Having a masculine body is important to most men from an early age. Masculine features are a symbol of strength, attractiveness, and manliness. Unfortunately, some men’s chests betray this image and develop excess breast tissue, giving them a feminized appearance. Breast reduction surgery for men (gynecomastia surgery) can eliminate enlarged male breasts, improve chest contour, and give you a masculine chest you can feel confident about.
Why Do Some Males Develop Breasts?
The development of male breasts is a medical condition called gynecomastia. A common condition, gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men and can occur even in early puberty. Men with gynecomastia have excess fat, glandular tissue, and/or skin in the breast area. While most cases do not have a known cause, a scientific study of gynecomastia literature identified the following as common causes:
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Hormonal imbalances, especially for pubertal teens and elderly persons
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Being overweight
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Lack of testosterone
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Steroid use
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Alcohol use
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Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, Klinefelter syndrome, and testicular tumors
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Certain medications such as testosterone inhibitors and medications that increase prolactin levels
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Extreme stress
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Aging
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Trauma or injury
How Can Gynecomastia Be Treated?
Gynecomastia is not harmful, and the condition may even go away on its own if your hormone levels stabilize or if you stop certain medications. If gynecomastia doesn’t resolve on its own or if it causes you anxiety and embarrassment, male breast reduction surgery can treat and permanently eliminate your gynecomastia to give you a better-contoured chest. The procedure surgically removes fat and/or glandular tissue as well as excess skin where necessary. The details of your procedure will depend on whether the cause of your gynecomastia can be identified and the extent of your condition. After your procedure, you can look forward to having a permanently flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest contour. Most men who undergo gynecomastia surgery have more self-confidence, less anxiety and embarrassment, and an improved self-image as a result of their enhanced masculine appearance.