Have you noticed men developing bulky chests and wondered what makes their chests swell? Can they have boobs, or to begin with, is it even normal? Well, it is not.

Gynecomastia, commonly called man boobs, is not a normal condition. This condition occurs in many men, and men often feel insecure about their bodies because of it. But what exactly is gynecomastia, why does it affect only men, and what can be done to alleviate it?

This blog will walk you through the causes and treatment of this condition. So, whether you’re a teenager or an adult, if you’re tired of feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about your chest, read on to discover how you can fix your gynecomastia.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that enlarges the breast tissue in males. The main cause of this condition is hormonal imbalance, typically an excess of estrogen in relation to testosterone.

The best thing is that this condition can be easily treated with surgery. So, if you are someone suffering from gynecomastia, you don’t have to worry much.

Causes of gynecomastia

Apart from hormonal imbalance, various other factors can cause gynecomastia, affecting not only adults but also babies. Let’s find out about them:

Obesity

Obese men have a high chance of developing gynecomastia because being overweight can easily increase estrogen levels. This results in breast tissue growth.

In addition, overweight men are likely to have extra breast tissue, which can enlarge the chest.

Puberty

Hormone imbalance in boys peaks during puberty. If the testosterone level drops, estrogen can cause the breast tissue to grow. This is why you can notice teenage boys with slightly enlarged breasts. Gynecomastia during puberty generally gets resolved when the hormone levels become stable.

Aging

Older men naturally have low testosterone levels and more body fat. This increases the estrogen level, affecting the overall hormone levels, thereby leading to excess breast tissue growth.

Birth

Did you know that male babies can also get gynecomastia? Since estrogen passes via the mother’s placenta to the baby, this can cause gynecomastia in the baby. However, this condition is temporary, and the issue disappears after a few weeks.

What are the signs of gynecomastia?

If you find a small amount of extra tissue around your nipples or bulgy breasts that seem abnormal, you can get yourself tested for gynecomastia. In some cases, your breast tissue can be tender or painful. Either way, getting diagnosed is highly recommended.

How is gynecomastia diagnosed?

The surgeon will assess the symptoms and perform a thorough physical examination. Also, the surgeon will review your medical and family history.

Secondly, a blood test will be done to check hormone levels because, in most cases, gynecomastia is caused due to hormonal imbalance.

Also, both breast cancer and gynecomastia can cause breast lumps. So, you might also need a breast ultrasound and mammogram to view detailed images of breast growth and examine if there are unusual growths of breast tissue.

Some problems caused by gynecomastia

Apart from the physical problem, gynecomastia causes social and psychological issues for men.

Low self-esteem and negative body image issues

Men dealing with gynecomastia may feel bad about their appearance, resulting in low self-esteem and negative body image.

Social isolation

Men start to perceive their bodies as highly embarrassing and may choose to isolate themselves. So, they will try to avoid occasions where their body might be exposed, and in unavoidable situations, they may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their condition.

Depression and anxiety

Gynecomastia potentially impacts the psychological health of men, leading to anxiety and depression. The embarrassment of their bodies can make them feel less confident and less masculine. As a result, they may feel inadequate and question their self-worth.

Issues in romantic relationships

This condition can significantly impact a man’s romantic life. When men feel self-conscious in a negative way and get annoyed about their appearance, it can lead to difficulty in forming romantic relationships.

Avoidance of certain types of clothing

Finding clothes that fit is another issue for men with gynecomastia. This can be frustrating and stressful and further enhance their insecurities.

What is gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery, also called male breast reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and prominence of male breasts. This surgery is performed on men who have developed excessive breast tissue, which can make the appearance of male breasts resemble those of women.

The surgery involves the removal of excess fat and tissue through liposuction or excision techniques. This also involves the repositioning or reshaping of the remaining tissue. Overall, the surgery’s primary goal is to create a more masculine chest contour and improve self-esteem and body image.

Reasons to get gynecomastia surgery

It is a relatively minor procedure that has a quick recovery time

Gynecomastia surgery is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue and fat from the male chest. The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia and typically takes about 1–2 hours and has a quick recovery time. After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this can be handled with medication and compression garments.

Most men can return to work and normal activities within a week or two. The surgery results are permanent, but it comes with a catch. You must maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent excess tissue re-growth.

It will improve your posture

Men who are self-conscious about their bulging chests may try to hide it by slouching or hunching over. This can lead to poor posture and even back pain. However, male breast reduction surgery can alleviate the discomfort and self-consciousness of having swollen breasts. Thus, you can be free of the negative impact on posture and confidence.

Post-surgery, patients are reported to feel more comfortable in their skin, stand taller, and walk more confidently. Also, the individual may experience less pain and discomfort, allowing them to stand up straight and tall.

It will boost your confidence and self-esteem

As mentioned above, gynecomastia majorly affects the confidence level of men. Many men tend to hate their bodies because of it. This is where gynecomastia surgery comes as a savior to them and helps heal their physical and emotional discomfort.

With the help of a skilled surgeon, this minor surgery can reshape the chest and create a more masculine appearance. This can be a transformative and liberating experience for men, and they can shed their self-consciousness and embrace themselves.

They can also participate in social situations without embarrassment and feel better. By gaining self-esteem, men can gain the confidence they lost and live life to the fullest.

Gynecomastia surgery can help men to overcome feelings of insecurity and self-doubt and finally feel comfortable in their own bodies.

If you are someone suffering from gynecomastia and looking for a way to fix it, we recommend you book a consultation with Dr. Anjali Saple , a Board-Certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon. With over 25 years of practice and experience, she can help you treat your gynecomastia with the latest technologies.