How to Tell if You Have Gynecomastia
Posted September 04, 2024 in Gynecomastia Surgery, Plastic Surgery
While gynecomastia is a common condition that affects a large percentage of men over the course of their lifetime, developing “man boobs” doesn’t always mean that you have gynecomastia. In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes and symptoms of gynecomastia and options for treating the problem.
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What Causes Gynecomastia?
There are several causes behind gynecomastia, most of which can be traced back to hormonal imbalances. Some causes of gynecomastia include:
- Hormone Changes: Gynecomastia is most prevalent in pre-pubescent males and older men, primarily because of the hormone fluctuations associated with puberty and the decline in testosterone levels with age.
- Medications: Certain medications can contribute to gynecomastia, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and certain heart and cancer medications. Herbal supplements may also be a factor.
- Recreational Drugs: Anabolic steroids, opioids, marijuana, and amphetamines can cause gynecomastia.
- Health Conditions: Kidney and liver failure, hyperthyroidism, and certain tumors may cause gynecomastia.
Signs and Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Enlarged Breasts
Often, the first and most noticeable sign of gynecomastia is growth in the size of your breasts. You may also notice that the size increase is accompanied by a firm, symmetrical lump directly under your nipple.
Breast Tenderness or Pain
Another early sign of gynecomastia is tenderness or pain or pain in your breasts. The discomfort can range from mild to severe, varying in intensity.
Nipple Sensitivity
Gynecomastia also causes your nipples to feel more sensitive, and they may appear puffy or more swollen than usual.
Breast Asymmetry
Gynecomastia doesn’t always affect both breasts evenly. If it only affects one breast, you may have noticeable asymmetry in your chest, with one breast that looks larger than the other.
I Have Man Boobs. Is it Gynecomastia?
Developing male breasts can be cause for concern in regard to your overall health because it can signal a medical problem that may need attention. So, if you don’t have gynecomastia, why might your breasts have changed?
Pseudogynecomastia
Also known as lipomastia, this condition also causes enlarged male breasts. However, pseudogynecomastia is typically due to weight gain or obesity and results from excess fat in the chest, not excess glandular tissue. Your breasts usually feel softer to the touch than if you had gynecomastia, and the condition can usually be reversed through diet and exercise.
Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for only one percent of all breast cancer cases. According to Yale Medicine, about one in 830 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. So, even though it is less likely that you may have breast cancer versus gynecomastia, it is still possible. Signs of breast cancer include a hard, painless lump located in the breast (not under the nipple, as with gynecomastia), changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, or your nipple pulling inward. If you experience any of these symptoms, get checked out as soon as possible.
Treating Gynecomastia
At Careaga Plastic Surgery, we understand the emotional and psychological impact that gynecomastia can have on you. That’s why we offer male breast reduction—to restore not only a more masculine contour to your chest but also to give you back your confidence. Depending on your needs, we offer the following options for gynecomastia surgery:
- Excision is the removal of glandular breast tissue through strategically placed incisions in your chest.
- Ultrasonic liposuction removes excess fat and uses ultrasound energy to break up glandular tissue.
When you come in for your consultation, our expert surgeons will examine you and create a treatment plan for your gynecomastia using excision, ultrasonic liposuction, or a combination of both.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Coral Gables
If you’re tired of hiding your chest at the gym or on the beach because you’re self-conscious about the size of your breasts, it’s time to explore the benefits of male breast reduction at Careaga Plastic Surgery. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (305) 929-0445 or complete the online contact form.