Gynecomastia is the unwanted growth of excess breast tissue in men, and it can have a damaging effect on men of all ages, especially teenage boys who are bullied because of their condition. However, gynecomastia is a surprisingly common medical condition and therefore something that’s not to be ashamed of. Even more surprising is many well-known celebrities have also experienced gynecomastia in their lives, sometimes seeking gynecomastia treatment to achieve a more masculine chest.
Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell is proof that men can have a toned figure after gynecomastia surgery to treat enlarged male breasts. He did not hide his condition while experiencing male breast growth and is actually well-known for the tight shirts he wore while a star judge on American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
“The Rock” has been candid about his struggles with gynecomastia despite most people’s assumption that someone who looks like him would never expect him to suffer from male breast tissue growth considering his muscular tone. Even though the growth of swollen breast tissue is unnoticeable today, it is only because of surgery he had to remove excess breast tissue earlier in life. This is a common treatment option even for guys and bodybuilders who look like him.
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson did not start developing man boobs until his mid-50s, likely as the result of a natural hormonal imbalance that occurs as people age. Up to 60% of older men will develop some level of breast tissue or sagging pectorals and Jack Nicholson is proof that this condition can affect men of all ages.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Like “The Rock,” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s breast enlargement may be due to steroid use during his bodybuilding years. He has openly expressed a dislike for his body and lack of confidence, showing that even the biggest names in Hollywood can struggle with their mental health and body image. Fortunately, there are many cosmetic surgery options available for people struggling with increased breast growth, and the physicians at Gynecomastia.org are here to help get you educated about your options.
Jack Black
Jack Black is a kind of poster child for male body positivity and has fought back against any negativity associated with gynecomastia. He has gone shirtless proudly in several films including Nacho Libre and Tropic Thunder, something that can be incredibly difficult for men with non-traditionally masculine figures. He acknowledges that his weight isn’t a problematic part of his comedic or personal identity, including having larger-than-normal pecs.
Treatment for Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is commonly treated with a combination of liposuction and surgery, depending on what grade or level of gynecomastia the patient has. Sometimes the problem can be resolved by simply removing the breast fat or excess tissue but in more severe cases, excess skin may need to be removed to better contour the chest.
Before and After
Pre-Op
4 years after a series of two surgeries and hormone therapy
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been struggling with self-confidence due to gynecomastia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado to determine which type of surgery is best for you.
Michele Garber, the host of the Nip/Tuck radio show recently interviewed San Francisco Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Miguel Delgado, M.D. The interview addressed many aspects of gynecomastia. Dr. Delgado has been a gynecomastia specialist since 1989 and was able to answer all of her questions regarding the embarrassing condition of man boobs.
Michele obviously did her homework in researching gynecomastia as was evidenced by her thought provoking questions. She was interested in knowing what causes gynecomastia and what surgical options are available for men.
Some significant topics covered were:
If a man has surgery, can the male breasts come back?
What age is best for surgery?
Are there other options besides surgery?
Are there risks associated with the use of steroids?
Is liposuction by itself effective?
Is it necessary to be evaluated by an endocrinologist?
Additionally, Miguel Delgado, M.D. states that for some young men their male breasts remain well after puberty making surgery the only option for removal. However, he says that young men have the best outcome as their skin is still quite elastic. Further in the interview it is revealed that older men tend to develop breasts due to age factors or gaining weight. Dr. Delgado also warns men that various drugs, legal or illegal, have been known to cause gynecomastia.
Celebrities Gynecomastia, No one is immune from getting gynecomastia, not even celebrities. It is a known fact that about 65% of all men will get some form of gynecomastia at some point in their life. Babies, adolescents, men who are taking certain medications or drugs, and the aging man, are some of the men who may get man boobs. Celebrities are always in the public eye; it is almost impossible for them to enjoy a day at the beach or enjoy their leisure without being photographed. They should be congratulated that they are living their life with gynecomastia apparently without shame. Gynecomastia should not cause shame; it is such a common condition for so many men. It is surprising that so many people make a big deal about it and tease or humiliate men with breasts, but they do. Gynecomastia is one of the most personal issues a man may have to deal with, fortunately, there are choices. Established gynecomastia will not go away by itself. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in gynecomastia will be able to offer solutions. Interestingly, some celebrities go shirtless and don’t seem to let their male breasts bother them. Sometimes, knowing you are not alone can make an uncomfortable situation seem not so bad. So view the pictures below of many movie stars and celebrities that bravely bare their chests.
Voted the most valuable player for 1974 and 1975, Bernie Parent was inducted into the National Hockey League Hall of Fame in 1984. The famous goalie had a tagline stating “only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent.” His successful career on the ice ended from an injury to his eye from a hockey stick in 1979.
Who would have guessed that this famous athlete suffered in silence since his teen years with gynecomastia? Unlike most young men, his male breasts did not go away after puberty, and he spent the next 50+ years trying to hide his chest with loose shirts that he never removed in public.
At age 70, Bernie Parent finally had enough humiliation from his man boobs. He has shared his story of how he missed spending time at the beach with his children and grandchildren due to his shame of having male breasts. He hasn’t owned a bathing suit in over 40 years! The last straw was when he didn’t feel comfortable taking his shirt off when out on his boat, he decided it was time to do something about it and sought the advice of a plastic surgeon.
He was happy to learn there is a non-surgical procedure that reduces fat. True gynecomastia is a combination of fat and breast tissue, which requires a surgical procedure combining liposuction and surgical excision. However, pseudo-gynecomastia that is caused mostly by fat might be treated by CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting can be performed in a medical office under a physician’s supervision. The procedure uses FDA approved cooling technology to reduce layers of fat. It takes several weeks for the results to be evident, but the slow dissipation of the fat cells allows the skin the shrink back naturally leaving a natural looking result.
After two treatments, Bernie was amazed at the difference in his chest. He could go for a third treatment, but is very happy with his results to date. By going public with his story in January 2015 in an article in South Jersey Times, he hopes to help other men avoid the misery he experienced.
