Gynecomastia Orange County

What is Gynecomastia?

If you live in the Orange County area and are experiencing excess breast tissue, Cruise Plastic Surgery is well known as the authority on the topic. Gynecomastia is not a threatening problem in men but rather a cosmetic nuisance.  Gynecomastia occurs when the breasts swell and become too large. Women and men both have breast glands, but they are not that noticeable with men since they are undeveloped and small. Gynecomastia is not a result of excess fat; it is the result of too much breast tissue. Unfortunately, losing weight or exercising does not reduce breast tissue that leads to gynecomastia. The condition is different from “pseudo-gynecomastia” which is a condition where fat builds up in the breasts because of being overweight.

Effects & Symptoms of Gynecomastia

Even if gynecomastia does not put the person at a health risk, research has shown that it may affect self-confidence and cause embarrassment. It may lead to a decline in social life, mental health, and physical functioning of the individual. When the condition does not resolve itself, there are treatments that may be helpful. Symptoms often include tenderness and swelling of the breast gland tissue on one or both breasts. The areola, which is the area that is pigmented around the nipple, may increase in diameter while the chest tissue may look asymmetrical. It is recommended to see a doctor when there is a nipple discharge, pain, tenderness, or swelling.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

There are many factors that can cause gynecomastia. It may be a result of an imbalance between the sex hormones: estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen is a female hormone that makes breasts grow while testosterone is a male hormone that prevents estrogen from growing the breast tissue. Females and males both have a certain level of estrogen and testosterone. However, testosterone is in high proportion with males, while females have a high level of estrogen. Most of the time, newborn males may have a high level of estrogen from their mothers and this means that their breast tissue will be palpable. When the estrogen levels reduce, the swelling will also reduce in the first few weeks. During the puberty years it is quite common for teenage boys to notice a change in their breasts. This is due to a fluctuation of hormone levels. For most boys, the issue will go away on its own in a matter of a couple years. If the enlarged breasts remain into adulthood it is considered to be a permanent condition. Swollen breasts is also seen with some aging  males because testosterone production decreases.

Treatment for Gynecomastia in Orange County

Depending on the severity of your condition, Joseph T Cruise, MD will decide on the best type of correction for your gynecomastia. Joseph T Cruise, MD is committed to the treatment of gynecomastia in the Orange County area and performs over 250 Gynecomastia in Orange County every year.  Contact us today for more information.