How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia: 3 Options
Gynecomastia is the presence of excess breast tissue in males. The condition can lead to embarrassment, self-consciousness, and even discomfort and pain. Many men have difficulty finding clothes they feel comfortable in, and it can be a challenge for romantic relationships as well.
Fortunately, men have several options for addressing excess gynecomastia and improving their physique — one of which is male breast reduction surgery. If you have found that excess fat and glandular breast tissue in your chest is frustrating and bothering you, read on to learn more about your treatment options.
3 Treatment Options for Male Breast Reduction
#1 – Address your health and lifestyle.
Gynecomastia surgery is one option for getting rid of man boobs (excess breast tissue). However, before going directly to surgery, it’s important to consider your current health choices. Certain lifestyle factors could be contributing to excess fat and tissue in your chest.
As an example, in some cases, male breast enlargement can be naturally cured through weight loss. Consuming a proper diet and getting adequate exercise can help overweight individuals lose weight, and this can, in turn, reduce excess breast tissue and fat cells in the breasts. Often, men who reduce body fat overall will see the best results as “spot treating” the chest is not typically possible.
Likewise, reducing one’s alcohol intake and use of drugs such as steroids can also positively influence gynecomastia — ultimately creating a more masculine chest.
#2 – Talk to your doctor about underlying medical conditions.
Losing weight and making positive lifestyle changes such as exercising more and reducing alcohol intake can go a long way to reduce extra breast tissue in many patients. However, you should also consider your medical history.
Certain medications, chronic illnesses, a hormonal imbalance, or another underlying medical condition may be at the root of your gynecomastia. In this way, your gynecomastia treatment may not have to be surgical.
Talk to your doctor. Often, they will recommend blood tests to look for changes in sex hormones, such as raised estrogen levels or lowered testosterone levels. Both of these hormonal changes are known to cause the growth of unwanted tissue in the breasts.
#3 – Consider gynecomastia surgery.
Generally speaking, gynecomastia surgery may be required for severe cases of gynecomastia and those that cannot be treated with a simple diet plan or hormone adjustments. While plastic surgery is not appealing to some men who would prefer to get rid of their excess breast tissue and fat with a non surgical technique, sometimes this is the only option.
Fortunately, most male breast reduction surgery cases require only small incisions. This means smaller scars. Furthermore, the success rate is high for this surgery, and gynecomastia recovery only lasts a few weeks maximum.
What Does Gynecomastia Surgery Entail?
Gynecomastia surgery first involves assessing the breast tissue with what is called the gynecomastia pinch test. This is a quick test to check for indications of gynecomastia.
You or your plastic surgeon will gently palpate the glandular tissue of each breast to feel for a hard lump, located directly beneath the nipple. If one is found, this usually denotes the need for surgery as this type of fibrous tissue won’t go away with diet and exercise alone.
To perform the surgery, your surgeon will use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. A small incision will typically be placed around the edge of the areola. Any tough, fibrous glandular tissue will be removed, and excess fat can be suctioned out via a liposuction cannula. The incisions will then be closed.
How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia During Puberty
In some cases, excess male breast tissue is the result of a hormonal shift during puberty. In this case, the male breast development is normal, and gynecomastia surgery is not necessary. The excess breast tissue should resolve on its own as the individual shifts out of puberty, and hormones regulate.
However, if gynecomastia is still causing mental and emotional problems for a young man going through puberty, lifestyle changes may help expedite the reduction of fat tissue and strengthen chest muscles for a more masculine appearance.
Young men in this situation should consider adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing excess fat if necessary. Alcohol and substances should be avoided. This can often help remove excess breast tissue naturally.
FAQ: Male Breast Reduction
What causes enlarged breasts in males?
Enlarged male breasts may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, an underlying medical issue, using certain medications or drugs (such as steroids), or being overweight. Some men will go through a period of male breast enlargement during significant hormonal shifts, such as during puberty.
What does stage 1 gyno look like?
Grade I gynecomastia is challenging to detect due to the absence of distinct signs. There’s no swelling around the breasts, but discoloration appears around the nipples, which start resembling a conical shape.
What worsens gynecomastia?
Soy contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that closely resemble human estrogen. If prone to breast tissue enlargement, avoid soy products like tofu, soybeans, and soy milk, as excess estrogen can contribute to gynecomastia.
Can you get rid of man boobs without surgery?
Yes, in some cases, there is a way to get rid of man boobs without gynecomastia surgery. Non surgical approaches tend to include weight loss plans, cessation of drug use, or assessing hormone levels and looking for an underlying medical issue that can be treated (such as high estrogen).
Can gynecomastia resolve with exercise?
For many men, losing weight and exercising more (cardiovascular workouts, resistance training, etc.) can help resolve excess tissue in the breasts naturally — without the need for male breast reduction surgery. However, in some cases, an underlying condition must be treated to resolve gynecomastia (hormone therapy, for example). Otherwise, gynecomastia surgery may be the answer.
Can gynecomastia go away?
Gynecomastia typically resolves on its own without medical intervention, with breasts flattening within months to a couple of years. Severe cases may require medication, while persistent gynecomastia after puberty may necessitate surgical reduction.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Smita
Whether you already know that you’d like to pursue male breast reduction surgery because of enlarged male breasts, or you simply have more questions about the procedure, scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is a good idea.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham treats men suffering from gynecomastia in the New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Ramanadham.