Male Breast Reduction Can Improve Quality of Life at Any Age

Men should not have breasts. As much as we expect every male chest to be flat, Mother Nature sometimes has a different idea. There are millions of men in the world who are needlessly living with shame about the shape and size of their breasts. The common expression to describe enlarged male breasts is “man boobs.” We use the term gynecomastia to describe the excessive growth of breast tissue in men. This is not only more scientific, but also much kinder. Men with gynecomastia need kind support. They also need to know why their breasts have grown and what can be done to help them.

Interesting Statistics

One of the most significant scientific discoveries related to gynecomastia is the prevalence of this condition among teen boys. The National Institutes of Health released statistics which reveal that more than half of teen boys have gynecomastia to some extent. This is important to address because teen boys need a lot of support to help them handle the social and emotional repercussions of having female-like breasts. Fortunately, science tells us that most teen boys whose breast enlarge during adolescence experience the spontaneous flattening of the chest as their hormone levels come into balance. Until this happens, a teen may feel more confident if he wears a compression garment under his shirts. Also, if gynecomastia persists for longer than two years, a medical consultation and exam can be scheduled with a doctor who is familiar with the causes and treatment of gynecomastia.

Statistics also suggest that more than 60% of adult men develop gynecomastia. Hormone dysregulation may play a role here as well. This may be especially relevant when a man is overweight because excess belly fat can increase estrogen production in the body, and estrogen can dominate testosterone. Other aspects of a man’s life, such as the consumption of drugs or alcohol, may also contribute to gynecomastia.

Medical support for gynecomastia may encompass a man’s diet and lifestyle habits, but this approach may not resolve existing breast tissue. Most men realize that you can’t exercise away enlarged breasts. What is needed in situations of persistent breast enlargement is surgery. In our Cincinnati office, Dr. Krummen tailors male breast reduction to the individual. To see how we can help you or someone you love feel better about their appearance, call 513.985.0850.