Gynecomastia: More Than a Cosmetic Concern
When “breast reduction surgery” is mentioned, most people associate the procedure with females who have excessively large and often uncomfortable breasts. However, it can also be helpful to males with gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
True gynecomastia involves enlarged breast tissue, and can be caused by hormonal fluctuations or certain medications and drugs, including steroids and marijuana. It is common for gynecomastia to appear during puberty, and it often persists into adulthood. In contrast, men with pseudo-gynecomastia have excess fat in the chest area that is typically the result of being overweight. Males can also suffer from a combination of enlarged breast tissue and excess fat in the chest area.
2013 ASPS Gynecomastia Study
Whatever is causing the enlarged male breasts, the condition can be severely disheartening. In fact, a study published in the April 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), showed that when adolescents suffering from gynecomastia were compared to their healthy peers who did not have the condition, the former group had substantially worse self-esteem, social functioning and overall mental health than the latter. Furthermore, the severity of the enlarged breasts did not affect the degree to which the boys were emotionally and mentally impacted — even the mildest degree of gynecomastia can harmfully affect a boy’s psychological wellbeing.
What to Do If Your Child Suffers From Gynecomastia
The study suggests that for adolescents suffering from gynecomastia, the condition could be more than simply a cosmetic concern to them. If your male child suffers from enlarged beasts, discuss the issue with him. If he is being bullied, or feels embarrassed or ashamed about the condition, male breast reduction surgery may be right for him.
To learn more about gynecomastia treatment, schedule a consultation with New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald. He is a compassionate board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in the cosmetic surgery treatment of gynecomastia. He can evaluate the patient’s anatomical needs and aesthetic concerns and suggest a proper course of treatment.
If the patient suffers from true gynecomastia, the NYC surgeon will recommend male breast reduction surgery to excise the excess breast tissue. If he suffers from pseudo-gynecomastia, Dr. Greenwald will suggest liposuction of the area. He can also combine the procedures, if needed.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwald, please contact his practice by calling (914) 421-0113.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.
