Gynaecomastia – causes and treatment
Gynaecomastia is a condition involving breast enlargement in men, resulting from excessive glandular tissue growth. This problem can affect both adult males and boys in puberty. Although gynaecomastia does not usually threaten health, it can have a significant impact on the patient’s appearance, well-being and quality of life.
Gynaecomastia – what exactly is it?
If you are wondering what gynaecomastia is – it is a benign, non-cancerous hypertrophy of glandular tissue within the breasts in men. It occurs as a result of a hormonal imbalance between male hormones (androgens, mainly testosterone) and female hormones (oestrogens, including oestradiol).
Gynaecomastia in men – symptoms
Gynaecomastia – symptoms can vary in severity . The most common findings are unilateral or bilateral breast enlargement, a palpable hard or elastic breast gland, a protrusion of the nipple area and breast tenderness or pain.
What does gynaecomastia look like? The breasts have a more feminine shape, with a pronounced accentuation in the central area.
Causes of gynaecomastia
The causes of gynaecomastia are varied and can be physiological, hormonal or pathological.
The most common causes include:
In every case of gynaecomastia, other diseases and pathological causes should be excluded.
What does gynaecomastia surgery involve?
The aim of the operation is to remove excess tissue responsible for breast augmentation and improve the shape of the chest. In practice, the procedure may involve surgical preparation of tissues within the breast, followed by modelling of the operated area. Scars are an integral part of surgical treatment and their appearance depends, among other things, on the individual’s predisposition to heal.
Preparing for the procedure – important safety information
Before the procedure, you should provide your doctor with full information about your health and any medication you are taking. Substances that affect coagulation are particularly important.
To reduce the risk of bleeding, it is usually advisable not to take aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs at least 21 days before surgery (unless otherwise advised by your doctor).
Smoking increases the risk of healing complications – it is recommended not to smoke at least 6 weeks before surgery and until the healing process is complete.
Recovery after gynaecomastia surgery
The surgery usually takes about 2 hours After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery room and then remains on the ward under nursing care for at least 1 night .
In the post-operative period, the patient is discharged home wearing a special dressing and compression garments. The dressing is usually removed after about 1-2 weeks, while the compression garment should be worn for about 6 weeks.
Most commonly observed complaints and recommendations: