Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlargement of the male breast and is a common problem. During puberty it is normal for boys to have some breast development. This is usually limited and resolves within 10 to 18 months. A variety of things such as medications, hormonal imbalances and genetics can influence the continued growth of breast tissue. However, in the majority of cases there is no apparent cause for this growth.
Like in the female breast, the male breast contains a variable combination of glandular and fatty tissue. The distribution and quantity of this tissue will determine the type treatment necessary. A detailed evaluation is first performed to exclude the above mentioned causes and if a patient is near puberty several months of observation may be requested to see if the growth resolves. In those patients that require treatment, the options will include ultrasonic liposuction, surgical removal of the gland and or excess skin, or a combination of these procedures.
In those patients whose skin quality is good and have predominantly fatty or diffusely glandular breasts, ultrasonic liposuction can be curative. When there is a focally dense area of breast tissue behind the areola, direct surgical excision with a small incision in the lower half of the areola is the treatment of choice. If there is also a significant amount of skin then skin removal to shape and tighten the breast is required. The goal of treatment is to remove a sufficient amount of breast tissue to minimize pain and recurrence but yet allow for a normal postoperative breast appearance.
For more information on the treatment of Gynecomastia in New Jersey or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, please contact us at The Robert Zubowski, MD Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus New Jersey at 201.261.7550