Gynecomastia is a medical condition that is characterized by the abnormal enlargement of a male's chest, which is caused by an imbalance in hormones.
1. Primary (Physiological) Gynecomastia: This particular type manifests during adolescence and typically affects boys between the ages of 13 and 17.
2. Secondary (Pathological) Gynecomastia: This variant can occur in males of any age and is often associated with conditions such as testicular tumors, liver disease, thyroid disease, varicocele, and certain medication side effects. It is generally linked to weight gain and may cease or diminish after addressing the underlying cause.
While secondary gynecomastia can often be resolved by addressing the causative factors, primary gynecomastia typically does not naturally regress, respond to dietary or exercise interventions, or improve with medication. Correction usually necessitates surgical intervention. Gynecomastia surgery, also referred to as man-boob surgery, is performed by cosmetic surgeons to address this condition. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat, skin tightening, and reshaping of the chest to achieve proportionality with the rest of the body. Surgical techniques for gynecomastia include liposuction to eliminate excess fat and excision to remove excess breast gland tissue. The primary goal of gynecomastia surgery is to ensure that gynecomastia does not recur in the patient's lifetime.