Gynecomastia | Dr. Papillion
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SERVE NASHVILLE, BRENTWOOD, AND FRANKLIN
Gynecomastia is a common condition where men develop enlarged breast tissue, leading to the appearance of male breasts. If you are experiencing gynecomastia in Nashville and are looking for effective treatment options, consider a visit to Papillion Aesthetics.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Low testosterone levels in men can cause a hormonal imbalance that results in gynecomastia. All humans have breast tissue, and in men, that tissue doesn’t grow to the same degree as in women. This is because of the abundance of testosterone and a lack of estrogen.
Testosterone is a natural sex hormone that is responsible for masculine features and affects male physical and mental health. The body regulates testosterone carefully, but certain lifestyle conditions or medications can destroy the balance and result in excess estrogen. This manifests as gynecomastia. One or both of the breasts might be affected.
Don’t mistake this condition for pseudo-gynecomastia. Pseudogynecomastia is an enlargement of the breasts due to excess fatty tissue rather than excess glandular tissue. Pseudogynecomastia can be resolved with a weight-loss regimen or liposuction and has no hormone-related causes.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gynecomastia?
One of the first things a medical professional checks for is the telltale lump of fat under the nipple. This lump isn’t always easy to notice and can feel sore and tender upon examination. It may even feel rubbery or firm, unlike the rest of the flesh around the skin.
Gynecomastia can present with:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Soreness
- Discharge
- Sensitivity
This condition is usually painless.
I am so happy that I found your practice and Dr. Papillon, I only wish I’d found him sooner! I was greeted warmly and helped right away when I arrived. I was very comfortable during the exam and all of my questions were answered thoroughly. I left feeling confident that I would use Dr. Papillion for this procedure mainly because I feel like his knowledge and attention to detail would extend beyond the exam room into the operating room. Dr. Papillion has an excellent bedside manner, which honestly is hard to find these days. I would feel 100% comfortable having my procedure done by Dr. Papillion.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
There are a host of factors that can lead to gynecomastia. Common causes are:
- Lifestyle factors
- Aging
- Obesity
- Kidney problems
- Hypogonadism
- Hypoandrogenism
- Liver disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tumors
- Injury to the testicles
- Certain cancers
- Steroids
The use and abuse of drugs can also result in gynecomastia. Particular drugs are more like than others to cause this condition, such as:
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Heartburn medication
- Estrogen
- Opiods
- Antibiotics
What Can I Do If I Have Gynecomastia?
Many cases of gynecomastia resolve in time. A temporary inability to regulate hormones is the culprit, and the sooner the patient incorporates a healthy diet and exercise regimen into their lives, the sooner the issue can resolve.
Patients might also exhibit psychological distress and require treatment for the alleviation of future potential complications. Problematic medications might be changed, with a psychological consultation recommended to help the patient cope with unwanted anxiety, depression, and stress related to the issue.
Male Breast Reduction
In many cases, a surgical procedure in Nashville called a male breast reduction is necessary to resolve gynecomastia. This is the most effective way to treat this condition.
Male breast reduction involves the creation of incisions in the chest area, followed by the removal of excess glandular breast tissue and/or fat, along with excess skin. Sutures are used to close the incisions.
Once the surgery is complete, the patient will need to rest and recover. This process involves wearing a post-surgical elastic garment for a time, addressing bruising and swelling, staying home from work, and avoiding heavy exercise, sports, and other physically taxing activities.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Treatment Cost in Nashville?
The cost of Gynecomastia Treatment will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to find out more about your treatment options for gynecomastia in Nashville, contact Papillion Aesthetics. During a consultation, Dr. Paul Papillion will perform an examination and then go over the most effective treatment options for your case.
