“Man Boobs” Aren’t a Joke!
Posted September 29, 2016 in Gynecomastia Surgery, Liposuction, Men and Plastic Surgery
Some people may laugh when a man takes off his shirt and exposes his “man boobs.” Considering breasts aren’t ideally considered masculine, men with boobs can be comical to spectators. However, males who are suffering from an accumulation of breast fat and tissue are not only ridiculed with public shame but may also feel pain and distress. They avoid social situations that may require them to show off their body, such as going to the beach or laying out by the pool. Having overly large male breasts can be emasculating for a man and may affect him emotionally and physically. “Man boobs” aren’t a joke!
What causes male breasts to develop?
Enlarged male breasts are characteristic of a condition known as “gynecomastia,” which can develop due to hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs. Overdeveloped or enlarged breasts can occur in males of all ages.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, gynecomastia can have a psychological impact on adolescent boys. The teasing from peers can affect their mental and emotional health. Older men with gynecomastia may avoid intimacy or physical activities.
Gynecomastia can present in different ways, such as:
- Excess localized fat
- Excess glandular tissue
- Excess breast skin
- Unilaterally (in one breast)
- Bilaterally (in both breasts)
How do you get rid of “man boobs”?
Men suffering from gynecomastia may have tried diet and exercise to reduce breast fat and tissue accumulation to no avail; for some men, not even a healthy lifestyle can solve their problem. Male breast reduction surgery, or gynecomastia surgery, can be performed to remove fat and glandular tissue that causes the appearance of male breasts. Typically, gynecomastia can be corrected with liposuction and/or tissue excision.
Liposuction and Male Breast Reduction
Liposuction is used to remove stubborn fat using a thin, hollow tube (cannula) that suctions out the fat through a vacuum device. If necessary, excess glandular tissue and skin will be removed using excision. The remaining skin will be redraped over the chest muscles and secured with sutures. Patients will be able to see immediate results. Once residual swelling has subsided, they will notice a flatter, more masculine chest area.
Am I a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
Men who want to get rid of fat and glandular tissue in the chest area may be good candidates for a male breast reduction. Ideally, candidates will have already tried diet and exercise to reduce their gynecomastia without success. It is important that men undergoing gynecomastia surgery are non-smokers, do not have any life-threatening illnesses, are in good health, are at a relatively healthy weight, and have stabilized breast development.
Dr. Dubrow is an experienced plastic surgeon who can help you achieve a more masculine chest appearance with gynecomastia surgery. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation today! Contact us by calling (949) 515-4111 or by filling out our online contact form.