In a disturbing trend, at least two boys undergo the “breast removal” surgery every week
Before and after male breast durgery. (Photo: DC/File)
Coimbatore:School and college boys between 14 years and 20 years of age in Coimbatore are increasingly going in for surgeries to remove their “overgrown breasts” In a disturbing trend, at least two boys undergo the “breast removal” surgery every week, said Dr A Ragu, plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Sushrutha Cosmetic Surgery Centre.
Six years ago, it was one or two cases a year but now the incidence has gone up steeply. Male breasts are usually harmless but can be quite embarrassing for boys. Men do not normally have glandular breast tissue, but boys with gynaecomastia, as it is called medically, start to form glandular tissue in the chest area.
Though the exact cause for the “boys’ big breast” is unknown, specialists suspect it could be caused because of lifestyle and dietary habits. Eating steroid induced chickens and their eggs could be a cause, said Dr.Ragu.
Dr N Arumugam, chief plastic surgeon of KG Hospital, said at least two to three cases a month. “Boys between 13 and 14 years come seeking for the surgery, we wait for a year or two to see if it would subside. But as far as my experience goes it does not subside. There is no medical treatment to the issue, it is only surgical,” he said.
While the breast starts developing when the children are usually in class 9, many come for the surgery only when they reach college. “Those in the hostel often find it embarrassing to take off their shirts in front of their roommates”, Dr Ragu said.
“The breast that develops in the male comprises fat and the breast glands much like what women have. While the fat is removed by the liposuction procedure, the breast gland is removed by a procedure which involves a small incision (key hole surgery) of 1 cm to 2 cm”, Dr Ragu added.
As boys develop embarrassingly big breasts, medical specialists point their collective finger at food habits. The cause of big breasts among boys could lie in the chickens, pizzas and burgers boys' tuck in, say specialists. Gobbling up steroid-induced chickens and eggs could lead to development of breasts in boys, says plastic surgeon Dr.A.Ragu.
Imbalance of sex hormones is also a reason for boys developing breasts, says Dr Arumugham, plastic surgeon of KG Hospital. "Sometimes there is enlargement of only one breast, but in most cases both the breasts swell. While the boy is made to undergo the surgery it is important to ensure that he is of the right age as the breasts otherwise tend to grow back," Dr Arumugam says.
Obesity is also a known cause for boys developing breasts. Junk food has no nutrient value. They merely get deposited as calories. "Children should be careful about the food habits.
Small millets like kambu (fox millet), ragi,( pearl millet) kudaravali thinaiare vital for health. The consumption of these millets by our forefathers was one of the main reason for their sound physical health," says Dr Ragu.
Similarly, children should consume unpolished rice where the glycemic index is less and it helps in the release of sugar. Husk is the most nutritious part of rice. It is important to resort to unpolished or hand-pound rice to prevent such conditions and remain healthy, Dr Ragu adds.
( Source : dc )
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