Gynecomastia

While it’s generally not a serious medical disorder, gynecomastia (excess breast tissue) can be tough for men and boys to cope with psychologically and emotionally. If you’re embarrassed by your condition, visit Tarik Madni, MD, in Southlake, Texas, to discuss surgical options. Dr. Madni offers procedures like liposuction and minimally invasive mastectomy to resolve persistent gynecomastia. Call Tarik Madni, MD, or book an appointment online today for compassionate, effective treatment.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is when boys or men develop surplus breast gland tissue, often due to a hormonal imbalance. It can affect one or both breasts. A similar condition, pseudogynecomastia, is an increase in male breast fat rather than glandular tissue.

Sometimes it resolves without treatment, but you should see a doctor if your gynecomastia persists.

What symptoms might I experience with gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia’s primary symptom is enlarged breasts. Other problems you may experience include:

• Breast pain
• Breast tenderness
• Nipple sensitivity
• Nipples rubbing against clothes
• Nipple discharge

Pain is particularly likely to affect adolescents and is less common in adults.

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia results from reduced testosterone (male sex hormone) that causes an imbalance with estrogen (female sex hormone). It can develop when something lowers your testosterone levels, blocks testosterone’s effects, or increases your estrogen levels. Possible triggers include:

• Puberty
• Prostate medications
• Anabolic steroids
• HIV/AIDS medications
• Amphetamines
• Anti-anxiety medications like diazepam
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Chemotherapy
• Heart medications like digoxin
• Alcohol
• Marijuana, heroin, and other illegal drugs
• Hypogonadism (lowered testosterone production)
• Testicle, adrenal, or pituitary gland tumors
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure and cirrhosis
• Malnutrition

Hormone changes caused by aging can also trigger gynecomastia.

How is gynecomastia treated?

Many gynecomastia patients recover over time without treatment. However, if the problem is due to an underlying disorder, it requires medical attention. You may also need to see your doctor about changing medications that can cause gynecomastia.

You might need additional treatment for gynecomastia that doesn’t improve, causes significant pain and tenderness, or leads to serious emotional problems. 

Would I need surgery for gynecomastia?

Most men don’t require surgery for gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia. However, if you have enlarged breasts that cause significant problems and other treatments aren’t helping reduce their size sufficiently, Dr. Madni can help.

Surgical options for gynecomastia include:

Liposuction

Liposuction surgery removes breast fat by breaking it up and sucking the liquefied fat out of the breast. It doesn’t extract any breast gland tissue. Based on your physical exam, the team can determine if this option would benefit you. 

Mastectomy

Mastectomy surgery removes breast gland tissue. Dr. Madni can complete it using a small incision just underneath your areola. Combining mastectomy with liposuction can improve your overall appearance and remove unwanted tissue. 

To discuss your gynecomastia problem, call Tarik Madni, MD, today or book an appointment online.