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Gynecomastia is an abnormal enlargement of the breast tissue in males, producing a chest appearance with a “female” contour. It generally affects boys during adolescence and middle-aged men. In both groups, it can be due to an imbalance in sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, etc.). Use of some prescription medications and changes in metabolism and/or liver function can produce gynecomastia in older men.
The normal contour of the male breast is due to fat, skin, glandular tissue and underlying muscle. The volume of glandular tissue can range from being very small to quite large. Muscle is responsible for the overall shape of the breast. There is no doubt that improvement in muscle tone through exercise can enhance the shape of the male chest. It is the excess fat and glandular tissue however, that cannot be improved through diet and exercise. In fact, as muscle mass is increased through working out, the excess fatty and glandular tissue become more obvious as they are pushed forward towards the surface.
Gynecomastia can be effectively treated surgically, offering a permanent removal of excess fat and glandular breast tissue. Through surgical treatment, the breast can be made to look normal again. Scars can be placed so that post operative visibility is negligible. Often the best results are obtained with a combination of breast reduction surgery and liposuction.
Breast reduction surgery in men can be performed on an out patient basis under local or twilight anesthesia in most cases. Recovery following surgery is minimal and most patients can resume normal activity in two weeks. The vast majority of patients are delighted with the results.
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