Some men strive to achieve a well-defined chest through hours of gym time and a proper diet, but in some cases, a condition called gynecomastia can prevent this from happening. Commonly referred to as “man boobs,” millions of men and boys develop gynecomastia each year.
In young boys, hormone changes during puberty may cause breast enlargement, but the condition normally resolves itself over time. Later in life though, men may develop excess breast tissue, leading to enlarged breasts.
Gynecomastia surgery, when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, can be a safe and effective solution for men seeking to regain confidence through a more masculine chest contour. Many people prefer to avoid surgery unless it is necessary. The top question many men have about the procedure is if it’s really necessary. Is it possible to treat gynecomastia without the need for surgery? Now, let’s examine it.
Main Gynecomastia Causes – How does it originate?
Gynecomastia is generally caused by a hormone imbalance that can be due to medical conditions, weight gain, or aging. Hormones can cause both an increase in fatty tissues and an overproduction of breast growth cells, resulting in the appearance of gynecomastia. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise to plastic surgery and breast reduction surgery. Plastic surgeons use various surgical techniques to remove excess skin and fat from around the chest area, resulting in a flatter chest with improved contour. For those wishing to improve their overall appearance without undergoing surgery, hormonal therapy or medication may also be recommended as treatment options.
When does Gynecomastia resolve?
When gynecomastia goes away, it is generally due to a combination of factors, including age and hormone levels. If testosterone levels increase or estrogen levels decrease, this can help reduce the appearance of gynecomastia. Additionally, gynecomastia resulting from excess glandular tissues or fat tissues can be treated with a non-surgical method such as weight loss and exercise. This may be effective in reducing chest fat and restoring a more masculine appearance.
For those whose gynecomastia persists despite lifestyle changes, a board-certified plastic surgeon may recommend surgical treatment such as surgical breast reduction or male breast reduction surgery. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon removes excess tissue to create a flatter chest contour. It is important to note that there are different types of gynecomastia, so it is important to speak with a qualified plastic surgeon in order to determine an appropriate course of treatment for true gynecomastia. In some cases, medication may also be used in conjunction with surgery for optimal results.
Creams, Tablets, and Other “Miraculous” Gynecomastia Remedies
Creams, pills, and other “magic” gynecomastia solutions are often marketed as an effective treatment without surgery for the condition of gynecomastia. However, these treatments may not be effective, and they do not address the underlying cause of breast tissue growth: an excess of estrogen or a hormone imbalance. To effectively treat gynecomastia, it is important to consult with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can develop an effective treatment plan that may involve medical treatment, such as hormone therapy, in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. In some cases where gynecomastia is severe and does not respond to other non-surgical methods, surgical procedures such as male breast reduction may be recommended by a cosmetic surgeon to provide optimal results.
What does Gynecomastia Surgery involve?
Male breast reduction is a cosmetic procedure that should only be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. The surgeon excises any unwanted breast gland tissue and uses liposuction to remove excess fat in the chest and sculpt the area.
After the procedure, patients are advised to take a break for a week or two and refrain from heavy physical activity for at least a month. A compression garment is required during the initial weeks to provide support to the chest’s new shape. Any discomfort experienced during the recovery phase is typically minimal and can be managed through the use of medication and ice.
Most men feel much more confident and have better self-esteem after they have healed from the surgery. They typically feel more comfortable in social and intimate situations or at the beach and no longer avoid these kinds of activities
Non-surgical treatment for Gynecomastia
Surgery is the best option to treat gynecomastia. Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of supplements in treating gynecomastia. Furthermore, the FDA has not authorized any medications for this purpose. Nevertheless, there are alternative non-surgical treatments that can be pursued. The following is a list of our top recommendations for non-invasive gynecomastia treatments:
- Improve diet and exercise habits. Overweight individuals tend to have a higher proportion of body fat, including in the chest region. Elevated levels of body fat may play a role in the development of gynecomastia by reducing testosterone levels.
- Off-label medications. In certain instances, physicians may recommend off-label use of breast cancer medications such as raloxifene or tamoxifen as a treatment for gynecomastia.
- Hormone treatments (testosterone therapy). Hormonal imbalances may lead to gynecomastia or male breast development. Testosterone replacement therapies, including injections, skin gels, or patches, can be used to address this condition by increasing testosterone levels and reducing associated symptoms.
- Reducing alcohol intake. Aside from the more obvious negative health effects, alcohol can also increase the risk of male breast enlargement.
- Switching medications. In the case of suspected medication-induced gynecomastia, a doctor may opt to adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative drug.
- Treating underlying health conditions. Improvement of mild symptoms of gynecomastia may be possible by treating underlying health conditions like hyperthyroidism and malnutrition.
Explore Your Gynecomastia Alternatives for a Solution
Nonsurgical treatments are best for patients who have very mild gynecomastia symptoms or for men whose main issue is a high body fat percentage overall. These treatments usually target the root cause of a person’s gynecomastia, such as lifestyle changes and hormone therapy.
However, while they may be helpful for milder cases, men who suffer from moderate to severe gynecomastia may find these options ineffective for reducing excess breast tissue.
The recommended treatment for gynecomastia varies based on the condition’s severity and underlying cause. Generally, surgery is suggested. Surgery requires a significant commitment, but it offers certain, immediate, and permanent elimination of excess breast tissue and improvement in the chest’s appearance. Talk with an expert plastic surgeon to learn more about the procedure and your own candidacy. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center of Naples, FL, we can help you figure out what option is best for you and your aesthetic goals, as well as financing options. Fill out our contact form & get the help you need today.