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Understanding Gynaecomastia and Treatment Options with Philip Turton, Leeds OncoPlastic Surgeon

Gynaecomastia is the medical term for the enlargement of male breast tissue, caused by an abnormal increase in glandular tissue behind the nipple.

While many people are unaware of how common this condition is, it affects a significant proportion of men at various stages of life.

Typically, men have minimal amounts of breast tissue; however, in cases of gynaecomastia, this tissue grows abnormally, leading to physical and sometimes emotional discomfort.

This condition is not uncommon, with 40–60% of men affected to varying degrees at some point in their life.

Although it can occur at any age, the condition most commonly develops during two key life stages:

  • Early teens to early 20s: Hormonal changes during puberty can trigger the condition.
  • After the age of 50 years: Hormonal imbalances associated with aging may lead to gynaecomastia.

Philip Turton, a highly regarded oncoplastic breastsurgeon in Leeds, specializes in diagnosing and treating gynaecomastia.

Whether you are seeking medical advice, lifestyle changes, or surgical solutions, he offers compassionate, professional care tailored to your needs.

Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) | Leeds | Mr Philip Turton

What Causes Gynaecomastia?

The causes of gynaecomastia are varied and can be linked to physiological, medical, or lifestyle factors.

Below are some common contributors:

Physiological Causes

  • Often occurs naturally during puberty when testosterone levels fluctuate, leading to a temporary imbalance that may cause breast tissue growth.
  • Hormonal changes in later life can also trigger this condition.
  • Genetic variations between patients that are not fully understood.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Excess alcohol consumption has been associated with gynaecomastia.
  • Non-prescribed anabolic steroids and steroid boosters, often used by bodybuilders or athletes, are a significant contributor.
  • Recreational drug use, including heroin and cannabis, can also play a role.

Medication-Related Causes

Certain prescription medications have been linked to the development of gynaecomastia. These include:

  • Testosterone replacement therapy
  • Cimetidine: an antacid
  • Zoladex: used for prostate cancer treatment
  • Thioridazine: an antipsychotic medication
  • Digitalis: a heart medication
  • Captopril: used in heart failure treatment
  • Diazepam: a sleeping aid

Other Causes

  • Congenital conditions such as Klinefelter’s syndrome
  • Malnutrition or severe illness such as liver cirrhosis
  • Adrenal or testicular tumors

Excess body fat, which can elevate estrogen levels, leading to tissue growth

How is Gynaecomastia Classified?

Gynaecomastia varies in severity and can be classified into four groups:

  1. Group 1: Minor but visible breast enlargement without excess skin.
  2. Group 2A: Moderate breast enlargement without skin redundancy.
  3. Group 2B: Moderate breast enlargement with slight skin redundancy.
  4. Group 3: Significant breast enlargement with noticeable skin redundancy, resembling a female breast.

Each classification impacts the approach to treatment and outcomes.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for gynaecomastia depends on its cause and severity.

Mr. Philip Turton offers a range of solutions:

1. Do Nothing

For minor cases with no significant symptoms, the best option may be to monitor the condition under specialist guidance to see if it resolves naturally.

2. Lifestyle Changes

  • Weight loss: Reducing overall body fat and achieving a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) can significantly reduce the appearance of gynaecomastia.
  • Avoid triggers: Eliminating alcohol, recreational drugs, and medications linked to gynaecomastia can prevent further tissue growth.

3. Medical Therapy

  • If caused by medication, discontinuing the drug under medical supervision may reverse symptoms.
  • Hormonal treatments can block estrogen effects, reducing tissue growth, but require specialist advice and monitoring.

4. Surgery

For more severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

  • Surgery is tailored to the classification of gynaecomastia and can offer substantial improvement.
  • While surgical results can vary and leave scars, it remains an effective option for many patients, especially those with significant glandular tissue or skin redundancy.

Why Choose Philip Turton in Leeds for Gynaecomastia Treatment?

Philip Turton is a highly skilled oncoplastic surgeon with extensive experience in treating gynaecomastia.

His patient-centered approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care, from initial consultation to post-treatment support. Whether you are exploring non-surgical options or considering surgery, Mr. Turton is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

If you’re struggling with gynaecomastia, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Take the first step towards regaining your confidence and improving your quality of life.

Men normally have very small amounts of breast tissue behind the nipple. Gynaecomastia is the medical term for the enlargement of the male breast as a result of an abnormal increase in the glandular tissue at this site. It is much more common than most people reaslise.

How many men are affected?

  • 40-60% of men are affected to varying degrees
  • The commonest age in which it develops is from early teens to early 20s, and after the age of 50 years

What are the causes?

  • Physiological: this means it forms for no reason other than an exagerated “normal” process in the body. eg Typically during teenage years when testoterone levels are high.
  • Excess regular alcohol consumption
  • Prescribed medication: There are many drugs that seem to be associated with the development of gynaecomastia in a small proprtion of those that are on them eg:
    • Testosterone
    • Cimetidine: a type of antacid
    • Zoladex: used to treat prostate cancer
    • Thioridazine: an antipstchotic
    • Digitalis: a cardiac drug
    • Captopril: used in heart failure
    • Diazepam: a sleeping pill
    • Heroin
    • Cannabis
  • Non-prescribed anabolic steroids and steroid boosters
  • Congenital: eg Klinefelter’s syndrome
  • Malnutrition, Liver cirrhosis, Adrenal & Testicular tumours
  • Excess body fat

How is it classified?

  • Group 1 is minor but visible breast enlargement without skin redundancy
  • Group 2A is moderate breast enlargement without skin redundancy
  • Group 2B is moderate breast enlargement with minor skin redundancy
  • Group 3 is gross breast enlargement with skin redundancy that simulates a pendulous female breast

 

What can be done about it?

  • Do nothing- if minor or no symptoms and prepared to see if it will settle of own accord. Only adopt this approach after specialist review and advice. This is sometimes the best approach.
  • Lose weight if over weight and get your body mass index into the normal range. Work to specifically reduce overall percentage of body fat.
  • Avoid exposure to things linked to gyanecomastia development.
  • Medical therapy- withdrawal of drugs that may be associated with it, or hormone treatment to block any estrogen drive to the tissue under specialist supervision.
  • Surgery- there are different options here. Be aware that surgery tends to give a partial improvement in larger volume gynaecomastia, and the result can sometimes be unpredictable and there will be scars.

 

 

Get in touch with us today to find out what will work best for you.

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