Gynecomastia is a condition in which a person who was assigned male at birth grows breast tissue. It is almost always present during the first few weeks after birth and resolves on its own, but it can reoccur during puberty and become a problem. It can affect both breasts or just one and is caused by higher than normal estrogen levels. It can be difficult for a teenager to deal with gynecomastia and can lead to issues with self-esteem and depression. Gynecomastia is also more common in middle age.
How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia?
Your physician will diagnose gynecomastia by performing a breast exam and observing your physical symptoms. During the course of your visit with your physician, they will review any medications you are taking that may be inadvertently causing high levels of estrogen and screen you for other conditions that may cause the disorder. Steroids are one of the most common medications that cause gynecomastia. You may be required to have a mammogram or other imaging.
How Is Gynecomastia Treated?
In Layton, Utah, Dr. Yates treats patients with gynecomastia in a variety of ways. Breast tissue can be removed through surgery, by using liposuction, or through a combination of the two. Very dense breast tissue may not be able to be removed entirely with liposuction, although power-assisted liposuction, laser liposuction, or ultrasound-assisted liposuction may help to break up some of the dense breast tissue.
Will Gynecomastia Return After Treatment?
Excision and liposuction result in permanent removal of the breast tissue. In most cases, only way breast tissue will return is by using anabolic steroids or by gaining a significant amount of weight. For teenagers, it can be a great relief and boost to self-esteem to resolve the issue of breast growth.
Dr. Yates treats patients in Layton, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and surrounding areas. Call with any questions or to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Yates today. If you believe you have gynecomastia or you are concerned about the size of your breasts and would like to discuss treatment options, call Dr. Yates offices at (801) 525-8741. You can also schedule a consultation by contacting us here.