Will gynecomastia worsen? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I'm a 21 year old male. 5 feet 7 inches tall and. I weigh 132 pounds. For about the last two and a half weeks I noticed that my left nipple was extremity tender and puffy and behind I feel a hard lump. After going to the doctor and have an ultra sound and Mammogram done it was determined to be gynecomastia. My question is from these photos, 1) is this a serious case? 2) will the condition worsen? Thank you

George Bitar, MD · Answer

There are two broad divisions of gynecomastia.  There is primary gynecomastia where during development it is noted that some men simply have more breast tissue than others.  Then there is secondary or pathologic gynecomastia where there is some signal telling the breast to grow.  The signal can be an endocrine problem, other medical problem (thyroid disease, liver condition), or even medications, supplements, or drugs.  Usually a few simple screening blood tests, along with a thorough exam, can eliminate most of these etiologies.  Furthermore, secondary gynecomastia is frequently bilateral.  I would suggest consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concern.  Your mild degree of gynecomastia likely could be treated with an office based procedure under local anesthesia.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Healthy male patients with excess breast tissue or unwanted breast development who have no underlying breast disease.Men who desire improved physical and aesthetic appearance should have realistic expectations based on their condition and the procedure performed. You should meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be able to get a formal diagnosis and to be able to decide on a course of treatment if necessary.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

According to official statistics, 36% of adult young men and 57% of older #adult men in the United States have this medical condition in one of the four grades. About 200,000 to 3 million cases of #gynecomastia are being reported every single year. So if you have #breast #enlargement and you feel you're an exception, please understand that 1 in 3 young adult #men and 1 in 2 older adult men are just like you and have breast enlargement. Several common factors can cause gynecomastia including excessive levels of #estrogen, natural #hormone changes, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, medications and their associated side effects, and, various health conditions. Also, there are different types of #gynecomastia.There are three types of surgical #treatment #options available that treat gynecomastia. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will recommend the type best suited for you. The most important decision to be made before performing any surgical procedure is determining whether you are an ideal #candidate.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos regarding gynecomastia. From your pictures, it appears that you have Type I or Type II gynecomastia.  This is certainly not a life threatening condition, however if it bothers you, you should consider surgical treatment. Most causes of gynecomastia are undetermined. It is doubtful that your condition will worsen. 
I would seek consultation with a board-certified, plastic surgeon with significant experience in treating gynecomastia. I would suggest treatment with the VASER liposuction machine.  The VASER liposuction machine can remove breast tissue and breast fat. To access the male breast for liposuction, a small, pencil eraser-sized incision is created in the armpit. The gynecomastia breast reduction procedure takes one to two hours. The procedure can be performed under local, IV, for general anesthesia. The gynecomastia male breast reduction liposuction procedure is an outpatient procedure. Typically, you are able to return to work three to five days after the surgery.
Thank you for your question regarding gynecomastia and the treatment of gynecomastia.  If you have any questions regarding gynecomastia treatment or VASER liposuction for gynecomastia, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Bryan Michelow, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. From your pictures you have a mild case of gynecomastia and your tests do not seem indicate any pathology of the breast.  Putting on weight or consuming certain medications can make the breast tissue enlarge.  Be aware that the following  hormones and certain medications are among the drugs that  can contribute to male breast enlargement; estrogen, some heart medications and antacids. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Will gynecomastia worsen? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Gynecomastia, male breast reduction, Vaser liposuction.

Answer: Gynecomastia, male breast reduction, Vaser liposuction.

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: Gynecomastia

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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Will gynecomastia worsen? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Gynecomastia, male breast reduction, Vaser liposuction.

Answer: Gynecomastia, male breast reduction, Vaser liposuction.

Answer: Gynecomastia

Answer: Gynecomastia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.