Why is breast surgery important for males?

Overview – We at times see men with breasts & wonder why they have them. This is the result of a condition called 'Gynecomastia' that causes hormonal imbalances in men. Gynecomastia occurs when the estrogen (a hormone dominant in females) levels in body exceed the levels of testosterone (a hormone dominant in men). Men develop breasts during puberty, old age (between the age of 50 & 69) & due to the use of medicines & narcotic drugs. Though this isn't a threat to health, surgery is often sought to bring them back to normal size.When it comes to various cosmetic surgeries, Kaayakalp has pioneered in the field, especially in male breast surgery in Kolkata. Read on to know more about the causes of breasts in men, its symptoms, diagnosis & treatment... Causes of breasts in men – 1) Puberty – 70% of males with breasts develop them during puberty due to changes in Estrogen & Testosterone levels. 2) Medicines – Medicines & treatments which lead to the development of breasts are: - ⦁ Antibiotics. ⦁ Chemotherapy for cancer. ⦁ Anti-depressants that are tricyclic. ⦁ AIDS treatment. HIV positive men receiving HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) treatment face the risk of getting affected by Gynecomastia. ⦁ Anti-anxiety medicines such as Valium. 3) Narcotic drugs – Drugs like Marijuana, heroin & other hormone altering drugs like steroids cause the development of breasts. 4) Alcohol – Drinking alcohol in excess can also cause breast formation. 5) Health issues – Health problems like Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism), kidney diseases & tumours form breasts. 6) Malnutrition – When body lacks nutrition due to inadequate consumption of food, the testosterone levels in men drop while keep estrogen levels constant. This imbalance of hormones results in development of breasts. 7) Use of herbal products – Tea tree & lavender oils that are used in herbal products like soaps, body lotions & shampoos have also been proved to cause breasts in men. Symptoms – Formation of a soft tender mass around the nipples is an indication of the development or presence of breasts. Fluid discharge from the nipples may also happen. Breasts may develop on both sides of the chest or on any one side. Swelling can be felt in some cases. NOTE: Gynecomastia like symptoms may also appear in other health conditions such as: - 1) Breast cancer (not very common in men) 2) Mastitis (an infection in the breast tissue) 3) Fatty breast tissue (simple chest fat that appears to be Gynecomastia. It is also known as False Gynecomastia) 4) Necrosis- When the breast tissue gets damaged due to an injury, it dies instead of repairing itself. These dead tissues appear as lumps under the skin. This causes swelling & redness at the spot. Diagnosis – To know the reason behind the development of breasts in you, consult a doctor who specializes in hormonal imbalances. The diagnosis involves asking questions like: - 1) Has any male member in your family faced this condition before? Gynecomastia can be inherited from family. 2) Do you consume alcohol, take steroids or do drugs? 3) Do you feel pain in your nipples? 4) When was the first time you noticed the presence of breasts? 5) Do you suffer from any health conditions? And what medications do you take? Diagnosis also involves physical examination of the body & a blood test. In some cases, small lumps of the breast may be removed for lab examination. Some other tests you could be subjected to are: - 1) CT (Computerized Tomography) scan 2) Tissue biopsy 3) Testicular ultrasound 4) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan Gynecomastia may also occur due to Breast cancer, but it is rare. If the enlargement of breasts is the result of a cancerous tumour, a Mammogram test will be suggested by the doctor. Treatment – Breasts that develop during puberty don't last for a very long time. They vanish within 6 months to 2 years without any need for treatment. During this period, if any pain persists, ice pack & Ibuprofen can be used to lessen the pain. If the reason behind your Gynecomastia is the intake of medications, it will subside once the medication stops. Your doctor may also substitute the medicines you are using currently with alternative medicines. Breasts also develop in male babies due the presence of high estrogen levels in their bodies obtained from their mothers. Breasts in them last for 2 to 3 weeks after birth. Surgery – Surgery for the breasts includes making a small cut on it & removing the extra breast tissues. The plastic surgeon may also have to re-position the nipple which gets displaced due to the flattening of skin at the position. Another form of surgery involves 'Liposuction' in which the extra fat is sucked out from under the skin.Kaayakalp uses the latest technique and equipments for male breast surgery and is best clinic for male breast surgery in kolkata NOTE: Even after the treatment has been successful, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle,that is, staying away from drugs & alcohol, eating healthy, avoiding steroids (especially those who hit the gym regularly for building muscles), eating fat-free foods & staying fit by exercising regularly. Going back to old habits & neglecting health will cause the breast tissues to re-grow abnormally. If you are a male resident of Kolkata who is suffering from Gynecomastia, consult a doctor immediately & get your male breast surgery done in Kolkata.