Man boobs aka gynecomastia may seem like a joke to many. However, for the 3 in 10 men who suffer from this condition, the term man boobs hits too close to home. Truth is, gynecomastia isn’t merely an aesthetic issue that is a deterrent to that firm and a chiseled body that every man dreams of, but instead, maybe an indication of serious underlying health issues.
So, for a condition with such a serious undertone, gynecomastia may not be something to be joked about. Yet, little light has been shed on the facts behind gynecomastia, and it is high time we cleared the cloud of myths surrounding this condition. Just what are the causes behind gynecomastia?
How can we rid ourselves of this dreadful condition?
Is gynecomastia a condition that is curable?
The truth versus the myth. Today, we tell it all.
Gynecomastia Myth #1: Excess Fat Is The Culprit Behind Man Boobs
One common myth that surrounds gynecomastia is that only very overweight men are inflicted by this condition. It is true to a certain extent that excess fat can indeed make a man’s breasts more significant, however, fat alone isn’t the cause of the condition. Gynecomastia is more than just a result of developing fat in the chest region, but rather a development of breast tissue in the chest area.
Fact: Hormones Play A Significant Part
One of the main culprits behind gynecomastia is the imbalance of hormones. With testosterone levels in a man’s decreases and an increase in estrogen levels, a man is more likely to develop breast tissue. It is the increasing development of breast tissue that ultimately causes the condition of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Myth #2: Man Boobs Is Not Caused By External Factors
Many assume that gynecomastia is caused by genetics or an unhealthy diet. However, there are several external factors that many are unaware of, that can encourage the development of this aesthetic condition.
Fact: With the myriad of negative consequences that alcohol consumption brings about, alcohol is unsurprisingly connected with gynecomastia, and many may not be aware of this.
More than just alcohol, some medications also contribute to gynecomastia such as medications for enlarged prostate, antibiotics, antidepressants, and heart conditions. Also, men who have endocrine problems are likewise susceptible to the gynecomastia condition in men as it can result in the development of breast tissue.
Gynecomastia Myth #3: Steroids Can Help To Eliminate Gynecomastia
We all know that increased levels of estrogen in men are one of the leading causes of gynecomastia. So what better way to counter the growing female hormone than to pile on more male hormones to cancel out estrogen? With steroids containing high levels of testosterone, it only makes sense to reach out for steroids to combat this hormonal imbalance situation. All these are logical right? Wrong!
Fact: In fact, the misuse of steroids is one of the main triggers for male breast enlargement.
This is because, each time you stop taking steroids, your body experiences a fluctuation in your testosterone levels and ultimately contributes to a temporary increase in your estrogen levels. It is in such circumstances that ultimately results in the development of fat in the chest area. Thus, taking steroids has a reverse effect on breast reduction, and you may experience gynecomastia from steroids.
Gynecomastia Myth #4: Exercise Can Make The Breasts Go Away
Many assume that increasing the amount of exercise or performing certain types of exercises that focus on the toning of the chest area will help to resolve the gynecomastia condition. However, that just is not the case. As man boobs are the development of breast tissue and not just fat, there is no way to burn off the extra tissue through exercise. Even if the enlarged breasts were only made up of fats, exercise is still not the only means to resolve gynecomastia as performing a series of exercises and expecting to see a significant reduction in fat in one part of the body only is impossible.
Fact: Surgery is actually one of the best options when it comes to solving gynecomastia.
In situations where hormonal imbalance conditions cannot be resolved with medication, gynecomastia surgery is the best bet to remove the enlarged man breasts. A gynecomastia surgery tweaks according to the differing conditions. A man with limited breast tissue but a substantial amount of extra fat in the chest area is a patient who will most likely benefit from liposuction.
However, should the patient have more breast tissue than fat, liposuction is first performed to remove the fat, followed by the cutting away of the breast tissue, through an incision made near the armpit or nipple. For the most severe cases of gynecomastia, a combination of liposuction, removal of the breast tissue as well as a breast lift is done to remove any excess, loose skin, giving the chest a tighter and masculine appearance.
Gynecomastia Myth #5: Man Boobs Will Come Back Again
Many are afraid that the gynecomastia condition will come back to haunt them again after their surgery and are thus unwilling to fix the condition with surgery. However, that cannot be further from the truth.
Fact: In truth, once a gynecomastia surgery is performed, the enlarged breasts will be taken care of permanently.
A man boobs procedure ensures that this condition is fixed forever. Although there may be still slight chances of a recurrence in very few people, these conditions are anomalies as the breast tissue is removed during a gynecomastia surgery, thereby solving the root of the problem.
Gynecomastia Myth #6 – Gynecomastia Is A Condition That Is Difficult To Treat
Many think that gynecomastia requires a tricky procedure and thus do not view it as a condition that can be gotten rid of. Furthermore, there are also individuals who aren’t aware that there are procedures that can treat this condition. As such, many who suffer from gynecomastia live with the condition in silence and have their self-confidence plummet.
Fact: Truth is, gynecomastia is a condition that you truly don’t have to endure a lifetime.
Contrary to popular belief, gynecomastia is actually a very treatable condition, and it typically produces excellent results. Should lifestyle, diet, or medical changes not be able to resolve your condition, there is still an option on the table – gynecomastia surgery aka male breast reduction surgery. In fact, gynecomastia surgery is one of the most effective ways to successfully eradicate the male breast condition as excess breast tissues are removed during this procedure, instantly giving you the flat and taut appearance of the chest.
Gynecomastia surgery requires a doctor who is not only adept in this area but is also able to give you the best advice from years of experience. It is also essential to choose a doctor who shares your vision so as for you to achieve the chest that you have always wanted.
