Gynecomastia

Many men suffer from a condition known as “gynecomastia” where excess tissue develops in the breast.  This can cause insecurities when wearing tight clothing or when at the pool or beach.
Seventy percent of boys get it Gynecomastia during puberty. It’s caused by natural changes in estrogen (a “female hormone” that men also have) and testosterone. Newborn babies sometimes have short-term gynecomastia, too. That’s because some of their mothers’ estrogen stays in their blood for a while after birth.
Middle-aged and older men can also have the condition. It could be due to aging (which also shifts hormone levels) or because of certain medicines, including some: antibiotics, heart medicines, anti-anxiety drugs, AIDS treatments, Tricyclic antidepressants, chemotherapy or drugs that treat heartburn.
Marijuana and drugs like heroin, amphetamins, and steroids can cause it. So, can drinking too much alcohol?  Herbal products that contain tea tree oil or lavender oil can also increase breast size. That’s because they have natural estrogen that can upset your body’s normal hormone levels.
Sometimes it happens because of another health problem, like an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, or a tumor on one of the glands that controls your hormones.
Symptoms
Men with gynecomastia have a firm, rubbery mass underneath the nipple area. It’s usually less than an inch and a half across and may be tender. Sometimes there aren’t other symptoms. You may notice some fluid discharge.
Dr. Lahijani often performs a combination of liposuction and excision of the breast tissue to achieve optimal results.  For more information, please visit our website at www.saulmd.com, or call our office at 310-550-6886.