Viewers of E’s hit television series, Botched, recently caught an over-the-top glimpse of Gynecomastia. Albert is a body-builder who suffers from a rare, congenital condition known as Poland Syndrome; he was born without pectoralis muscles in his chest. Unfortunately, Albert’s efforts to gain a ‘normal’ looking chest have only made his physical appearance worse.
Albert has been working out and using oral anabolic steroids, with the hopes of buffing up his pecs. What happened, however, is that while the left side has remained flat, the right side has become large and puffy. This is thanks to anabolic steroid-induced Gynecomastia. To make matters worse, Albert’s left pec is still puckered from an earlier, disastrous attempt at a pec implant. Thankfully, Dr. Terry Dubois and Dr. Paul Nassif are able to repair Albert’s chest, but only after imparting the dangers of anabolic steroid use.
Anabolic Steroids and Gynecomastia:
Anabolic steroid users are at an especially high risk for developing Gynecomastia. According to the National Institute for Health, more than 52% of all men that routinely take steroids report some degree of increased breast growth.
Gynecomastia can be triggered by an imbalance of male (testosterone) and female (estrogen) hormones. This is often occurs fleetingly as the body matures, such as in infancy, puberty, and middle-age males. Medications and illness can also create a disproportion of testosterone and estrogen, potentially causing an increased amount of glandular breast tissue to form.
In some instances, the Gynecomastia caused by anabolic steroids may completely resolve, once the medication has been stopped. Unforuntately, many men will struggle with permanent changes in their breast size.
Correction for Steroid-Induced Gynecomastia:
Men who believe they are experiencing excess breast growth due to anabolic steroids should consult their doctor immedicately. Testing can be performed to determine the exact cause of the Gynecomastia symptoms. Under the surgeon’s care, the best option for Gynecomastia correction smooth toned body will be established.
A Male Breast Reduction procedure is an excellent choice for restoring a flat, sculpted chest after Gynecomastia. Using excision, Liposuction, or a combination of both techniques, the cosmetic surgeon can remove the unwanted fatty and glandular tissue. A firmer, smoother, and more natural looking check can be restored. The ideal patient will be in overall good health, understand the Male Breast Reduction procedure, and to ensure long lasting results, be committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Where to Turn for Help with Gynecomastia in Houston:
Dr. Paul Vitenas is the most successful Gynecomastia surgeon in the Houston area for good reason – he has more than 25 years of experience providing successful and satisfying Male Breast Reduction results. To schedule your Gynecomastia consultation, speak with one of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery’s knowleable patient coordinators at (281) 668-7370.