Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in boys or men, causing what are often referred to as “man boobs.” As long as it’s not a symptom of a more serious illness, the condition itself is not inherently dangerous. However, it can be very emotionally and psychologically traumatic. Adolescent boys who develop gynecomastia usually experience significant problems with self-confidence and social functioning, and men with the disorder often are embarrassed to the point that it affects their intimate relationships and how they live their daily lives. For many of these men, liposuction may be able to help.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
While the onset of this condition is sometimes caused by certain diseases or is a side effect to some medications, it is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance. This is particularly true in adolescent boys, the demographic most likely to experience gynecomastia. For about 75 percent of adolescents with puberty-related gynecomastia, the symptoms improve over time as the body corrects the underlying hormonal imbalance. For others, the condition persists, often prompting them to seek medical intervention.
How Liposuction Can Help
How a surgeon will treat gynecomastia depends largely on what type of tissue is responsible. If the breast tissue itself is enlarged, surgical removal of that tissue may be required. However, when the tissue to be removed is primarily fat, liposuction can treat gynecomastia by restoring a normal appearance to the chest and achieving the patient’s aesthetic goal. Either way, men suffering from the psychological effects of gynecomastia should feel encouraged to explore treatment options that can deliver a fuller life and a restored sense of self-confidence.