Gynaecomastia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
It might surprise you to know that male breast reduction is the second most popular form of cosmetic surgery for men after nose jobs (rhinoplasty). Men are turning to this treatment to resolve issues with gynaecomastia, which is the abnormal enlargement of male breasts. As the benefits of cosmetic surgery become more widely known, more men are choosing to address concerns about their appearance and deal with the symptoms of gynaecomastia head-on.
But what exactly is gynaecomastia, what causes it, how can you treat it, and when might male breast reduction surgery be an appropriate solution? We take a closer look at this surprisingly common condition and discuss how male breast reduction can improve the appearance of your chest, reduce discomfort and help you regain your confidence.
What is gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is the formation of excess breast tissue in men and boys. Gynaecomastia can occur at any time but is most common during puberty and in men who are over 50 or overweight. It causes the abnormal enlargement of one or both male breasts, which can understandably become a source of embarrassment for many men. It can also be a source of discomfort, with the nipples or breasts becoming swollen and feeling sore.
Gynaecomastia is a surprisingly common disorder that affects 30 to 50% of males at some point in their lives. It occurs when the male and female hormones in the body become imbalanced, usually due to puberty, medication or some other condition. It can also develop as men age.
Gynaecomastia may not need to be treated. However, if the presence of excess breast tissue is making you feel self-conscious or preventing you from enjoying certain activities or living your life to the full, male breast reduction is an option. It will flatten the chest area and give you a firmer, more masculine appearance.
What are the causes of gynaecomastia?
Several factors increase the risk of developing gynaecomastia. Known colloquially as ‘man boobs’, there are many drugs, illnesses, environmental exposures and genetic conditions that can lead to one or both breasts becoming abnormally large. The most common gynaecomastia causes include:
- Hormone changes in men during puberty and over the age of 50
- Conditions such as kidney disease, an overactive thyroid and cirrhosis
- The use of drugs such as cannabis and anabolic steroids
- Certain medications such as anti-androgens that are used to treat prostate cancer, ADHD medicines, anti-anxiety medication and even some antibiotics
- Being overweight
The symptoms of gyaecomastia can vary widely. Some men may notice a small amount of extra tissue forming around the nipple, while some may develop more prominent breasts. Gynaecomastia is not usually painful, although your nipples and/or breasts may feel sore and tender and look swollen.
If you notice these symptoms or have a lump in your breast or nipple that’s not going away, feel any changes in the skin of your breast or nipple, such as redness or a rash, or have discharge from one or both nipples, you should see your GP.
Gynaecomastia vs. chest fat – Which do I have?
A common question we are asked is ‘Do I have gynaecomastia or chest fat’? That is a valid question as they can appear very similar, but they are two distinct conditions.
Chest fat
Chest fat is a build-up of fat in the chest area caused by weight gain, lifestyle choices or genetics. It will tend to be evenly distributed across the chest, as well as in other parts of the body. It will usually be soft to the touch and make the chest appear rounder and fuller overall.
Chest fat can be reduced through regular exercise and a healthy diet. Liposuction could be an option if you have stubborn areas of chest fat you cannot shift.
Gynaecomastia
Gynaecomastia is a medical condition that causes the growth of breast gland tissue, which can give the chest a more feminine appearance. It can develop unevenly in one breast or both and is not usually linked to overall body weight. It is denser than fat and feels firmer to the touch. Physical exercise and weight loss usually have little impact on gynaecomastia. Instead, you may need to change medication, treat an underlying condition or address a hormone imbalance. Male breast reduction surgery could be an option if other treatment methods aren’t successful.
How to get rid of gynaecomastia?
Most cases of gynaecomastia do not require specific treatment. For example, gynaecomastia that develops during puberty will often resolve itself as the body finds its hormonal balance. A GP will usually recommend regular checkups to monitor the condition and it will typically subside in less than two years without further treatment.
When the gynaecomastia is caused by excess body fat, losing weight can help. Losing weight reduces oestrogen levels in men. As part of your routine, you should focus on exercises that help you gain chest muscle as that can reduce the appearance of breast tissue. On the other hand, if gynaecomastia is caused by a medical condition or taking certain medications, treating that condition or changing your medication can reduce the symptoms.
In some cases, gynaecomastia does not improve by itself or it may cause persistent pain or psychological distress. In this instance, your doctor can prescribe certain medicines to treat the condition. Medicines such as Danazon and Tamoxifen increase or reduce certain hormones. Aromatase inhibitors are also sometimes used, although they can have side effects such as reduced bone strength and joint pain.
If the gynaecomastia does not go away on its own or you still have enlarged breasts after taking medication, surgery may be an option. Gynaecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is not usually available on the NHS but it is a treatment you can access privately.
What is a male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue to create a firmer, more masculine chest. There are two different types of male breast reduction surgery, with the most appropriate procedure depending on the type of excess tissue you have.
- Liposuction – If you have excess fatty tissue, liposuction can be used to remove the breast fat. The surgeon will insert a suction hose through small incisions made under the arm or around the nipple to remove the fat and contour the chest.
- Mastectomy – If you have excess breast gland tissue as well as fat and skin, your surgeon may recommend a mastectomy to remove it. Again, they will make small incisions to allow them to cut out the breast tissue and redundant skin. They may also reposition the nipple and areola as part of the procedure.
Some patients require a combination of liposuction and mastectomy to achieve the desired results. Your surgeon will discuss your goals during the initial consultation and recommend the most appropriate technique for you.
Both procedures are usually performed as a day case. That means you can return home on the same day as the treatment, and the surgery only takes around 90 minutes.
Am I suitable for male breast reduction?
Despite making changes to their medication and increasing their physical activity, many men find that they are still left with enlarged breasts and an appearance they are not happy with.
You may be suitable for male breast reduction surgery if:
- You’ve had gynaecomastia for a long time and it’s not responding to other treatments
- It’s causing you considerable pain or distress
- Your gynaecomastia is unresponsive to diet and exercise
- You are unhappy or embarrassed about your physical appearance
- You take steps to hide your chest under baggy or layered clothing
- You avoid going swimming or taking your shirt off at the beach
- You’re generally in good health and do not have any conditions that could complicate surgery
If some or all of the above apply to your gynaecomastia, the likelihood is that you’ll be a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery. However, the only way to find out definitively is to book a consultation with a professional cosmetic surgeon, such as the experts at Enhance Medical.
We will discuss your condition with you in more detail, carry out an in-depth assessment and give you a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure so you can make an informed decision.
Safe, affordable and high-quality male breast reduction surgery with Enhance Medical
At Enhance Medical, we have a vastly experienced and highly trained team of surgeons, some of whom specialise in male breast reduction surgery. They provide the highest standard of professional care for every patient and ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your condition.
Find out more about cosmetic surgery at Enhance Medical, including our industry-leading post-operative aftercare, and book a free consultation at one of our clinics throughout the UK.