Wanting to have a definitive masculine body, more men are turning to surgery for gynaecomastia reduction in Brisbane. Gynaecomastia, an enlargement of the male breast tissue, can present itself as a mass beneath the nipple, a puffy appearing nipple, or enlargement of the entire breast. This can have a feminizing effect on the appearance of the chest.

Gynaecomastia occurs at many stages throughout the male’s life from birth to puberty and into adulthood, often resolving over time. At birth every male has a gynaecomastia as the mother’s hormones cross the placental barrier and cause enlargement of the newborn’s breast tissue. The hormone levels quickly drop after birth causing the enlarged tissue to be dissolved.

During puberty, symptoms of gynaecomastia can occur but resolves within a year or two. Sometime, the enlargement persists and the significant amount of breast tissue developed can be quite noticeable. This is difficult on males going through this stage, as they often feel they are being made fun of for changes they cannot control.

Gynaecomastia can also develop due to the use of steroids and medications. Steroids can lead to the growth of breast tissue in men, as gynaecomastia often develops in response to excessive hormones levels. In this instance, gynaecomastia presents as a firm, rubbery mass directly behind the nipple and areola. Discontinued use of steroids will not have an effect on the appearance of the chest.

Prescription drug use is the most common reason for the onset of gynaecomastia in adults. Commonly used drugs to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as the hormones used to treat prostate cancer, can cause breast tissue development. The use of recreational drugs such as marijuana has also been found to be a cause of breast tissue enlargement in men.

It is in the extreme cases when the male breast tissue becomes over developed that it does not shrink. Aromatase inhibitors, such as those used for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence, are not effective at reducing gynaecomastia after it has formed. The enlargement is often noticed through clothing and a source of embarrassment for men. With the help of plastic surgery, the offending tissue can be removed restoring a more masculine chest.

The most common methods used to treat gynaecomastia are liposuction and surgical extraction. The soft tissue can be removed through small incisions and liposuction. The firmer tissue requires extraction via an incision around the lower areola. At times the skin has been stretched out of shape and removal of the skin is required. This is done by incision under the fold of the breast.

If you would like to find out more about gynaecomastia reduction and discover the best treatment for you, contact the office of Dr. Phillip Richardson at Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation. With more than 13 years of experience, Dr. Richardson will discuss the options and what works best for you. For more information, contact his friendly staff online or call 1300 789 240 today.