Gynecomastia in Pakistan
is also know as male breast enlargement is a medical condition in which male breast tissues starts to grow and swell. It can occur either in one breast or both.
What Are Some Causes of Gynecomastia
The causes for gynecomastia are not fully known but it is however assumed that this condition is caused by an imbalance between the estrogen and the testosterone hormones.
Where estrogen controls female sex characters such as breast growth and testosterone is responsible for controlling male traits such as body hair.
Although both these hormones are present in both the genders but if the estrogen levels get too high in males, creating an imbalance with testosterone – results lead to a condition called gynecomastia.
Other reasons for gynecomastia include;
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- Obesity
- Hypogonadism
- Tumors in the testicles
Are There Any Drugs That Might Lead to Gynecomoastia?
Drugs that might instigate this condition include;
- Heroine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Alcohol
Geynecomastia in Pakistan – Does It Have Anything To Do With The Age?
Gynecomastia can occur at different phases in males. These phases are;
During infancy
More than half of the male babies born have enlarged breasts because of the estrogen they received from their mothers while in the womb. But this condition goes away within two or three weeks after birth.
At puberty
Hormones changes during puberty is also a common cause of breast enlargement in males. But it too goes away of its own without any medical treatment within six months to two years.
In adults
This condition accelerates once again in men between the ages of 50 and 80.
However, if during any of these phases the condition persists and does not go away of its own, then you must see your health care provider.
Psychological consequences can occur if breast enlargement is pronounced – it may become a source of embarrassment.
What Are Some Options Gynecomastia is Treated in Pakistan
- If the breast tissue is greater than 0.5cm in diameter in males
- Through physical examination
- Through medical history
- Through lab tests
Gynecomastia in Pakistan and What Are Some Myths Associated With It
It is largely yet wrongly assumed that exercise & diet can help eliminate this condition. But the fact is that gynecomastia is a medical condition and cannot go away without proper treatment.
Generally, there are two ways to treat it – one through medications but they can only be effective in early stages, before the tissue gets scarred. Gynecomastia that persists for over 12 months, may undergo scarring (fibrosis) which makes treatment with medicines quite difficult.
The second way is the surgical removal because once the tissue gets scarred there is no other option rather than undergoing a surgical procedure.
Things to Consider Before Surgery
- Finding a reputable surgeon because the success of your procedure depends highly on the competency of your surgeon.
- Share your expectations with the surgeon since it allows the surgeon to tailor the procedure according to your needs.
What to Expect?
- Your surgeon takes your medical history
- Photographs are taken as a medical record to compare the before and after results
- You are recommended to quit certain medications
- You need to abstain from smoking for at least two weeks before and after the surgery because the nicotine in cigarettes slows down the healing process.
Surgery for Breast Reduction
There are two options for treating gynecomastia;
Liposuction
This procedure involves only the removal of fat and does not remove the breast gland tissue itself.
This technique involves injecting a fluid into the targeted area and then inserting a cannula which by moving back and forth loosen the excess fat. It ultimately makes the suction of fat easier giving a new contour to your breast.
This procedure can be performed by either giving local anesthesia or by giving general anesthesia. The incision is given either along the edge of areola or within the armpits.
The recovery process for this procedure is quite tolerable. The patient is usually given a compression garment to wear in order to minimize swelling and to give support to the healing tissue.
Mastectomy
In more severe cases the breast gland tissues need to be removed as well. This procedure is also known as tissue excision procedure. It is a less invasive type surgery involving less recovery time.
Patients with sagged and stretched skin are the best candidates for this procedure. This technique allows the surgeon to remove greater amount of glandular tissue that cannot be done successfully through liposuction. This is one of the reasons that mostly both the procedures are combined to achieve optimal results.
This procedure can also be done either by giving local or general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure. Recovery time is similar to that of liposuction procedure.
After Surgery
You may expect;
- The surgeon may place tiny drains at the site of incisions to drain any fluid.
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness
Note
The results of Gynecomastia surgical procedures are usually permanent if you keep your weight stable.