What Causes an Overgrowth of the Breast Tissue is Men?

The causes of gynecomastia are several from hormone imbalance to certain drugs to puberty. Of course, excess weight gain can cause the breast to enlarge with everything else. But the most common cause by far is excess estrogen. Men have excess testosterone during puberty, a common time for gynecomastia to occur, and this is because testosterone is aromatized into estrogen, and this causes gynecomastia in some people. If the estrogen is high enough, most men will develop breast enlargement.

Body builders who are on anabolic steroids often get gynecomastia because of the conversion of the excess testosterone into estrogen. Now most have learned to take Arimidex or a similar medication, which is a medication that prevents the formation of estrogen from testosterone.

Lab tests shuld be ordered by yhour physician to determine the total and free testosterone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and estrogen. This will indicate hormone levels that are valuable in determining the cause.

The options or reduce the breast tissue is surgery. This usually requires an incision at the lower border of the areolar where there is a color change. Scars can be inconspicuous. Unfortunately, too often too much tissue is removed leaving a depression where the excess tissue was removed. The procedure requires some liposuction in some individuals to feather the edges of the tissue removed. Gynecomastia surgery can be done with either local anesthesia in some people or general anesthesia.

Gynecomastia is very embarrassing for some men and the surgery is quite appreciated.

E. Ronald Finger, MD. FACS

Savannah, GA  Plastic Surgeon

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.

Thank you for your question. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population. It may affect only one breast or both. Certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, alcohol, marijuana, as well as medications containing estrogen may cause enlarged male breasts. Certain medical conditions including cancer and impaired liver function may also be a contributing factor. It is widely accepted that a large percentage of cases derive from unknown sources.Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours. In some instances, surgery may be discouraged for overweight men who have not tried an exercise and diet regimen prior to surgery. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certifiedPlastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago