Gynecomastia is an enlargement of breast tissue in men, which can affect one breast (unilateral) or both (bilateral). It may be related to a hormonal imbalance, certain medications, significant weight gain, or occur with no identified cause.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Who Is It For?
Gynecomastia can occur at different ages: during adolescence, where it often resolves on its own, in adulthood, or in older men. A consultation distinguishes true gynecomastia (glandular tissue) from a simple accumulation of fat (pseudogynecomastia), as treatment differs between the two.
Preliminary Work-up
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A clinical assessment, supplemented if necessary by lab tests or imaging, is carried out to identify a cause for the gynecomastia and rule out an underlying condition.
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This work-up distinguishes the glandular component from the fatty component.
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The surgical technique is determined based on the results of this assessment.
How the Procedure Works
Depending on the findings, surgical correction may combine liposuction, for the fatty component, with excision of glandular tissue through a discreet periareolar incision, to achieve a flatter, more balanced chest contour.
Recovery
Recovery involves a period of swelling and tenderness in the chest area, along with wearing a compression garment for several weeks. Activities can be resumed gradually according to post-procedure instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while adolescent gynecomastia often resolves on its own, gynecomastia that persists into adulthood generally does not go away without treatment.
Yes, a preliminary work-up is recommended to identify a cause for the gynecomastia and rule out an underlying condition before considering surgery.
This depends on the context (identified cause, functional impact); to be verified according to your coverage.
Recurrence remains possible, particularly in cases of significant weight gain or an uncorrected hormonal cause; this is addressed during the consultation.