend on the size of the breast and skin elasticity. The
stabilized result can be assessed only after 6 to 12 months.
The postoperative consequences of Gynecomastia vary in duration and
magnitude depending on the patient: haematomas and discharges are
frequent. Do not forget that Gynecomastia reduction is a form of surgery
carrying all the risks associated with any medical procedure
(anaesthesia and surgery), even when done under the best conditions,
that is to say by a qualified plastic surgeon. Without overstating the
risk, a proportion of risks exist. Turning to a qualified plastic
surgeon can prevent complications or help to treat them effectively.