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 typically does not have physical health implications, however, it can have significant emotional effects on affected men. Gynecomastia symptoms can sometimes lead to bullying for young boys, causing some to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Some men may experience a lack of confidence or discomfort in displaying their chests in public due to gynecomastia. However, it is important to know that this condition is not harmful and there are options available to address it.
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 Causes of Gynecomastia
To comprehend the methods plastic surgeons utilize to address gynecomastia, one must know its underlying cause. Though excessive weight gain can result in enlarged breasts in some males, genuine gynecomastia stems from more than just fat accumulation.
The cause of the issue often stems from the hormones testosterone and estrogen, which are naturally present in both males and females. However, males tend to have a higher amount of testosterone, while females tend to have a higher amount of estrogen. Since these hormones affect traits we identify as masculine or feminine, they can change a person’s appearance if there is an imbalance.
Gynecomastia, or excess breast tissue in men, is often linked to higher levels of estrogen. Certain life stages, such as infancy, adolescence, and older age, are more prone to experiencing this condition due to hormonal fluctuations.
Medical conditions, steroid use, and marijuana can also trigger the development of extra breast gland tissues.
When Gynecomastia Goes Away
Some men and boys only experience the condition for a short time. This is especially true in teens, which is why most surgeons will suggest waiting to see if the condition resolves itself before moving forward with surgery. After a year, if the condition has not improved, surgical treatment may be appropriate.
Men with pseudo-gynecomastia (excess fat causing the appearance of male breasts) may notice that their man boobs disappear when they lose weight. Gland tissue that develops, however, is typically permanent and will require treatment.
Gynecomastia is a condition that can cause breast enlargement in men. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the hormones testosterone and estrogen, which can result in increased levels of estrogen in the body. While some men may only experience the condition for a short period of time, for others it can be permanent. The size of the breasts and whether or not it resolves naturally depends on what type of gynecomastia a person has; glandular tissue or fat tissue.
When it comes to glandular tissue, this type of gynecomastia is generally permanent and will require treatment such as surgery. This is because glandular tissue cannot be reduced through diet or exercise alone; it requires additional intervention to reduce the size of the breasts. On the other hand, if the issue is due to fat accumulation rather than a hormonal imbalance then reducing fat stores through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can help to reduce breast size over time.
In many cases, decreasing estrogen levels through medications or supplements may also help with the resolution of gynecomastia naturally. Additionally, there are several effective treatments available today that can help reduce breast size and improve overall appearance, such as liposuction.
Creams, Pills, and Other “Magic” Gynecomastia Solutions
In certain instances, gynecomastia may persist despite attempts at natural resolution.
Imbalanced hormone levels in men can lead to the development of permanent glandular breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia. Despite claims made on various websites, topical treatments and pill supplements have not been scientifically proven to effectively resolve this condition. Surgery is often the most effective option for treating gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia treatments, other than surgery, are just a waste of money. While some men can see results by controlling their hormone imbalance, others will need surgery to improve the appearance of their chest.
Surgery is the only reliable method for creating a masculine chest contour and fixing gynecomastia. Unless the patient’s hormones become significantly imbalanced again later in life, the results of surgery are permanent.
About Gynecomastia Surgery
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
Treatment for Gynecomastia Without Surgery
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 through the treatment of underlying health conditions like hyperthyroidism and malnutrition.
Learn About Your Options
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.
