Ask Dr. Elliott: Better Understanding Gynecomastia in Men
Plastic surgery for men continues to rise in popularity each year, and cosmetic procedures to treat gynecomastia are always near the top of the list of surgeries for male patients. This is because male breast reduction is so common. In fact, the Aesthetic Society estimates that over 40% of all men in the US will experience gynecomastia at some point in their life. Since this condition and procedures to treat it are so common, I thought it would be helpful to answer a few common questions I have received from patients about gynecomastia and plastic surgery.
Question #1: What is the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia?
Although gynecomastia has become somewhat synonymous with male breast enlargement, these two terms don’t mean the same thing. In fact, the word pseudogynecomastia refers to any condition that may look like gynecomastia, but isn’t true gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the result of the development of excess glandular tissue in the chest area. Pseudogynecomastia can refer to the appearance of breast enlargement or “man boobs” that results from excess fat or other factors.
Question #2: Can lifestyle habits increase my risk of developing gynecomastia?
Absolutely. Although the condition may be hereditary or caused by natural hormone fluctuations in some cases, a person’s behaviors can potentially increase his risk of developing gynecomastia. Certain prescription medications or drugs can contribute to male breast enlargement. This includes anabolic steroids, some antibiotics, medicines used to treat heart conditions, chemotherapy drugs, and more, as well as recreational drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine, and opiates.
Question #3: Can gynecomastia just go away without any treatment or surgery?
Unfortunately not. Certain types of male breast enlargement may dissipate over time with a return to a more harmonious hormone balance, or diet and exercise. But true gynecomastia will not recede without intervention. Thankfully, male breast reduction surgery has proven to be an incredibly safe and dependable method to address gynecomastia. During the procedure, I am able to surgically remove this glandular tissue (as well as fat as needed) to provide a flatter, more masculine chest contour that will last.
It’s incredible over the years to see the profound impact that male breast reduction can have on men who experience gynecomastia. The first step towards improving your self-esteem with male breast reduction is an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. For more information on gynecomastia or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for more plastic surgery tips, news, videos, and more.