Gynecomastia, which is the medical term for males developing female-like breasts, is more common than people think. Up to 70% of adolescent males may develop the condition, and up to 65% of men aged 50 and older.
Gynecomastia is usually harmless from a medical standpoint. However, it can cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues in men who develop it. Dr. Dean Kleto provides safe and effective gynecomastia treatment for men who want a more masculine-looking chest.
Call Dr. Kleto today at 865-524-2442 to schedule your gynecomastia consultation.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs because of hormonal imbalances. If a male has too much estrogen, he’ll start to develop breasts. A number of things can cause this hormonal imbalance, including:
- Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or tumors in the adrenal glands or testicles
- Certain drugs, such as anabolic steroids or some drugs for chronic medical conditions
- Puberty and aging
Obesity can cause a condition called pseudogynecomastia. Obese men generally don’t have true gynecomastia, where breast tissue develops. Instead, their chest takes on the appearance of breasts because of excess fat.
Both types of gynecomastia can be treated through liposuction, excision of breast tissue, or a combination of both.
At What Age Is Gynecomastia Most Prevalent?
Gynecomastia peaks at the following ages:
- Infancy
- Puberty, usually around ages 12-14
- Middle age and older, between ages 50-65
In infancy, it’s normal for boys to have breast tissue due to the presence of excess estrogen from their mother. The estrogen will eventually decrease and the gynecomastia will resolve on its own.
In puberty, gynecomastia is again caused by hormonal imbalance, and often resolves on its own within six months to two years. However, if your adolescent child is being bullied or developing self-esteem issues due to their gynecomastia, it may be worth it to look into treatment options even though it’s likely to resolve on its own with time.
As men age, their bodies naturally start to produce less testosterone. This can lead to gynecomastia, and is very common in men over the age of 50. If you are in this group and are bothered by the appearance of your chest, contact Dr. Kleto about treatment to restore a more masculine look.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
The most common options for gynecomastia treatment are:
- Wait it out, especially in pubescent boys
- Liposuction
- Breast tissue excision
Dr. Kleto performs both liposuction and excision for gynecomastia. In most cases, liposuction alone is enough. However, if you have a large amount of breast tissue, excision may be necessary. Dr. Kleto will be sure to discuss the best treatment option for you during your consultation, and he will let you know exactly what each procedure entails.
Most men are very happy with the results of their gynecomastia treatment. They are thrilled to have a more masculine looking chest that they’re not ashamed to uncover at the beach, the pool, or in intimate situations.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Consultation Today
If you are suffering from gynecomastia and want to obtain a more masculine appearance, call Dr. Dean Kleto today at 865-524-2442 to schedule your consultation.
We serve patients in Knoxville, Sevierville, Knox County, and other nearby areas of Tennessee.
