Everyone has heard the derogatory term “man boobs.” Most people assume it relates to men who are decidedly overweight and, like women, have more fat in their breasts because of it. In actuality, about 50% of men have gynecomastia, the clinical term for male breast enlargement. It’s a condition that can really impact a man’s self-esteem, making him avoid things like going to the beach or turning down waterskiing invitations.
But Dr. Ip can fix the condition with male breast reduction.
What leads to gynecomastia?
Adult gynecomastia is still a bit of a mystery. That’s not true with adolescent gynecomastia. Up to 70% of pubescent boys have the condition to some degree at some point. In teens, estrogen and testosterone and the changes they cause in the body are the causes. Most teenage gynecomastia passes as hormone levels stabilize.
Middle-aged and older men can also develop enlarged breasts due to hormone changes that come with aging. But often gynecomastia comes from taking certain medications:
- Antibiotics
- Heartburn treatment drugs
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Steroids
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- AIDS treatment drugs
Heavy drinking and smoking marijuana can also lead to gynecomastia.
Obviously, many of these cases don’t merit surgery, as the breast enlargement is a byproduct of, say, smoking lots of weed or being on steroids.
Breast reduction surgery
Men with gynecomastia have a firm, rubbery mass underneath the nipple area. The size of this mass is around 1.5 inches across and it may be sensitive to the touch.
If surgery is required, small incisions are made in the armpits or around the areolae. Through those incisions, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed and excess skin is trimmed. Liposuction may be added to remove fat pockets.
If you’re a man who is concerned about enlarged breasts, you may have gynecomastia. Call Dr. Ip at his Newport Beach, Manhattan, or new Beverly Hills office and make a consultation appointment.
