Man boobs (sometimes called moobs, or gynecomastia in the medical world) are actually really common. A Cleveland study found it affects half of all men. Some get it in puberty, but many also develop it when they’re 50 or older.
Why Do Men Get Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is not just an aesthetic problem; it is a medical condition. Symptoms include tenderness around the chest area, swelling of the breast gland tissue, and more.
It all boils down to hormones. Both men and women have estrogen and androgen hormones. Women develop breast tissue because they have higher levels of estrogen. But when men have a hormonal imbalance (either their estrogen goes up, or their androgen goes down) they can develop gynecomastia too.
That is why gynecomastia is very common among older men. As we age, testosterone goes down. We also tend to gain weight, and since fat cells are estrogenic (meaning they can disrupt the balance between testosterone and estrogen) this causes the glandular tissue to swell even more.
Improper steroid use by athletes or body builders can also create moobs because the pills can increase estrogen levels. Some diseases – like liver disease and hyperthyroidism – can also lead to enlarged male breasts.
Can We Get Rid of Moobs or Gynecomastia Through Exercise and Diet?
Even slim men can develop gynecomastia, and hours of bench-pressing aren’t going to change the shape or size. All heavy weightlifting can do is bring up your testosterone levels. This will definitely help bring the condition under control, but it can’t shrink existing moobs.
Crash dieting won’t help either. In fact, there are studies that extremely low calorie diets may make gynecomastia worse. Once you start eating normally again, your moobs will be even larger. Diets will also worsen hormonal imbalances and slow down your metabolism. Starving your body is never a good idea.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia Surgery is the perfect solution to remove the glandular tissue from your chest, which is the cause of man boobs. The procedure is not only safe and effective, it also sculpts the chest area leaving a more defined and masculine appearance.
With this procedure, you can expect a short recovery time, which means little disruption to your daily routine. During the consultation, do inform the doctor of your goals and raise any concerns you might have in regards to the procedure. Your doctor will advise on what to avoid and how to care for the area to avoid infection.
Recovery and Results
There will be some minimal scars since any surgery will involve incisions. Your doctor can conceal them in your natural contours when possible. There are also treatments that can help fade these marks over time. However, the scars won’t stand in the way of enjoying your new contours and increase in confidence.
For many men who suffer from gynecomastia, this surgery ends years of feeling self-conscious and insecure. You’ll be able to wear a fitted shirt or bare your chest at the beach without worrying about how you look like. (Or what people are saying.)
Are You a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
