If you’re a guy, you have likely experienced some degree of gynecomastia, or enlargement of the male breasts, at some point of your life. That’s because gynecomastia is very common for men and boys of all ages, from infants to seniors and everyone in between. Although it may affect a wide range of age groups, the causes and recommended treatments for male breast enlargement can differ depending on its cause and what stage of life the patient is in.
According to data collected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), between 50% and 60% of adolescent males suffer from gynecomastia. In younger men, gynecomastia symptoms are typically caused by elevated levels of estrogen in the body that result naturally from puberty. In many cases, the breasts will flatten out around the time you enter your 20’s, but this isn’t always the case. And for young men whose gynecomastia extends beyond their puberty years, larger breasts can become uncomfortable, embarrassing and burdensome.
Enlarged male breasts are also quite common for adult men. The same NIH study estimated that 65% of men between the ages of 27 and 92 years showed signs of gynecomastia. Though the symptoms may be similar, the causes of gynecomastia in adolescents and adults are quite different. In addition to imbalanced hormones, gynecomastia in adults may be caused by medical conditions like thyroid issues or cancer of the pituitary gland. Consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs (including marijuana) can also trigger symptoms of gynecomastia.
For men seeking to reduce the size of their enlarged breasts, I recommend male breast reduction surgery. During male breast reduction, I am able to remove excess fat, glandular tissues, and skin from the breast to help create a more masculine chest contour that guys can feel good about. Though the physical results are often fantastic, the emotional effects can be even more significant. Many guys experience a massive boost in self-esteem after male breast reduction thanks to their newfound ability to look better and feel more comfortable in their clothes as well as more confident with their shirts off. As an added perk, fat removed during male breast reduction can be used to help build up the pectoralis muscle.
I have personally helped men of all ages reveal their best selves by treating their gynecomastia. If you experience male breast enlargement that has not responded to diet and exercise, it may be time to schedule a male breast reduction consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, I will take time to discuss your specific aesthetic goals and help determine if male breast reduction is the correct course of action. For more information or to schedule your complimentary consultation, contact Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram for additional tips, photos, and updates.