Man boobs are often joked about, but living with man boobs can be distressing. Surgery for man boobs is the fastest way to get rid of enlarged male breasts. However, if you are unable to have surgery for man boobs, there are ways to hide your moobs.
Man boobs can range in size significantly. Some men with gynecomastia symptoms will only have a small degree of enlargement, while others can have enlarged male breasts similar to female breasts. Surgeons separate gynecomastia into four grades based on the amount of fatty tissue and breast gland enlargement present.
Grade 1 – Small amount of breast glandular tissue with or without puffy nipples.
Grade 2 – Mild to moderate enlargement of breast glandular tissue, often with fatty tissue, which causes male breast enlargement with a feminine appearance.
Grade 3 – Moderate to significant enlargement of breast glandular tissue with fatty tissue, resulting in fuller male breasts.
Grade 4 – Significant breast enlargement, with breast glandular tissue, fatty tissue, and excess skin, causing larger male breasts with a deep breast crease.
The Best Men’s Shapewear to Hide Man Boobs
The quickest way to hide man boobs, or moobs, is with male compression vests, also sold as men’s shapewear. Male vests for man boobs compress the glandular and fatty tissue to make the chest look flatter. You can also buy men’s shapewear to compress your stomach area for an overall improved upper-body appearance.
The style of compression vest you choose will depend on the size of your enlarged male breasts and the amount of compression required. Some men might find a compression vest that looks like a “normal” men’s vest is sufficient. However, if you have moderate to large man boobs, you may need to consider a compression garment that is more like actual underwear.
Three Popular Brands of Men’s Shapewear
Men’s shapewear has become increasingly popular, and the good news is many brands now produce good quality men’s compression garments. Below are five top brands that offer various styles of compression shapewear to wear underneath your clothes.
1. Spanx
Spanx range for men has a range of stylish vests and t-shirt style tops that no one would know are compression garments.
Spanx shapewear, compression vests, and tops for men include:
Compression crew neck style t-shirt
Compression vest
Compression tank top.
Now that you know which body shapers are the best shapewear for men, you can cut a svelte physique underneath your clothes.
2. Underworks
Underworks offer a choice of tops and vests marketed as medical-grade compression garments — available as vests and high-power chest binders designed specifically to hide larger man boobs.
Underworks compression vests and chest binders include:
Compression tank tops
Chest binder compression tank tops
Chest binder in a short, discreet low-neck vest.
3. Leo
Leo men’s shapewear is made from a patented PowerSlim® fabric and SkinFuse® seamless compression fabric. Leo also offers a range of vests with different degrees of compression to provide extra strength depending on the amount of flattening required.
Leo compression vests include:
Body shaper vests with back support and maximum compression
Tank tops with moderate compression
Crew neck seamless tank tops with light compression.
How to Hide Man Boobs without Wearing a Man Boobs Vest
Men’s shapewear is not the only way to hide enlarged male breasts. If you have grade 1 or 2 gynecomastia, you may prefer to use tape to strap down your man boobs. Companies now make tape marketed for hiding man boobs. Another readily available option is surgical tape. You may also decide to use tape to provide extra pressure under a compression vest if you have larger man boobs for additional chest flattening.
Best Clothes to Hide Man Boobs
Some men find compression vests or garments and tape uncomfortable. The alternative is careful clothing choices. Here are three things to look for if you want your clothes to hide man boobs:
Color is one of the best ways to hide man boobs. Darker colors like dark gray, dark blue, and dark red can work, as well as black, of course.
Fabric is essential. Clingy and thin fabrics will make man boobs more obvious. Choose structured fabrics such as linen and heavier fabrics.
Style and fit can make a real difference. The best way to hide man boobs is to wear a t-shirt under a loose-fitting shirt.
If you are fed up with trying to conceal enlarged male breasts, surgery for man boobs is the quickest, most reliable way to banish man boobs for good.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.”
Gynecomastia.org does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
The National Institute of Health defines gynecomastia, commonly referred to as man boobs, as a benign abnormal growth of male breast glandular tissue. It is typically caused by an increase in estrogen, a decrease in testosterone, or a combination of these factors. Gynecomastia symptoms can affect men of all ages, affecting one or both breasts.
When man boobs or moobs develop due to fatty tissue, this is called pseudogynecomastia. Typically, overweight or obese men are most affected by pseudogynecomastia, also referred to as “false gynecomastia.”
For support and constantly updated resources, join our gynecomastia forum.
Here are some tips that will help you or someone you know to get rid of man boobs caused by pseudogynecomastia due to increased localized fat tissue.
1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
It is always advisable to consult your physician before implementing any new diet or exercise program. It is important that you communicate your concerns and objectives to your physician. This is so that diagnostic tests can be carried out to rule out any other underlying causes of your gynecomastia symptoms.
2. Gynecomastia Diet Changes
Gynecomastia diet – low in estrogen and high in testosterone
A healthy, low-calorie diet is one of the best things you can do for weight loss. Setting a goal and tracking your daily food intake is the first step. The majority of people are unaware of the amount of food they consume, so food tracking can be an eye-opener. In addition, if you are trying to lose weight, you may want to reduce the amount of these five food groups:
Sugar – Avoid sugary foods and drinks and check for hidden sugar. Sugar is hidden in a wide range of products, such as cereals, bread, grains, granola bars, juices, energy drinks, meal replacement bars, and powdered milk.
Sugar
Processed Foods – Ingredients used in processed foods, such as GMO ingredients, artificial sweeteners, soybeans, vegetable oils (like canola and sunflower), and inferior meats, pose serious health risks. The chemicals, antibiotics, and endocrine disruptors in these products can lead to hormonal imbalances, which will end up making weight loss more difficult.
Highly processed foods
Gluten – The Beyond Celiac website reports that approximately 18 million Americans have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Consequently, even if you do not have celiac disease, gluten can still trigger an inflammatory reaction in your body. Such sensitivities or intolerances can prevent weight loss and cause various other health problems.
Gluten
Dairy Products – Inflammatory effects of dairy products are similar to those of gluten. It is important to note that inflammation is the underlying cause of most diseases, including obesity and weight gain. Moreover, if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, dairy products may result in uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and digestive discomfort.
Dairy products
Food with low-fat content – Researchers have proved that high-fat diets can help burn more calories than low-fat diets, based on studies involving avocado, coconut products, butter, ghee, and extra virgin olive oil. In addition, low-fat food often has high amounts of sugar.
Foods low in fat
The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Loss
Using the body mass index (BMI), we can estimate body fat percentage. BMI can be calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in meters squared, or there are several online tools to work it out for you. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a BMI over 25 is classed as overweight. Chest fat (or fat in any area) can not be lost just by targeting that specific area of the body. This is why aiming for overall weight loss and a BMI under 25 is the most effective way to get rid of man boobs.
Many diet fads can trigger fast weight loss, but it is advisable to avoid crash diets and change your diet gradually for long-term sustained weight loss. A balanced diet should consist of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a simple food guide of what to eat and avoid if you want to lose weight.
Eat more:
Whole foods
Vegetables
Lean meat
Eat less:
Processed foods
Sugary foods and beverages
Alcohol
More tips for weight loss:
Keep a food journal
Realistic, long term weight loss goals
Reduce food portions
Exercise and Weight Loss
Research has shown thathigh-intensity interval training takes less time and is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous exercise for weight loss.
Weight Loss Tip
Getting the hang of food tracking may take you one or two weeks, but do not give up! In no time, you will be a pro at calculating portion sizes. And when it comes to having a healthy and happy gut, don’t forget about prebiotics and probiotics!
3. Bodyweight Training
Body weight exercises
Bodyweight training targets various muscle groups, which leads to higher calorie expenditure. Therefore, do not limit yourself to chest area exercises alone.
Tip
Push-ups are an excellent example of bodyweight exercises for the chest that also require activation of your arms, shoulders, back, core, and glutes and require you to engage your legs. As you place your hands wider during a push-up, your chest is forced to work harder. You do not have to go very fast. It may be beneficial to change the tempo of the push-up and to do some slowly as well.
4. Weight Training
Weight training by lifting weights
Building chest muscle will not only help to define your chest. A higher body percentage of muscle over fat means you will burn more calories, even when resting.
Tip
Chest muscle exercises to get rid of man boobs, chest presses and cable chest flies are excellent examples. Make sure you do more than chest exercises geared strictly to build chest muscles. Training with an all-body approach is crucial (to losing fat). Men’s testosterone levels can be boosted by exercise, which (among other things) helps to build and maintain muscle mass and reduce moobs.
Myth or Fact
The amount of fat tissue and the degree of elasticity in the skin really determine the degree of man boobs or the grade of gynecomastia. Losing weight may also result in your losing your man boobs. The skin might also hang loosely when a lot of fat needs to be lost. If you have lost weight, there are surgical procedures to remove excess skin, but you need to take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment! It’s not easy to lose weight. You must be dedicated to your health and to yourself. Ultimately, if you still have excess skin, the surgical procedure is up to you.
Conclusion
Is It Really Possible to Fully Get Rid of Man Boobs?
The amount of fat tissue and the degree of elasticity in the skin contribute to the size of man boobs or the grade of gynecomastia. In cases of pseudogynecomastia, weight loss may result in losing your man boobs. Following excessive weight loss, the skin might be loose and hang away from the body. When this happens, a surgical procedure to remove excess skin will be necessary if it is causing concern.
Can Moobs Go Away?
Enlarged male breasts may remain if hormones are not in balance. As many as 30% of male adolescents and boys suffer from this condition. As a result of the hormonal changes in boys, it is not uncommon for adolescent males to have gynecomastia symptoms. In up to 90% of gynecomastia cases during puberty, the symptoms will resolve within two years.
If the gynecomastia breast tissue does not resolve within two years, it is usually permanent. Man boobs caused by fat build-up called “fake gynecomastia” or pseudogynacomastia can be reduced with weight loss and disappear completely. Reviewing prescription medications associated with gynecomastia, and stopping them where possible, may also reverse gynecomastia symptoms that developed after starting the medication.
It is important to remember that gynecomastia is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances rather than anything men can control. Every man’s endocrine system produces both estrogen (the “female hormone”) and testosterone (the “male hormone”). When hormones are not balanced, this can lead to excess breast tissue in men. Mild cases of gynecomastia may be successfully treated with appropriate hormonal medicine. However, this is not always effective. Gynecomastia surgery is by far the most effective way to permanently get rid of man boobs.
Can I Reduce My Chest Fat?
Most men can reduce chest fat by following a healthful diet and exercising regularly. This is not always the case and sometimes a medical condition may need to be resolved.
Can Certain Food Cause Man Breasts?
Certain foods contain chemicals that mimic estrogen’s effects; these include:
Processed foods, ‘diet’ food, and ready-made meals, usually contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives.
Soy alternatives to dairy products such as edamame, tofu, and tempeh are high in protein but contain phytoestrogens or plant estrogens which may mimic the effect of estrogen.
Dairy Products and eggs all include estrogen from the hormones found in chickens and cows, identical to human hormonal production. (Dairy products such as milk and eggs that claim they are hormone-free simply do not have extra hormones added to the ingredients).
Beer is made from grain containing phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, making it naturally estrogenic.
To achieve a more sculpted and healthy physique, it is crucial to understand the causes of gynecomastia and consult an experienced and knowledgeable healthcare professional to determine the cause of your gynecomastia symptoms.
Non-surgical options such as gynecomastia diet, gynecomastia exercise and chest muscle development can make a difference in both pseudogynecomastia and grade 1 or 2 gynecomastia. A physician can also prescribe certain medications to help reduce or eliminate man boobs.
Puffy nipples are a common occurrence in both men and boys. The prominent puffy nipple result from protruding breast tissue directly underneath the nipple complex. This condition is called gynecomastia, also known as manboobs. It can be due to hormone imbalance during puberty, anabolic steroids, and medication, medical conditions, or even excess fat. The 4 ways to get rid of puffy nipples are diet, exercise, supplements, and lastly, male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery. Here is some great advice to get you started in the right direction.
Dietary Tips to Reduce Puffy Nipples
Excessive Dietary Fat and Changing Your Diet Can Improve The Appearance of Puffy Nipples.
The food that you consume plays a critical role in how you look and feel. If you want to seriously change how you look and feel about your chest, a lifestyle change is the best way to be successful. If you know that your puffy nipple is due to excess body fat you need to look into your diet and first get rid of junk food and fast food because these are the key component that will result in puffy nipples. Cutting back on foods with high saturated fats is critical to a low-calorie or low-fat diet which will reduce body fat.
A food source that is low in estrogen levels will help to balance your hormone levels. These foods are vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower are known as cruciferous vegetables and are low in estrogen. Consume more foods that promote testosterone levels such as low-fat yogurt, egg yolks, kale, barriers, macadamia nuts, tuna, tomatoes, and olives.
A low-calorie diet that is low in sugar should be created and maintained for the desired results. Alcohol is high in calories and should be reduced if not eliminated. Beer has a direct relation to estrogen production and beer not only can cause a beer belly by increasing the body’s visceral fat but moobs as well.
So, let’s focus on a low-estrogen diet, a high testosterone diet, and a low-fat diet. This will reduce the overall body weight which includes extra fat but not excess breast tissue of the breast. By improving the hormone levels in the diet the estrogen and testosterone levels will be more balanced.
Dietary Supplements To Try To Reduce Puffiness of Nipples
Supplements are a good addition to the overall treatment plan to reduce nipples that protrude. Oral herbal supplements can be a more natural approach to reducing puffy nipple by increasing the testosterone level. For men with low testosterone levels taking supplements will be most effective.
Some of the most common dietary herbal supplements are:
Ginger – Is also called Zingiber officinal, it has been used for medicine and spices in food for centuries. Ginger contains phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds responsible for this effect are gingerol, shogaol, and parado. The role of ginger and its components have been the study on its effect on chronic disease for two decades. The results have shown strong health benefits. Scientists have looked at the major component of ginger which is gingerols. This component of ginger has been shown to target pathways to chronic diseases and has the capacity to reverse or prevent chronic illness. Ginger can be used safely as a medicinal food derivative in preventing chronic diseases.
Fenugreek – Has been shown to increase testosterone levels and boost sperm levels. A Trusted Source study, 2017, evaluated 50 males who took the Fenugreek oral supplements for 12 weeks. Eighty-five percent of the males had an increased sperm count. This resulted in increased libido, mood, and mental alertness.
Turmeric – This is similar to ginger with antioxidant properties which has significant amounts of curcumin.
Ashwagandha supplements – This may have a positive effect on testosterone levels. It has been evaluated more for its effect on male fertility than puffy nipple size. Trusted Source study, in 2010, determined that ashwagandha increased the levels of testosterone in males.
Gynecomastia pills or supplements
Gynecomastia pills are marketed as male breast reduction busters. These are sold over the internet and the most common are Gynexin, Gynectrol, and Ultimate Gynemax to name the most popular. These gynecomastia supplements are fat-burning pills that reduce fat cell volume in the entire body. This includes the chest fat but is not only targeted to this area. These supplements do not reduce the breast tissue which causes gynecomastia. These are classified as herbal supplements or pills but not gynecomastia medication.
5 Top Chest Exercises for Men
Chest muscles exercises build up the chest or pectoral muscles. This really does not get rid of gynecomastia but can make the overall chest wall look better. When this is combined with cardio exercises, which reduces chest fat, the overall outcome can be significant. You can invest in a simple barbell bench and incline bench cable for your home.
You want to work out the entire pectoral muscles especially the lower portion. Therefore, different type of exercise is required. The following are effective chest exercises:
Barbell bench press
Pec deck Cable crossover
Chest press Inclined
dumbbell flies
Dips Pushups
It is wise to meet with a trainer initially especially if you are a beginner. They will put together a good program and ensure good form.
Surgery for Reducing Puffy Nipples in Men
For many men, the recommendations presented above will not achieve their goals. Many men eventually end up have surgery after realizing that non-surgical efforts are fruitless. T0 remove glandular breast tissue, requires male breast reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery is very effective with a high patient satisfaction rate. In almost every case is curative. The best doctor to perform this surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Gland excision with liposuction – This is the most common type of gynecomastia surgery. It is performed for grade 1 and 2 gynecomastia most commonly. An incision is made at the bottom of the areola, a webster incision, and the surgical excision of the gland is removed and the chest fat is liposuctioned.
Double incision mastectomy with a free nipple graft – This surgical procedure is performed for grade 4 and sometimes grade 3 gynecomastia. This type of surgery is used for excess skin which needs surgical tissue excision. An incision is made at the bottom crease out toward the armpit and a second surgical incision is made above the nipple complex. The skin and breast gland tissue are removed and the nipple is resized and placed as a skin graft in a masculine position.
Pull-Though technique – The is often used for pubertal gynecomastia or men who are grade 1 and in fairly good physical shape. This is a minimally invasive surgery. A 5 mm incision is made at the bottom of the areola and the gland is blindly directed free and pull out. This results in a very small incision.
Two-stage procedure – This type of surgery is used for men with minimal skin laxity with enlarged breasts tissue, Gland excision in liposuction is done in the first stage. The second is performed 4 months later, under local anesthesia, and removes a donut-shaped section of skin around the areola. The skin is tightened with a pure-string suture. This will improve skin laxity modestly.
What Kind of Shirts Hide Man Boobs?
Compression undershirts do not get rid of puffy nipples but they can flatten and smooth out the chest muscle area. Gynecomastia compression undershirts are effective and very affordable to hide excess breast tissue. Many men use the technique and other non-surgical options and sometimes eventually gynecomastia surgery. It is better to solve the problem than cover up it up.
The types of compression garments are vast to hide puffy nipples. There are core compression garments with various compression types, cotton undershirts, and spandex. The internet has many options.
FAQ’s
Why do my nipples go puffy sometimes?
Puffy nipples are caused by gynecomastia breast tissue caused by a hormonal imbalance. The areola, which surrounds the nipple, has a muscle within it surrounding the entire areola. This muscle can be stimulated by cold, touching, or any type of stimulation. This causes the nipple to become firmer. When this happens the areola contracts and becomes smaller and the puffy nipple condition looks flatter. As a matter of fact, many men say that their chest looks fine when the nipple is stimulated which is the reason for doing this often in a social situation like frequent touching or getting into the water.
When the areola muscle is relaxed which is caused by warm temperatures and relaxation, the excess breast tissue protrudes and puffy nipples result. The nipple becomes more flaccid and soft.
Will my puffy nipples go away after puberty?
Yes, in 80% of boys puffy nipples will naturally go away. If the puffy chest appearance does not resolve in two years then it is not likely to. A discussion on this topic can be read in the gynecomastia.psstage.com forum here.
Poor Results from Gynecomastia Surgery – Why You Should Find a Plastic Surgeon
Lifestyle changes may reduce enlarged male breasts in men who have pseudo gynecomastia, caused by excess fat tissue. Some men may also find that weight loss will lead to sufficient male breast reduction to feel happy with how they look. However, most men with gynecomastia will require gynecomastia surgery.
Male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery is the treatment usually recommended if you have had gynecomastia symptoms for a long time. It is also a must if your gynecomastia symptoms cause pain and discomfort. Understandably, you may be scared about poor results following gynecomastia surgery. This article will explain the risks and complications of gynecomastia surgery and how to find a specialist gynecomastia surgeon.
Can Gynecomastia Surgery Go Wrong?
All types of surgery carry risks and complications. Male breast reduction is just like any other surgery, and there are associated risks and complications you need to be aware of. It is imperative to find a plastic surgeon to reduce the potential of requiring gynecomastia revision surgery. Even with the best gynecomastia surgeons, complications can arise during gynecomastia plastic surgery despite the greatest care and attention.
Common complications of gynecomastia surgery include:
Hematomas or seromas (build-up of blood or fluid around the surgical site)
Bruising and swelling
Nerve damage which can cause reduced sensitivity in the nipples and surrounding skin
Inverted nipples or nipples that appear sunken
Loose skin
Uneven contours of the chest.
Your gynecomastia specialist should discuss all potential complications during your initial consultation. Always ask about any specific concerns you may have, so your gynecomastia surgeon can make any necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery.
Before having a consultation, here are three essential questions you should ask:
1. Is your plastic surgeon board-certified?
Gynecomastia plastic surgery can be performed by any doctor licensed to practice medicine in the US. Consequently, many other surgeons provide cosmetic surgery, often without any plastic surgery training.
Another thing to be aware of is the use of the credential, board-certified. Board certification is awarded in various specialties, and this is why you should always check your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
2. Do they specialize in gynecomastia plastic surgery?
The number of men that require gynecomastia surgery is limited, which means many plastic surgeons will only perform a handful of gynecomastia surgery procedures a year. However, a gynecomastia specialist like Dr. Delgado performs over 125 gynecomastia surgery procedures a year. As with any surgery, the more experience a surgeon has, the higher the possibility of good results and the lower the chance of requiring gynecomastia revision surgery. There are always risks and associated complications, but an experienced gynecomastia surgeon knows how to anticipate and prepare for them.
3. If you are unhappy with the results, will they provide gynecomastia revision surgery?
Even the most experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will sometimes run into complications that they cannot prevent. Although, in most cases, they will not cause any long-term problems or impact the result, occasionally, you may require gynecomastia revision surgery. Most plastic surgeons will provide gynecomastia revision surgery within a year of the initial gynecomastia surgery. Ask your gynecomastia surgeon if they will provide gynecomastia revision surgery without charge following your initial procedure and if you will need to pay any other costs, such as anesthetist fees.
How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery
To reduce the risk of complications before gynecomastia surgery, you should:
Stop smoking a minimum of six weeks prior, although it is advisable to stop 12 weeks prior if possible (if you smoke before surgery, always tell your surgeon, so they can take the necessary measures to reduce the possibility of complications).
Check if you should stop taking any medications or herbal supplements that could interact with anesthesia, increase bleeding, or slow down the healing process.
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and lean meat or seafood. If you are vegetarian or vegan, it might be advisable to speak with your physician about taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
Reduce alcohol consumption, avoid binge drinking, and have three alcohol-free days a week, at least 14 days before surgery.
Following all the instructions of your gynecomastia surgeon before gynecomastia surgery is essential to reduce the risks of anesthesia and surgical complications. A healthier body is more likely to heal and recover faster post-surgery.
Does Gynecomastia Surgery Remove the Entire Breast Gland?
Gynecomastia surgery removes a large portion of the breast gland but may leave a small degree for the best cosmetic result. The need for the excision of the gland will be evaluated using several factors, such as the degree of male breast enlargement, the cause of your gynecomastia, and any other health concerns.
Gland removal is usually performed when dense glandular tissue is the cause of male breast enlargement. The main indication will be if the appearance of enlarged male breasts and puffy nipples is not reduced with diet and exercise.
To remove the gland, the gynecomastia surgeon will create a discreet incision around the edge of the nipple-areola, approximately three centimeters in length. This standard gynecomastia surgery will usually be recommended for grade one and grade two gynecomastia. In mild cases of gynecomastia, mostly grade one and occasionally grade two, a specialist technique called the pull-through gynecomastia procedure may be suitable. The pull-through procedure only requires a three to five-millimeter incision on the edge of the areola and is sometimes referred to as scarless gynecomastia surgery. This is due to the tiny scar, which, once healed, will usually be very difficult to detect.
Grade three and four gynecomastia will usually require a double incision mastectomy, which creates additional scars due to the excision of excess skin. This is necessary to create a tight, toned masculine chest.
Your surgeon should fully explain the type of gynecomastia surgery to be performed during your initial consultation.
Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong – Common Gynecomastia Surgery Complications
Gynecomastia surgery is complex and poor results are more likely with a surgeon who does not have extensive experience. As mentioned above, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon can reduce the risks of complications and the possibility of needing gynecomastia revision surgery. You also need to take responsibility for your results by following all pre and post-surgical instructions to prevent common complications.
Some level of pain and discomfort is expected, along with some bruising and swelling. This should go away a few days up to 14 days following the surgery. You should also continue to refrain from smoking as this can impair healing and increase the risk of post-surgical infection.
You must refrain from doing strenuous activity or heavy lifting during this period to give your surgical wounds time to heal. This does not mean you should refrain from all activity, you must move around to increase blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a common risk after all types of gynecomastia plastic surgery. In general, you need to stick to light activities for 14 days post-surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Botched Gynecomastia Surgery and Revision Gynecomastia Surgery
Ideally, gynecomastia plastic surgery will give you a tight, masculine chest and long-lasting results. However, gynecomastia surgery is complex, and a simple mistake can result in a poor surgical result.
To avoid revision gynecomastia surgery, ask as many questions as possible and advise your plastic surgeon of your expectations. Your plastic surgeon should advise of potential complications and if your expectations are realistic. Every procedure is analyzed on a case-to-case basis. Therefore, there is no guarantee that one procedure will have the same result as another.
If gynecomastia revision surgery is required, you should receive a careful evaluation of the current results and any other existing problems. Always ask for a thorough explanation of why issues have occurred, and which techniques will be used to give you satisfactory results.
Gynecomastia revision surgery requires a high level of experience and surgical skill. If you are not happy with your initial results, it is advisable to get a second opinion. Not all botched gynecomastia surgery can be corrected, and prevention is always your best option. Plastic surgery is a lifetime investment in yourself, and gynecomastia plastic surgery is a permanent solution for enlarged male breasts. Consequently, cost should not be your primary concern. Make the right choice the first time, and you could save yourself from a lot of trouble, pain, and unnecessary cost in the future!
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.”
Gynecomastia.org does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
What are “man-boobs?” Just like you would expect, man-boobs signifies breast enlargement in men.
Are you insecure about your man-boobs? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who has this condition. Gynecomastia affects half of the men at some stage in their life. Unfortunately, some men suffer from this condition for many years.
Here’s everything you need to understand about man-boobs and how to get rid of them.
Gynecomastia occurs when the female hormone estrogen entices the increase in breast tissue. This can happen for a few reasons, including:
Pre-existing medical disorders
Medication side effects
Klinefelter Syndrome, a genetic condition where men are born with an extra X chromosome
Keep in mind, estrogen in men is common and normal. Gynecomastia deals with excessive and abnormal estrogen levels.
Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia occurs when pectoral fat builds up around the areola. This occurs when men are obese and they develop fat around the chest.
Unlike gynecomastia, this isn’t a hormonal issue. The chest and abdomen are two common areas where men develop fat.
What Are the Causes of Man-Boobs?
Man-boobs have a few underlying causes, including:
Low testosterone
High-estrogen
Low metabolism
Pectoral fat
Estrogen is one of the most important female reproductive hormones, but it also occurs in men. This hormone signals the body to develop and retain more fat in the chest.
Slow metabolism is also a common cause. Your metabolism dictates the way your body burns fat. If you develop more pectoral fat, you will have a harder time burning it off.
In addition, pectoral fat acts as a secondary gland that secretes the enzyme aromatase. This enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen, making it even more difficult to get rid of man-boobs.
These aren’t the only causes. The different types of man-boobs can also dictate the causes. Certain lifestyle factors also make men more prone to developing man-boobs.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia occurs as a result of hormonal issues, most commonly excessive estrogen levels.
Excessive estrogen is a side effect in many medications, can result from certain lifestyle factors, and can even occur during puberty. In rare cases, excessive estrogen can occur from a pre-existing condition.
Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia occurs when there are excess levels of fat in the body. The fat in a man’s chest could only be chest fat and not breast tissue growth.
However, excess body fat can decrease testosterone levels. In addition, the enzyme aromatase can convert testosterone into estrogen, forcing your chest to hold onto fat. This makes it difficult to lose man-boobs with diet and exercise alone.
Puberty
Breast tissue growth occurs as a result of hormonal changes. Unlike hormonal issues, these changes are only temporary and men usually lose their man-boobs over time.
These hormonal changes may occur during three main stages in a man’s life: infancy, puberty, and old age. However, the majority of men will form man-boobs during puberty. This condition is called pubertal gynecomastia.
As a man enters adulthood, his chest will flatten and he’ll lose his man-boobs. Most doctors won’t recommend any treatment unless a hormonal issue is suspected.
Steroids
Man-boobs are a common symptom of performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids.
Incorrect steroid usage causes gynecomastia because your body produces excess estrogen as well as testosterone. After finishing a cycle, users have to go through post cycle therapy (PCT) to ensure testosterone levels become stable.
Diet
In regard to pseudogynecomastia, men need to eat a low-carb diet to avoid weight gain. But did you know many foods contain estrogen? Common examples include:
Oats
Soybeans and other soy products
Rice
Beans
Apples
Sesame seeds
Carrots
Rice bran
Tofu
Tempeh
Coffee
Does this mean you need to avoid this food? No — certain foods such as oats, beans, and carrots offer many nutrients that are essential to our health. Just be mindful of how much of these foods you consume.
Diagnosis
Before you can receive treatment, you need to visit a doctor to see what kind of condition you have. While you can visit your general practitioner, it’s recommended you see a doctor who specializes in gynecomastia.
There’s one main method that doctors will use to diagnose your condition. They will take their fingers and squeeze one side of the breast. In true gynecomastia, the doctor will feel a mound of tissue. This tissue isn’t there with pseudogynecomastia.
Man-Boobs Treatment
Here are the most common treatments for man-boobs. Keep in mind, the treatment methods listed here may not be what your doctor recommends.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
If your doctor suspects your man-boobs are caused by excess fat, you’ll be instructed to make some diet and lifestyle changes. You’ll not only eat a low-carb diet but will also avoid foods that increase estrogen.
Your doctor will also suggest you start exercising to burn off more fat. Cardio exercise will burn fat but strength training will build muscle as well as burn fat. The muscle will better define your chest while increasing your metabolism and keeping fat off.
Supplements
There are many supplements that can increase testosterone production, cut off estrogen production, and burn chest fat. Gynectrol and Gynexin are the two most popular supplements.
Surgery
If the above techniques aren’t working, your doctor may suggest you have surgery to decrease the size of your man-boobs and flatten your chest.
The type of surgery you have depends on your condition. That’s because removing pectoral fat and removing excess breast tissue are two different procedures.
If you have gynecomastia, you’ll likely undergo male breast reduction (commonly called breast reduction surgery). This procedure removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts. Skin is removed in grade 4 gynecomastia.
If you have pseudogynecomastia, you’ll likely undergo liposuction. Liposuction removes fat from specific areas of the body. Your surgeon may also contour your chest to enhance the appearance.
Today, there are more non-invasive procedure options, such as Coolscullpting.
Common Questions Asked About Gynecomastia Surgery
Are you seriously considering undergoing surgery for your man-boobs? Did your doctor already recommend this treatment method? Here are some FAQs about this type of surgery.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Surgery?
Surgery for man-boobs is recommended for men who have been struggling with man-boobs, both gynecomastia, and pseudogynecomastia, for years. They have tried all treatment methods and aren’t successful. For those with pseudogynecomastia, these patients had little to no luck with diet and exercise.
There are different surgical procedures to remove the fat and tissue in a man’s chest, making the chest look flatter and shaped better.
Why Should Men Choose Surgery?
Most men who undergo surgery have not only had man-boobs for years but suffered from low self-esteem. If a man tried everything to reduce their man-boobs and have been unsuccessful, surgery is an effective treatment option.
What Can a Man Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?
Before your surgery, you’ll have a consultation with the surgeon where they discuss the operation they will perform and will provide details that will educate you about the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions about the procedure.
You should also conduct your own research as well as listen to your surgeon. Research the risks but also the results. Think if this is truly what you want. If you’re uncomfortable, you can always discuss other options with your surgeon.
On surgery day, the surgeon will mark the incisions on your chest. These incisions will target the exact areas of fat.
From here, the procedure will begin. The following steps depend on the operation you’re having.
If the surgery is successful, you’ll go through recovery. Most surgical recovery times are relatively short, only lasting a couple of weeks (but this depends on the exact operation and other individual factors).
Most men can return to work relatively quickly. If you work at a physical job, you may want to take off more workdays than someone who works in an office. Always listen to your surgeon and do what they advise.
In addition, you should rest. Take a break from exercising and try to avoid strenuous activity, such as sports, hiking, or climbing. If you decide to exercise, listen to your body, and stop when necessary.
What Clothing Should You Wear After Surgery?
Patients will likely receive special garments to wear during recovery. These garments conform your chest to its new shape and will also reduce swelling that occurs during recovery. Wear this garment as instructed by your surgeon.
Man-boobs are the excessive chest growth that many men struggle with. While man-boobs are often caused by weight gain, hormonal issues in the form of gynecomastia may also cause man-boobs. For most men, surgery is the best treatment option.
Do you struggle to find a gynecomastia surgeon in your area? For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Daddy-do-over is a new concept for men with gynecomastia. The “mommy makeover” has been a popular term for a long time. Although men do not go through the physical changes of pregnancy that women do, they do experience physical changes as they age, earning them such names as the “Dad Bod!” The phrase daddy-do-over was coined to describe gynecomastia surgery with liposuction of the abdomen and waist.
Due to busy lifestyles, men may find it hard to hit the gym when they have substantial work schedules and family obligations. A poor diet can take a toll on physical appearance, making Dad go from fit to flabby. Many men are exhausted at the end of the day and prefer to relax on the couch and watch T.V. Sleep deprivation can also show signs of aging. It is easy for the pounds to pile up, and if men do manage to lose the extra weight, the skin has lost a lot of its elasticity, and sagging skin may be the result.
The five most popular male minimally invasive procedures were:
Botox
Laser Hair Removal
Microdermabrasion
Chemical Peel
Soft Tissue Fillers (i.e., Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, or their own fat)
When men select to have a surgical procedure, they inquire about adding both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Adding procedures makes a lot of sense as there is only one recovery time, and there can also be some cost savings.
Popular Surgical Procedures with Daddy-do-over Surgery
Some of the procedures that men choose to combine are; gynecomastia surgery with liposuction of the abdomen and the love handles. Liposuction reveals underlying muscle definition. Some men who have lost a great deal of weight find that they have loose, saggy skin, tummy tucks aren’t just for women! Facial rejuvenation treatments mentioned above are often included. Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping procedures are frequently requested.
The Daddy Do-Over is increasing in popularity as men try to turn back the clock as women have. It has been noted that the Daddy Do-Over was a trendy gift for father’s day, but could also be considered for birthdays or holiday gifts.
