Understanding Gynecomastia

Most men don’t have a strong understanding of gynecomastia, even those who are experiencing it. Gynecomastia has a wide variety of potential causes and treatment options, which can lead to misunderstandings regarding the condition. We’ve created this blog post to help patients get a better grasp on what gynecomastia is—and what can be done about it.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition in which excessive amounts of male breast tissue or fat accumulate in the chest, particularly around the nipple region. This then results in the appearance of “man boobs.”

This issue can occur regardless of the patient’s weight or fitness condition. That is to say, it has been known to develop even for those who are not overweight or have good amounts of muscle.

It’s also worth noting that patients who have weight problems don’t automatically develop gynecomastia. This condition specifically pertains to excess tissue in the chest relative to the rest of the body.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

The specific cause of gynecomastia is still being discussed, but there are numerous risk factors that must be considered. The biggest of these is genetics. Certain patients are naturally predisposed to developing this condition. Being overweight also increases the likelihood of having gynecomastia if the person remains this way for a prolonged period of time.

Hormone fluctuations, certain health conditions, various medications, and recreational drugs can result in gynecomastia. Age can also be a factor, in that as patients grow older, they just slowly accumulate fat in their chest area. This does not apply to everyone, but it has been observed among a significant portion of the male population.

Is Gynecomastia Dangerous?

There are no inherent risks associated with gynecomastia, and it is often considered a solely cosmetic problem. However, the appearance of male breasts can be a major source of anxiety and stress among men, especially those who work hard to look a certain way.

Bodybuilders, for example, can develop gynecomastia due to a variety of factors, such as the use of anabolic steroids. Patients who used to be obese or overweight and eventually shed the pounds are distraught when they discover that the areas around their nipples are bulging. As such, while gynecomastia is not dangerous, there are valid reasons for seeking treatment for it.

Gynecomastia Treatments

There are a few options when it comes to treating gynecomastia. If the problem is caught early enough, losing a few pounds can be enough to prevent its development. Avoiding the use of the medications or recreational drugs that resulting in gynecomastia can also cause the issue to ameliorate.

However, in advanced cases, gynecomastia surgery is often the only way to resolve the issue. Male breast reduction is the most effective method of addressing gynecomastia. During this procedure, excess skin, fat, and male breast tissue will be removed. Male breast reduction can involve tissue excision, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques.

If you’re considering this procedure, it’s important to also be aware of gynecomastia’s post-op instructions so that you can prepare properly for the recovery period.

Learn More About Gynecomastia

To learn more about gynecomastia and man boobs treatments, patients can contact us and schedule a consultation.