Male Chest Fat Removal Surgery
Male chest fat is a condition called gynecomastia, and it is a common condition in male adults and boys. The condition causes the breasts to swell in size and become abnormally large. Males of all ages may have enlarged breast glands. The condition is usually a result of breast gland enlargement and not fat addition. The condition does not reduce with exercise or with weight loss but with male chest fat removal surgery.
What is Male Chest Fat Removal (Gynecomastia) Surgery?
This is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of breast tissue in males. It can also be called male breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty. Individuals choose this surgery to remove excess tissue and fat from their breasts. The surgery can help the individual with their confidence and their perception of themselves. The procedure usually involves liposuction, surgery, or both in some cases.
Liposuction can remove excess fatty tissue. It involves the insertion of a small tube through an incision and suctioning the excess fat out into a receptacle. Surgery involves cutting out the tissue with a scalpel to remove the excess glandular tissue. Typically, a scar is left on the nipple’s edge. The chest is usually bruised and swollen after the surgery, and the individual would normally have to wear an elastic pressure band to reduce the swelling. The recovery time is usually about a month and a half before the individual can return to their normal activities.
Some of the complications that can be seen include uneven chest contour, insufficient breast tissue removal, and numbness in one or both of the nipples. There is also blood clot formation, which may require draining.
What is the cause of gynecomastia?
The condition may stem from an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. Estrogen causes the enlargement of the breast tissue, while testosterone is responsible for stopping the effects of estrogen. Testosterone is normally higher than estrogen in males, and estrogen is higher in females. As their hormone levels change during development, newborn and young boys may experience gynecomastia, but this typically goes away on its own. Older men can also be susceptible to swollen breasts due to the production of less testosterone and a higher amount of body fat than younger men, which can increase estrogen levels in them. Some other men develop the condition from medication and other ingested components like:
- Anti-androgens
- Some cardiac medications like calcium channel blockers
- Anabolic steroids
- Ulcer medication
- Antibiotics
What are the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia?
The condition is not usually a grave or serious one. The symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the breast gland tissue of one or both of the breasts. It may begin as a lump or some fatty tissues around the individual’s nipples. The lump usually has an uneven development
What other conditions can cause similar symptoms?
Some other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include:
- Fatty breast tissue – This can also be referred to as pseudo-gynecomastia and is usually experienced by some men and boys who are obese. They have increased breast tissue which looks like gynecomastia. This is not the same as gynecomastia, however, and requires no further evaluation and usually reduces with weight loss and exercise.
- Breast cancer – It is rare in men, but it can occur. The enlargement of one of the breasts or the presence of a firm nodule raises concern about the presence of breast cancer in males
- Breast abscess – This stems from an infection of the breast tissue.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the review of the symptoms experienced by the individual and a medical examination that includes a careful evaluation of the genitals, the abdomen, and the breast tissue of the individual. Tests are also ordered to identify the cause of the condition and to rule out other conditions. The following tests might be prescribed:
What is the treatment of the condition?
Most of the cases of gynecomastia usually resolve over time with no need for any treatment. If the condition is caused by an underlying condition like hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, or cirrhosis, that condition would need to be resolved. If the condition is being caused by something that the individual is consuming, they would be advised to stop it or to substitute the medication with an alternative.
In adolescents that have no apparent cause for the condition other than hormonal changes during puberty, the doctor may recommend a periodic reevaluation every 3-6 months to see if it will resolve with no interventions. It usually goes away in less than 2 years without any treatment. However, if the condition does not improve and causes significant pain, tenderness, or shame, it may be necessary to address it. The following are some methods for treating the condition:
- Medication – Some medications that are used to treat breast cancer and other condition may be helpful in some men with gynecomastia. Examples are tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole. The use of these drugs in patients with gynecomastia has not been officially approved.
- Surgery – if the enlarged breasts are significant and bothersome even after the initial treatment, the doctor may then advise surgery. The options for surgery are liposuction and mastectomy.
Summary
Gynecomastia (male chest fat) is a condition that causes one or both breasts to enlarge in males, the condition is due to enlarged or overdeveloped breast tissue. It can also be caused by hormonal changes or following ingested chemicals or medication. The symptoms of the condition usually resolve on its own without any treatment or intervention. The treatments that are available in most people that have gynecomastia like liposuction or surgery are usually done as a last resort, in the instance where the symptoms are causing pain, discomfort, shame, or when they fail to resolve after some time. The treatments are usually unnecessary in most people as the symptoms resolve after some time.
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Read more