Men with enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) often experience a significant impact on their self-esteem and confidence, especially in the pool, at the beach, or wherever men would typically like to remove their shirts.
Making positive lifestyle changes, including weight management, avoiding drugs or medications that contribute to gynecomastia, and addressing underlying health issues, can sometimes help reduce breast tissue enlargement. However, it rarely produces the chest contouring results men really want.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is characterized by the development of excess breast tissue in men, leading to a more feminine chest appearance. This condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances, certain medications, genetics, or underlying health conditions.
What Is Pseudogynecomastia?
While the conditions resemble each other, pseudogynecomastia is caused by excess fat in male breasts only and not glandular tissue, which defines true gynecomastia.
Effective Treatments for Gynecomastia
Men often consider the following methods to address gynecomastia:
Exercise and Lifestyle Changes
Exercise can improve pseudogynecomastia considerably but cannot eliminate enlarged male breasts due to gynecomastia. However, incorporating regular exercise into one’s routine does contribute to improvements in overall physique, health, and well-being.
The best exercises to incorporate when battling gynecomastia include:
- Strength training: Targeted chest exercises, such as bench presses and chest flies, may help build muscle in the chest area.
- Cardiovascular exercise: Cardio exercises can reduce fat, potentially improving gynecomastia.
Exercise can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and improve the chest’s appearance, particularly when pseudogynecomastia is the cause of a man’s enlarged breasts. However, it can’t eliminate the excess glandular tissue responsible for gynecomastia.
Pseudogynecomastia
When pseudogynecomastia is the problem, exercise and diet may resolve the issue, but in many cases, liposuction is required to provide the masculine contours men desire.
Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynecomastia usually requires specialized treatment because it involves excess glandular tissue. Surgical options like male breast reduction are proven to provide effective and lasting results.
Surgical intervention is often considered the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Male breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue and, in some cases, liposuction for contouring.
Medications
In some instances where hormonal imbalances contribute to gynecomastia, medications such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed to regulate hormone levels.
Compression Garments
Wearing compression garments may help minimize the appearance of gynecomastia by providing support and compression to the chest area.
Taking a Personal Approach to Gynecomastia
Treatment should be tailored to your unique circumstances. If you are struggling with the effects of gynecomastia, consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore the most suitable treatment options to meet your needs.
Understanding that gynecomastia is a medical condition with various contributing factors is crucial for seeking appropriate care and achieving your desired outcome.
When To Undergo Gynecomastia Surgery
When excess breast tissue affects young boys and teens, it’s essential to wait until adulthood for surgical intervention, as these cases can sometimes resolve on their own.
If the condition is caused by medications, treatment may produce only temporary results if these medicines remain necessary past the teenage years. A consultation with a qualified medical professional can help guide you to the best solution.
Counseling and Support
For individuals dealing with the emotional impact of gynecomastia, counseling and support groups can be beneficial in addressing self-esteem issues and fostering a positive body image.
Are You Looking for Gynecomastia Surgery in Pasadena, CA?
At Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Martin O’Toole and Dr. Adam O’Toole, have the experience and skill you need to achieve the masculine contours you desire. We offer male breast reduction surgery and advanced liposuction procedures to treat both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole also provide several procedures to address loose skin and stubborn residual fat after significant weight loss. Call (626) 671-1756 today to schedule your gynecomastia or full-body contouring consultation.