Gender-specific diseases have always been difficult to discuss. That is why their treatment choices are also not open to discussion. Various advancements and increasing sources of information are eliminating people’s hesitation in describing their specific problems and seeking treatment. Another important factor regarding various illnesses is the age group. Different medical issues have different impacts on age.
Gynecomastia is a medical problem that occurs in males, often leading to unusual breast growth for various reasons. Cosmeticoplasty procedures are sometimes considered for managing this condition, depending on its severity and impact. However, age is a matter of attention when dealing with this specific problem. Things can entirely take another form for adolescents compared to adults, including the treatment options. How to identify true gynecomastia? Is gynecomastia in adolescents always pseudo-gynecomastia? Keep reading to learn the answers to such questions and to understand in what ways treatment plans differ for gynecomastia in adolescents compared to adults.
Knowing About Gynecomastia
The phenomenon of male breast tissue development gets the name gynecomastia. Its common reasons include hormonal imbalance. Major hormones that can contribute are testosterone and estrogen. It can happen at any age, from childhood and adolescence to maturity, and it can impact one or both breasts. Hormonal fluctuations, specific drugs, medical disorders, and obesity come in the list of reasons. Gynecomastia in adolescents may disappear on its own. Still, in adults, it usually lasts longer and needs a specific treatment strategy.
The impact of disease on Self-esteem and body image is significant. It can cause psychological anxiety, physical discomfort, and sensitivity. Breast reduction surgery is the most successful treatment for gynecomastia when it does not go away with lifestyle modifications. In order to restore a more manly chest contour, the operation aims to remove extra glandular tissue, fat, and sometimes skin. Liposuction and excision are the primary processes of surgery.
Liposuction is usually done when excess fat is the main cause of breast enlargement. It involves making tiny incisions and suctioning out the fat. A more defined and tighter chest form requires excision. It removes unnecessary skin or dense glandular tissue. Introduction of latest techniques, modern methods such as radiofrequency-assisted liposuction and have even improved surgical results. The operation has a high success rate. Majority of patients become able to resume their regular activities in a few weeks. Breast reduction surgery can significantly improve the quality of life and restore confidence for people with persistent gynecomastia.
How Treatment Strategies May Vary For Gynecomastia In Adolescents And Adults
Gynecomastia surgery is well known for its outstanding results in giving an appreciable chest appearance. However, numerous factors need to be considered regarding the age of the male. Two main classifications can be enough in this regard: adolescent and adult. Here is a short overview that can provide the necessary comprehension of how treatment and diagnosis may vary for gynecomastia in adolescents in comparison to adults.
Adolescents
Adolescents are individuals who are crossing the years between childhood and adulthood. Usually, they belong to the age group of 10 to 19. In this tenor, physical, emotional, and psychological changes touch the height. Hence, it is a very sensitive period, and declaring an individual suffering from gynecomastia in adolescents needs great attention. Hence, the following things are crucial to consider concerning age.
Causes And Diagnosis
A hormonal imbalance during puberty usually results in teenage gynecomastia. It is the phase where changing levels of estrogen and testosterone can produce impermanent expansion of the breast tissue. In most cases, it usually goes away on its own in 6 to 24 months. This disorder affects up to 70% of male adolescents. Obesity, specific drugs, and underlying hormonal abnormalities are also reasons to count, but their impact at this age is usually ignorable.
Moreover, the diagnosis needs a proper clinical evaluation that needs a review of patient’s medical history, current growth trends, and stage of puberty. Furthermore, hormone level tests and imaging examinations are necessary to rule out other conditions. Yet extensive testing is rarely required unless the problem is severe, increases quickly, or lasts longer than two years.
Treatment Options
Most cases of gynecomastia in adolescents automatically resolve within 6 to 24 months. Hence, the treatment often involves observation and confirmation. Moreover, if it is reduced at an extraordinarily slow speed, then lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and regular exercise, may help. Plus, if obesity contributes to the condition, then reducing excess fat around the chest area is the remedy. The requirement of medication is rare, but professional surgeon may recommend it in case of persistent, painful, or psychologically distressing cases. The common options include tamoxifen or raloxifene, which reduces breast tissue size and eliminates symptoms. Hormonal therapy is another effective strategy if a significant imbalance happens. Lastly, surgery, is an option for severe or long-lasting cases. At this age, before deciding to have surgery, a keen observation, a specialist’s opinion, and the application of other ways are crucial.
Adults
Adults are those who are at least eighteen years old and have attained full physical and legal adulthood. In a biological sense, adulthood is reaching full reproductive sexual ability and finishing physical growth. Gynecomastia in adults can be a severe medical condition, and its diagnosis should be as early as possible. In contrast to adolescents, long observations are not good for adults. Here is a short summary of the ways of diagnosing and treating breast expansion in adults.
Causes And Diagnosis
An imbalance between testosterone and estrogen in adulthood can lead to severe medical conditions. Gynecomastia is one of them. A low testosterone level or high estrogen activity is a common trigger of swelling in breasts. It can result from aging, obesity, or other health problems including liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and testicular tumors. Some specific medications, such as antidepressants and anti-ulcer drugs, can also be a reason. Moreover, the use of health-damaging substances, including alcohol, anabolic steroids, and marijuana, can also contribute.
Diagnosis involves a keen medical evaluation. It must include a review of medical history, physical examination, and tests such as hormone level assessments, liver and kidney function tests, and imaging studies. All results can give a clear picture of the stage of breast enlargement and design a suitable treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Treatment for gynecomastia is based on addressing its main cause. If drugs or lifestyle choices like drinking or using steroids are responsible for the problem, stopping them could help the disoase get better. In the early stages, hormone treatment can aid in restoring hormonal balance. Gynecomastia Surgery that combines liposuction to remove extra fat or excision surgery to remove glandular tissue is the most suitable way to deal with severe or chronic conditions. Lifestyle changes like strength training and weight loss can improve chest contour and decrease fat buildup, particularly in cases of obesity-related pseudo-gynecomastia.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, gynecomastia, the enlargement of male breasts, can cause significant challenges. Its causes, diagnosis, and treatment differ between adolescents and adults. In teenagers, it is typically a temporary condition caused by hormonal changes during puberty and often resolves on its own. Surgery is considered a last resort if lifestyle changes and observation prove ineffective. In adults, gynecomastia is often linked to aging, medication use, or underlying medical conditions. While gynecomastia surgery cost varies based on factors like severity and location, long-standing cases may require surgical intervention. However, addressing the root cause is essential. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve both physical comfort and self-esteem in all age groups.
