If you have gynecomastia — the medical term for “man boobs” — you’re far from alone. In fact, an estimated 30% of men experience gynecomastia in their lifetime, according to a 2014 study.
Man-boobs gynecomastia is frequent during three phases in the age distribution curve: the neonatal period, pubertal period, and adulthood”, he shares, adding. The prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia in neonates is estimated to be between 60 and 90%. The second physiological peak of occurrence is at puberty between the ages of 10 and 16 years.
In fact, approximately 50–60% of adolescents have been estimated to have gynecomastia. Fortunately, most cases in the above 2 groups regress spontaneously, but then it seems to return, with the last peak in incidence of gynecomastia seen in men 50–85 years of age, with a reported prevalence of up to 70%.
But even though gynecomastia is common, many men still find it embarrassing — particularly during the summer months, when you’re more likely to hit the beach or poolside BBQ.
That may be why, per a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgeries are on the rise among men. According to the report, male breast reduction surgeries have increased by 30% over the past five years, more than any other plastic surgery procedure for men.
Why are men having more plastic surgery?
In general, cosmetic surgery among men is on the rise. According to the ASPS report, more than 1.3 million men went under the knife in 2017 — an overall 30% increase from the number of men who got work done in 2000.
Guys seem to be most interested in body contouring procedures: liposuction procedures have increased by 23%, and tummy tucks increased by 12%. And surprisingly, men between the ages of 20 and 29 account for 35% of male cosmetic surgeries, says Jeffrey Janis, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “More men in their younger years are taking up a larger share of the total number of procedures,” Janis told MensHealth.com.
As MensHealth.com previously reported in an investigation on the rise of Brotox (a.k.a. botulinum toxin injection for men), the rising rates of plastic surgery among men could have something to do with our social media-obsessed culture, which puts equal pressure on men and women to look young and fit. It could also stem from the increasing lack of stigma surrounding plastic surgery in general, says Janis.
“As more men talk about it amongst themselves and with their significant others, it becomes less stigmatized,” says Janis. “When you see your colleagues, friends and family looking better, feeling better, and talking about their results, it can open the door to you envisioning how you can benefit from the procedure.”
What is gynecomastia?
While plastic surgery rates are increasing across the board among men, male breast reduction surgeries have had the biggest spike, increasing by 30% over the past five years. Janis says this could be due to an increase in diagnoses in recent years of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia, or man breast reduction surgery is defined as benign proliferation of glandular tissue of the breast in males, resulting in a concentric enlargement of one or both breasts. The most common cause of gynecomastia is physiological with no specific identifiable factor. However, it can also be caused by hormone imbalance, drugs, and medical illness such as tumours, liver disorders and others.
In many cases, losing weight or taking prescription medication can help reduce the appearance of breasts. But surgery is one of the more permanent ways to treat the condition.
That’s why many guys are opting for the procedure, says Marwan Khalifeh, a D.C.-area cosmetic surgeon.
“They want to migrate toward what’s considered the ideal male figure, which does not include overdeveloped breasts,” Khalifeh told the Chicago Tribune earlier this year.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that’s typically performed with local anesthesia. It involves a surgeon making an excision around the nipple and removing excess tissue and fat from the breasts.
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery doesn’t come without risks, such as bleeding, infection, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia; patients may also have reduced nipple sensitivity and scarring after the surgery.
But Janis says breast reduction surgery is among the more permanent ways to treat gynecomastia, as well as the most successful: according to a 2017 study in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, which followed a group of more than 300 men who had been surgically operated on for gynecomastia, 100% of patients in the study reported no recurrence of gynecomastia and had high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
What to do if you’re considering plastic surgery
If you have man-boobs gynecomastia and you’re thinking about going under the knife for breast reduction surgery or any other type of procedure, make sure to do your research.
“The most important factor in plastic surgery – the one that determines your safety and outcome – is your choice of plastic surgeon,” says Janis. “Get a second and third opinion. Review before and after pictures. And find a plastic surgeon that listens well and communicates clearly.”
That’s why you can never be too careful in choosing your surgeon or procedure.
“Plastic surgery is real surgery. It’s important to do your homework,” says Janis.
You should also find out about the doctor’s experience in treating your condition, as well as treatment options offered that best suit your needs. And don’t forget about the after-care treatment available to ensure a good recovery.
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.
Gynecomastia surgery is the best option to address the issue and when it comes to yourself – there are things that you can do to prevent it, to an extent:
LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Anything in excess is bad for you especially alcohol. Gynecomastia is brought on by hormone imbalance, and excess alcohol intake stresses the liver, which in turn causes it to become inefficient disrupting the body’s hormone balance.
STOP STEROIDS ABUSE
Although it seems logical that increasing your testosterone levels could possibly stave off gynecomastia – the answer is NO. Every time you go off a testosterone supplement cycle, the fluctuation caused actually increases your estrogen levels, which is the hormone that causes gynecomastia.
The above together with proper exercise and a generally healthy lifestyle routine can help in the prevention of gynecomastia. But what about food that comes in the form of meat from animals that have been supplemented with growth hormones and do they cause gynecomastia?
GROWTH ANIMAL HORMONES
Hyper-productive animals seem to be the norm these days. Dairy cows that produce more milk, beef cows and super salmons that grow faster, these are some examples of the reality in today’s bred-to-eat meat industry.
When it comes causing gynecomastia, there is no clear answer. However, if you do consume meat that has been treated with growth animal hormones, and genetically you respond to the hormones; chances are you will develop excess tissue in places where they shouldn’t be. This could cause the animal hormones imbalance leading to gynecomastia.
It can be confusing and at times even disheartening to realise the many potential causes of gynecomastia. It is important not to lose hope because, at the end of the day, there is an effective treatment – gynecomastia surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common elective procedures for men. This is due in part because gynecomastia affects men of all ages. While excess fat and tissue in the breasts do not pose a health concern, it can take a toll on one’s confidence and lead to feelings of body shame. The good news is that gynecomastia surgery is a successful approach for many men dealing with this condition. If you are preparing for this procedure, here is what you need to know:
Choose a Trusted Surgeon
When opting to go under the knife, you want to make sure that your body is in good hands. The best hands for gynecomastia surgery tend to be those of a board-certified plastic surgeon. This level of training ensures that your doctor can not only address the current situation but understand the root cause–such as imbalanced hormones–so that the condition does not return.
Understand Your Budget
One of the most crucial steps to preparing for this procedure is to know what kind of financial commitment you are ready to make. Due to the fact that each gynecomastia procedure cost is calculated on an individual basis, you can expect your pricing to be discussed during your consultation. Our office gladly accepts a wide range of payment options, including convenient financing, so your procedure can be within financial reach.
Determine Your Condition
While some men will have excess breast tissue, others will have excess fat and others still will have both. Loose skin around the areola is another common concern. Determining your specific condition is important for understanding the best method of treatment. After all, gynecomastia surgery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As a result, it’s important to speak with your doctor regarding the best plan for your needs.
Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle
For many men, gynecomastia is caused by too much fat. While it may be embarrassing to admit at first, the good news is that it’s fairly simple to change your lifestyle for the long-term. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and reduced alcohol consumption can all go a long way to improving your body’s shape. Additionally, healthy surgical candidates are likely to have faster healing and recovery after surgery than their unhealthy counterparts.
Preparing for gynecomastia surgery does not have to be complicated. In fact, it’s easier than ever to take proactive steps to ensure your procedure is a success.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Gynecomastia (male breasts) is on the rise. The term gynecomastia (male breasts) is becoming more widely known, but the derogatory terms, i.e., man boobs, bitch tits, and moobs to name a few, are more descriptive and hit home with a lot of men.
Excess breast tissue is a result for men who have a hormonal imbalance. The National Institute of Health states that 65% of men will be affected at some stage in their life with some form of gynecomastia. It used to be that most men seeking male breast reduction surgery were bodybuilders who used steroids, male models, and the aging male.
Since the ‘70s and ‘80s, there has been a gradual decline of testosterone in men. And since 1980 testosterone levels in men has dropped 25%. Chances of developing diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and gynecomastia double when testosterone levels decline.
Why are Testosterone Levels in Men Dropping?
Researchers are trying to determine why estrogen levels in men are increasing, and testosterone is decreasing by looking at current lifestyles.
You may have heard the warnings about Bisphenol A (BPA) and that it is something you want to avoid. BPA is a chemical that hardens plastic. The chemical is everywhere; in fact, 90% of us have some in our bodies now. BPA can be in plastic containers and bottles that hold food and beverages. The FDA believed that BPA was safe until 2010 when studies showed the chemical might be risky. BPA can alter your natural hormone balance; it is linked to many health issues, including gynecomastia.
How to Avoid BPA
Many products now claim to be BPA free as consumer awareness increases. It is advisable to store food in glass, stainless steel, or porcelain. When heating food in the microwave, do not use plastic as BPA can seep into food.
There may be BPA in the epoxy coatings in the lining of some canned foods; however, many manufacturers are removing BPA. It isn’t always noted if your canned goods are BPA free, you can check the color of the inside lining, if it is white it contains BPA, you want off white, copper color, reddish or yellow. Unfortunately, there have been instances of BPA found in some products that claim to be BPA free. For men who want to avoid BPA, it is better to eat fresh or frozen foods.
Is Soy Healthy?
Soy products have been considered a healthy food, but studies have shown significant amounts of soy may lead to gynecomastia. There was a story about a 60 year-old man with gynecomastia who was consuming 3 quarts of soy milk a day when he stopped on the advice of his endocrinologist, his man boobs disappeared. Different people have different reactions to soy; it is best to avoid any genetically modified organism (GMO) when purchasing soy; unfortunately, it is in the majority of soy products today.
Watch Your Hops!
Two alcoholic beverages a day can lower testosterone, and the hops in beer are known to contain estrogen. Not all hops are bad; it contains xanthohumol, which is known to have anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Note that your body metabolizes alcohol first and then may store food as fat.
For more information on this subject, you may read the entire article here.
See Your Gynecomastia Specialist for Evaluation
While all the causes for gynecomastia are not known, your gynecomastia specialist will want to review with you your lifestyle, diet, medications, and even hygiene products to rule out some of the suspected triggers of man boobs.
