A 19-year-old student has been dealing with gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue in males, since middle school. He had hoped the condition would resolve after puberty, but when it didn’t, he sought help from a plastic surgeon after taking his college entrance exams. Many individuals with gynecomastia struggle with social interactions and report significant psychological distress.
According to medical experts, gynecomastia, commonly known as enlarged breast tissue in males, occurs when there’s an overgrowth of glandular tissue in one or both breasts. This condition can result in men developing breasts that resemble those of women, with noticeable areolas and nipples even in individuals with a slim build.
As a result, those affected often avoid wearing certain clothes and hesitate to visit public pools or beaches, leading to social difficulties and extreme emotional distress. Additionally, men preparing for summer activities are increasingly researching gynecomastia surgery due to concerns about their body shape.
Some individuals may develop breast tissue without specific symptoms, while others might feel lumps around the nipple or experience pain when touching or rubbing the chest. Although about three-quarters of cases appear bilaterally, some may occur on just one side.
Newborns, adolescents, and older adults (over 50) can experience gynecomastia due to hormonal imbalances between estrogen and testosterone. These instances are referred to as physiological gynecomastia and usually resolve on their own without requiring special treatment.
Gynecomastia can be classified based on its causes. A significant number of men fall into the category of pseudo gynecomastia, which refers to the accumulation of fat in the breast area due to weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise. True gynecomastia, on the other hand, results from hormonal imbalances during puberty that lead to the development of glandular tissue and increased breast size.
In cases of pseudo gynecomastia, weight management through exercise and dietary changes can significantly improve the condition. However, true gynecomastia is a medical condition that doesn’t resolve with exercise alone, necessitating treatment. True gynecomastia may require both liposuction and glandular tissue removal surgery.
Gynecomastia that develops during adolescence tends to improve naturally in 75% to 90% of cases over one to three years. However, if it occurs in individuals under 18 and shows no improvement after six months of monitoring, surgery is recommended.
Although it is rare, there can be instances of breast cancer accompanying gynecomastia, so accurate diagnosis and testing are essential before treatment. Treatment for gynecomastia can involve medication or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s circumstances.
To ensure proper care, it’s advisable to undergo evaluation at a hospital where breast and thyroid specialists collaborate with plastic surgeons. They should accurately assess internal causes, examine external appearance, and identify tissue issues before planning surgery.
During surgery, skilled medical professionals should maintain the natural shape of the areola. To minimize scarring, they should make a small incision about 5 mm below the areola. Afterward, they can use breast-tightening lasers on the excess skin to create a firmer chest contour.
A representative from ID Hospital, specializing in various fields of plastic surgery, noted, “The number of patients is steadily increasing, especially among teenagers. Adolescents often experience stress from body image issues, which can impact their academic performance and relationships.”
The representative added, “Considering the stress students face, many parents suggest surgery to their children. However, it’s crucial to accurately assess the breast condition since teenagers may still be growing.”
Professor Ahn Jun Young from the breast and thyroid surgery department at The Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital emphasized, “Gynecomastia requires accurate testing and monitoring before and after treatment. After surgery, it’s important to continue exercising to maintain a healthy chest appearance.”