Enlarged breast tissue in men is usually caused by a hormone imbalance but it can also be affected by medication and lifestyle factors such as weight gain.
It’s thought that around one-third to two-thirds of men experience gynecomastia. And whilst it can occur at any age, it affects older ages the most as testosterone levels decline and weight increases.
If the onset of breast enlargement is due to medication, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor about the problem. Whilst there may be nothing they can do, it may also be possible to switch to a different brand or experiment with the dosage of your medication.
Whilst there is little you can do about gynecomastia caused by hormones, overall good health and well-being will help you to regulate your hormone levels. The advice is nothing new – don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, do regular exercise, get into a good sleep routine and keep your alcohol intake low. Easier said than done, we know!
Lifestyle factors, on the other hand, are more within your control. If your breasts have got bigger alongside weight gain, then reducing your calorie intake and increasing your activity levels will help, even if hormones or medication are also factors.
Of course, living with gynecomastia can have a severe impact on your self-esteem, making you feel self-conscious at work, in your relationship and socially. Instead of living with the condition, it can be addressed permanently with plastic surgery.
Male breast reduction surgery is a relatively straight-forward procedure which leaves the chest flatter and firmer and better contoured. There are several options which may involve liposuction, gland excision, reduction mammoplasty, or a combination of these treatments. The right approach will depend on your unique physiology and preferences, something your surgeon will discuss at length during your initial consultation.
If your breast enlargement is largely due to fat accumulation it’s likely that liposuction alone will give a good result.
Conversely, if your breasts are large because of the proliferation of the glandular component of the breast, it may be appropriate to remove excess breast tissue alongside liposuction.
For major breast reductions, or in cases where excess skin must also be removed, the procedure may require larger incisions that result in larger scars.
Whichever approach you opt for, surgery will be performed under a general anaesthetic and you will need to stay overnight in the hospital where you will be well cared for by our specialist, experienced team. You should note that you will usually have two scars around 5mm in length on each side of your chest. They will be pink at first but will fade over time.
