Monday 19 January 2009

Male Breast Reduction

In 2007, the top fourth plastic surgery procedure was male breast reduction, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, in 2006 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that close to 14,000 male youths between the ages of 13 and 19 underwent male breast reduction surgery. Furthermore, this age group accounted for over 50% of all male breast reduction procedures and was equivalent to the total number of procedures performed in 2004.

Perhaps, this can be attributed to male youths being more familiar and comfortable with plastic surgery than their ancestors. In addition, peer pressure that creates inhabitance in daily activities, embarrassment in social situations, or avoidance of sports can be other reasons why male breast reduction is so commonly requested among young men.

The Gynecomastia condition may be related to one of a variety of medical conditions, including: teen obesity, inhibited testosterone production, glandular overgrowth, steroid abuse, kidney dysfunction, testicular tumors, or liver disease.

Despite the popularity for male breast reduction among young men, the screening process to identify candidacy for male breast reduction procedures in adolescents is stringent. Plastic surgeons will evaluate total medical history, may recommend additional testing such as endocrine testing, examine for maturity and the true desire from the boy to have the procedure. Some cases of Gynecomastia resolve themselves on their own by adulthood.

Wednesday 7 January 2009

Gynecomastia awerness

Cosmetic surgery is more popular today among men than it was a few years ago. Before reality TV shows, such as Nip/Tuck most information regarding cosmetic surgery was found only in women’s magazines. Print articles have increased exposure in multiple print media outlets and plastic surgery is frequently discussed on various radio and television talk shows.

With today’s shows, and the media in general, there is a changing perception in society regarding cosmetic surgery in general and men having procedures performed in particular. This is especially true amongst men who need gynecomastia surgery to correct their enlarged chests. Prior to increased media exposure, many men did not realize there was something they could do about their gynecomastia condition.

In the past, if someone had a significant problem like gynecomastia, they likely would have never considered surgery, however, today’s men are much more likely to do so. The Internet has also been an effective informational tool. Men are searching for articles and information regarding gynecomastia on the web.

They are educating themselves on procedures, costs, and doctors. Even boys as young as 12-13 have researched gynecomastia on the Internet, as most cases start in early puberty. They do their homework online, and are up-to-speed on their condition and options. Men who did not believe that anything could be done about their gynecomastia condition have gone online and learned about their options.

Many doctors are experiencing a "significant" increase in the number of calls searching for information on the procedure.