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What Causes Gynecomastia?

By: Dr. Paul Pearce

6/21/2023

Men never want to hear their name and the term ‘man boobs’ in the same sentence. It is not only degrading, but it can make men feel even more self-conscious about something that is out of their control. Gynecomastia is a condition that leads to overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men. This can occur at any age, but is most common in teenage boys and older men. 

WHY DO MEN DEVELOP GYNECOMASTIA? 

It is estimated that roughly 50 percent of men in the United States experience some degree of gynecomastia during their lifetime. Gynecomastia can occur in men of all ages for different reasons, including:

  • Hypogonadism––Conditions that interfere with normal testosterone production
  • Hormone imbalance––Hormone changes can cause the enlargement of male breasts
  • Tumors––Tumors found in the testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands can produce hormones that alter the male-female hormone balance
  • Kidney failure––Those who are being treated with dialysis tend to experience gynecomastia


Gynecomastia Blog


What Causes Gynecomastia? Gynecomastia can also be caused by certain antibiotics, heart medicines, chemotherapy, marijuana, and drugs that influence testosterone levels.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR GYNECOMASTIA? 

You may be the perfect candidate for gynecomastia surgery if you:

  • Are bothered by your enlarged breasts
  • Do not smoke or use drugs
  • Are at a stable, healthy weight
  • Do not have a life-threatening illness or other serious medical condition

HOW CAN I GET RID OF GYNECOMASTIA? Gynecomastia is most commonly addressed with male breast reduction surgery. This procedure removes excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a firmer, flatter, and more masculine appearance. While it is possible to get rid of gynecomastia through a healthy diet and steady exercise, there might be excess glandular tissue that will make the appearance of enlarged breasts noticeable. After the surgery, you can expect to see a thinner chest, a straighter silhouette, and more defined chest contours. 

HOW WILL BREAST REDUCTION IMPROVE MY LIFESTYLE? 

It is time to normalize breast reduction surgery for men. Roughly 24,000 breast reduction procedures were performed on men in 2018, which is a 22 percent increase since 2000. There are many benefits with male breast reduction, and you will be able to notice improved chest contours almost immediately after the surgery. Gynecomastia surgery can not only boost your self-confidence, but it will open the doors to feeling confident in certain styles of clothing and may make you more inclined to experience the great outdoors in Austin, like the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lake Austin, and Lake Travis. Your results should be long-lasting as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper diet following the surgery. 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? 

If you would like to learn more about treatments for gynecomastia or determine if you are a candidate, call our Austin office or fill out our online contact form.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.