Gynecomastia is the medical terminology for enlarged breasts in men. This condition can develop at any age. Sometimes, newborn boys develop gynecomastia due to hormone changes in their bodies. Pubescent boys may also experience this condition for the same reason. Other conditions, including obesity, steroid use, hormone and just plain heredity have been implicated as causes of gynecomastia, too. No matter the cause, gynecomastia is a sensitive issue for most men.
In some cases, gynecomastia is a symptom of a larger problem. This condition can be a sign of tumors in the adrenal glands or in the testicles. Gynecomastia can also be related to kidney disease. Not everyone with gynecomastia is a great candidate for cosmetic surgery, at least not at first. For example, someone with kidney disease would need to prioritize treatment for that condition before worrying about gynecomastia.
After hormonal problems, obesity is the next most common cause of gynecomastia. There are two reasons for this. The first is that as people gain weight, their bodies produce more estrogen. This can prompt the growth of breast tissue. The second reason obesity is linked to gynecomastia is simpler. When people are overweight, the chest is just one area where fat deposits can start to grow. For men with obesity, the best strategy is to lose weight before considering surgery.
Good candidates for gynecomastia surgery include men who have no serious underlying conditions. They should be at a healthy weight or close to it. They should have breast development that has stabilized, not ongoing growth. Some men aren’t bothered by gynecomastia. If it’s not a pain point for them, there’s no reason to have a big surgery over it. But for men who are bothered by their gynecomastia, mindset can be very important.
Men should seek less invasive treatments before resorting to gynecomastia surgery. The best candidates for gynecomastia include men who have realistic expectations. They should have specific, measurable goals and plans for how to reach them.
