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Understanding Why Men Get Breasts: Causes & Treatment Options

Find out all you need to know about enlarged breasts in men and how to fix it.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Male and female bodies have both testosterone and estrogen hormones. Typically, estrogen is significantly lower in men and testosterone is equally lower in women. However, an imbalance of male hormones can cause estrogen levels to increase and lead to the development of male breasts. This is called gynecomastia, also dubbed “man boobs.” Let’s learn more about gynecomastia causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

How Do I Know I Have Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a painful and embarrassing condition that impacts infants, young boys, and middle-aged men. If you’re not overweight but suddenly develop breasts that are large and sore, it may be caused by an imbalance of testosterone.

Common symptoms of gynecomastia include:

  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Prescription medication side effects
  • Chemotherapy
  • Steroids
  • Tea tree and lavender oil
  • Antibiotics

Click Here -> To Know more about What Else Might Cause Gynecomastia in the Breasts?

How Gynecomastia Affects Men & Boys

In most cases, the body will correct gynecomastia within six months to two years. However, your physician may prescribe medication, topicals, or injections to reverse your low testosterone. Men who’ve struggled with male breast growth for years will often turn to plastic surgery as an immediate solution. Removing your enlarged breasts with cosmetic surgery is an effective and long-lasting way to help boost your self-confidence.

Confirming You Have Gynecomastia

Before your procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon may recommend seeing your primary care physician to confirm your diagnosis and ensure adequate health. In some cases, gynecomastia is a sign of a serious ailment.

Your primary doctor will test for several medical conditions:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Low testosterone
  • Kidney failure

Doctors will also examine the chest to verify gynecomastia is not mistaken for another issue. Low testosterone, which also causes weight gain and fatigue can disguise potentially life-threatening medical issues:

Breast cancer
Individuals may mistake their breast discomfort and abnormalities for gynecomastia when they have breast cancer. Though not as common, breast cancer affects men as well. An examination followed by a blood test or mammogram will determine which is true.

Mastitis
A breast tissue disease, known as mastitis, may cause severe pain, swelling, and inflammation. If not treated, mastitis can be harmful to one’s health. Men who have diabetes, eczema, a nicotine addiction, or an infected nipple piercing are more likely to be affected by mastitis.

Breast fat deposits
Breast fat doesn’t originate from low testosterone. Your doctor will examine your chest and determine if it’s excess fat or large glandular tissue.

About Male Breast Reductions

Breast reduction is the most effective and immediate treatment option for enlarged breasts in men. This procedure can be done in one of two ways: mastectomy and liposuction. Both will correct overdeveloped breasts, tighten the surrounding skin, and help revive your self-image. A mastectomy is less invasive and removes all breast gland tissue, liposuction removes fatty tissue.

 

How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed? During your visit, the doctor will review your medical history and family history before performing a thorough physical exam. Read More!

Dr. Mazaheri Can Correct Gynecomastia

It’s time to stop being self-conscious about gynecomastia. If you struggle with low testosterone levels and have large breast glands, Dr. Mazaheri can help.

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mazaheri is a well-respected cosmetic surgeon you can trust. He has 20+ years of experience performing successful breast reductions for men and women. Dr. Mazaheri truly cares about every client and he’ll help you achieve your desired results.

To learn more about male breast reductions and the options available, schedule an appointment at Dr. Mazaheri Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD, PC

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon | Profile | Posts
Dr. Mehdi K. Mazaheri

Dr. Mazaheri is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After more than sixteen years of education and advanced training, Dr. Mazaheri opened his Scottsdale practice in 2003. He is a thorough and experienced surgeon with a strong focus on achieving patient needs. Dr. Mazaheri’s areas of specialty include breast and body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, mastopexy, tummy tucks, liposuction and other body sculpting procedures. He and his friendly staff will only recommend procedures that will help you achieve your desired results. Focusing on your needs both before and after a procedure is Dr. Mazaheri’s top priority.

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