Caused by shifting hormones, Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) is commonly seen during infancy and adolescence. In many cases, the situation will resolve on its own, as the body regulates its hormone levels.
Surprisingly, there is yet another group of men that will struggle with Gynecomastia far away from their teen years.
Up to 65 percent of middle-aged and elderly men will suffer from Gynecomastia in their lifetime.
That means six to seven out of every 10 will notice puffy, protruding breasts and soft, cone-shaped nipples.
Even in adulthood, men can be shocked and troubled by these physical changes. Painful breasts and tender nipples are both uncomfortable and deeply embarrassing.
Reasons Behind Adult Gynecomastia
The main cause of excessive breast growth in adolescents is a change in the balance between androgens (male hormones) and estrogens (female hormones). On the other hand, middle-age males see Gynecomastia can result from a variety of underlying health issues, most that will only show up later in life, such as Cirrhosis. The excess breast tissue can also be caused by certain medications that older adults are more likely to take, for example those used to treat heart conditions or stomach ulcers. Up to 25 percent of all Gynecomastia cases in adulthood are considered idiopathic, or without any known cause.
Causes of Gynecomastia in Adult Males
- Pubertal issues that fail to resolve
- Medications
- Underlying health conditions
- Hormonal treatments, like the ones used to treat men who have had prostate cancer.
- Idiopathic or unknown causes
Treating Gynecomastia Later in Life
If Gynecomastia in later life is the result of an underlying health condition, addressing the problem may resolve the physical symptoms. Medications that cause extra breast growth, in some cases, can be changed to allow the body to return to its normal shape. Those who struggle with Gynecomastia for over a year may find surgical intervention to be the best treatment.
Houston’s Top Gynecomastia Surgeon
Finding a trustworthy plastic surgeon is the first step in resolving the signs of Gynecomastia. Dr. Paul Vitenas has been helping both adolescent and adult men with their enlarged male breasts for 25 years. During a consultation, Dr. Vitenas will determine if Gynecomastia is present, and assist in determining the best treatment plan.
Contact Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery for more information on adult Gynecomastia or male breast reduction at (281) 668-7370. Our Houston office is conveniently located off Richmond Avenue and Drexel, in the heart of the city.