While hanging out over on our endless beaches, you’ve probably heard friends snicker about a passing man with “man boobs.” It can seem like nothing more than some extra weight showing in the chest. But reality says otherwise.
First off, the medical term is gynecomastia, and it applies to men whose breasts are enlarged. The numbers affected by gynecomastia aren’t a trifling: 40 to 60% of men are affected by the condition, although many do nothing about it. Oh sure, they may avoid taking their shirts off in public. They may avoid going to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea or turn down the invite for snorkeling down in the Keys. But they simply live with the condition, and it can negatively affect their self-esteem.
Dr. Cheung and Dr. Low perform male breast reduction to correct the situation and give our CRS patients back their confidence.
Causes of gynecomastia
The causes of adult gynecomastia are not all known. But in pubescent boys, where the condition is common (affecting up to 70% of boys to some degree), the cause is estrogen and testosterone and the changes they cause in the body. Teenage gynecomastia usually passes as hormone levels stabilize.
Middle-aged and older men can also have enlarged breasts due to shifts in hormone levels that come with aging. Certain medicines also can cause gynecomastia:
- Steroids
- Antibiotics
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- AIDS treatment drugs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Heartburn treatment drugs
Also, marijuana and heroin use can trigger breast enlargement, as can drinking too much alcohol. Certain herbal products that contain tea tree oil and lavender oil can have the same effect because they contain natural estrogen.
Male breast reduction surgery
After your consultation with Dr. Cheung or Dr. Low has determined your condition can be addressed with reduction surgery, the surgery itself isn’t that complicated. Small incisions are made in the armpits or around the areolae. Through those incisions, excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue will be removed. If necessary, we may use liposuction to suction out any extra fat.
Recovery
There will some swelling and discomfort after your reduction surgery, but this passes quickly. You will need to wear a compression vest to reduce swelling and help your chest conform to its new contour. You should be able to resume most of your normal activities within a week after surgery.
Enlarged male breasts aren’t something you have to live with. Give Dr. Cheung and Dr. Low a call at CRS, (954) 533-8029, and let’s talk about reduction surgery.
