In adults, gynecomastia is commonly triggered by hormone imbalances, particularly between testosterone and estrogen. Whether it’s a shortage of testosterone, an excess of estrogen, or a combination of both, gynecomastia can be an issue for many adults.
If you are suffering from the condition, reach out to the Gynecomastia Center of Boston to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation today.
What is Adult Gynecomastia?
Adult gynecomastia is characterized by the abnormal enlargement of breast tissue in males. While it can occur at any age, it often becomes more noticeable during adulthood.
Hormonal imbalances, particularly between testosterone and estrogen, are a primary cause. These two hormones regulate breast tissue growth in both men and women. When there’s an imbalance between them, it can lead to the development of excess glandular tissue in the breasts.
Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia
It’s important to distinguish between true gynecomastia, involving excess glandular tissue, and pseudogynecomastia, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the chest area.
True gynecomastia typically results from hormonal imbalances, while pseudogynecomastia is often associated with factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
A thorough evaluation by our qualified Boston gynecomastia specialist can help determine the underlying cause and disclose the most appropriate treatment approach.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Adult gynecomastia is caused by several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, medication side effects, metabolic irregularities, and lifestyle elements.
One significant contributor is hormonal imbalance, particularly when testosterone levels decline in relation to estrogen levels. This shift can occur naturally as men age or due to various medical conditions, medications, or substance use, such as anabolic steroids or marijuana.
Gynecomastia has a tremendous effect on psychological well-being in addition to its physical repercussions. Many who struggle with the condition report feeling more self-conscious, embarrassed, and having much lower self-esteem. As a result, individuals might decide to stay away from activities that require them to expose their chest, such as sports or swimming.
Gynecomastia Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause, adult gynecomastia can appear with a range of symptoms. Common signs include the enlargement of breast tissue, tenderness or sensitivity in the nipples, the asymmetrical appearance of the chest, and the presence of palpable breast lumps.
In addition to these physical symptoms, individuals affected by gynecomastia may also experience psychological distress. Feelings of anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal are common due to the emotional impact of dealing with gynecomastia. These psychological symptoms can significantly affect a person’s mental well-being and quality of life.
It’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of gynecomastia when seeking treatment.
Surgical Procedure
Male breast reduction surgery is an effective treatment for persistent gynecomastia. It involves a combination of liposuction to remove excess fat and direct excision of glandular tissue.
During the surgery, incisions are strategically placed along the lower edge of the areola to minimize scarring. Our surgeon removes excess glandular tissue and fat deposits to achieve a more masculine chest contour. Depending on the patient’s goals, additional techniques like skin tightening may be used to enhance the results.
What to Expect After Surgery
After undergoing adult male breast reduction surgery at the Gynecomastia Center of Boston, patients can anticipate a swift recovery period, often resuming their usual activities within a few days. To aid in healing and reduce swelling, patients wear a compression garment and refrain from strenuous physical activities for a few weeks to ensure the best possible outcome.
Prescribed pain medication and proper post-operative care can effectively manage temporary bruising, swelling, and discomfort that are common post-surgery. Adhering closely to our surgeon’s guidance and attending follow-up appointments is crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns that may arise during the recovery phase.
For more, you can check out the results comparing before and after gynecomastia surgery.
FAQs for Adult Gynecomastia
Adult gynecomastia surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. However, they are rare and can be minimized by choosing the Gynecomastia Center of Boston and adhering closely to pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
Following surgery, most patients can anticipate returning to their daily routines within a few days. However, to facilitate optimal healing, it’s advisable to refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities for several weeks.
Our skilled surgeon strategically places surgical incisions along the lower edge of the areola to minimize visible scarring, ensuring optimal aesthetic outcomes. With diligent post-operative care and proper healing, these scars tend to fade gradually over time. As the healing process progresses they become less and less noticeable.
Although initial results may be noticeable shortly after surgery, it’s important to understand that it can take several months for swelling to fully subside and for the final results to become apparent. Patience and strict adherence to post-operative instructions are crucial to achieving the best possible outcomes.
In addition to surgical intervention, our gynecomastia surgeon may suggest lifestyle adjustments to optimize healing and enhance overall outcomes. These modifications may include quitting smoking, adopting a nutritious diet, and avoiding specific medications or substances known to impede the healing process.
While adult gynecomastia surgery typically yields long-lasting results, there is a slight possibility of recurrence. This can be the case if underlying hormonal imbalances or lifestyle factors remain unaddressed. Therefore, it’s important for patients to collaborate closely with our medical team to identify and manage any contributing factors to minimize the risk of recurrence.
During your consultation, our surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and engaging in a discussion about your objectives. This consultation serves as an opportunity for you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have regarding the procedure.
Following your surgeon’s instructions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, attending appointments, and communicating openly with our healthcare team is key to achieving the best results from gynecomastia surgery.
Boston Adult Gynecomastia Recap
At the Gynecomastia Center of Boston, we understand the physical and emotional impact of adult gynecomastia. We are dedicated to providing personalized treatment solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards reclaiming your confidence, schedule your consultation with our experienced gynecomastia specialist today.
The Gynecomastia Center of Boston covers the Boston area and beyond. Just some of the main cities of service include:
- Brockton
- Brookline
- Cambridge
- Fall River
- Lawrence
- Lowell
- Lynn
- New Bedford
- Quincy
- Worcester
- and Out-of-town patients!
And don’t worry if you are situated further away from the Boston area. It is also possible to arrange a virtual consultation for gynecomastia surgery, allowing you to speak with our doctor and get you started in the right direction.
At the Gynecomastia Center of Boston, we prioritize delivering exceptional care from your initial consultation to your recovery and beyond. We deeply value the trust you place in us and are committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care. Our team, led by board-certified gynecomastia plastic surgeon Dr. Arthur Shektman, is devoted to achieving optimal outcomes for each individual. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule your in-person or virtual free consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact the Gynecomastia Center of Boston today. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Gynecomastia Center of Boston
170 Worcester St #1
Wellesley, MA 02481
(781) 739-3354