“Man boobs.” They’re embarrassing for many men. But did you realize that up to half of men experience some type of swollen or enlarged breasts? The condition, called gynecomastia, is much more common than people think. And many men go years or decades without discussing it or attempting to get treatment.

WHAT CAUSES GYNECOMASTIA?

A variety of factors can contribute to gynecomastia:
• Aging – hormone imbalances due to aging can lead to gynecomastia
• Obesity – extra weight deposited on the chat will contribute to enlarged breasts. Excessive fat also stimulates the body’s production of estrogen, which can also increase the breast size.
• Puberty – many young boys experience breast swelling at puberty. Most doctors and plastic surgeons recommend waiting a few years to see if the enlarged breasts resolve on their own, which they often do.
• Drug side effects, including steroids – prescription drugs can cause man boobs, and tea tree or lavender oil have been linked to childhood gynecomastia.
• Cancers or hereditary disorders – Hormonal or chromosome imbalances caused by cancers or hereditary disorders can cause gynecomastia.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Before considering cosmetic surgery, men with gynecomastia should consider exercising. There are specific exercises that can build muscle in the arms and chest including push-ups, interval training, seated rows, and incline presses. A personal trainer or even quick research online can give you more details. Cutting back on fatty foods and sticking to a low-fat diet will give the body a chance to burn excess calories and can potentially minimize the size of the breasts.

GYNECOMASTIA SURGICAL PROCEDURE

To decrease the size of man boobs through surgery, a cosmetic surgeon will create an incision around the nipple and areola and remove excess fat and breast tissue. Gynecomastia surgery can be performed in conjunction with liposuction to smooth and contour the chest. The incision will then be closed with sutures and patients may return home after surgery. Most patients spend about a week away from work, and strenuous exercise or lifting should be avoided for up to two months. Side effects include soreness, tenderness, bruising, and swelling.

If you are a man in the Fort Lauderdale or Broward County area looking for a way to achieve a flatter chest and get rid of excess breast tissue, consider male breast reduction for gynecomastia. Contact board-certified plastic surgeons Barry Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., today for your consultation at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery.