What you should know about enlarged male breasts

For men who suffer from enlarged breasts, also known as gynecomastia, the condition can cause embarrassment and lead them to avoid certain activities, impacting their quality of life. Read on to learn more about gynecomastia and what you can do to correct this condition.

• Enlarged male breasts aren’t always simply the result of weight gain. Hormones are often to blame. During puberty, estrogen and testosterone levels can be off the charts, leading to enlarged breasts. In middle-aged and older men, shifting hormones can cause enlarged breasts as well.
• Certain medications may be to blame. Steroids, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, antibiotics, heartburn treatment drugs and AIDS treatment drugs are linked to gynecomastia.
• Heavy drinking and marijuana use are also linked to enlarged male breasts.
• Surgery isn’t always the answer. If enlarged breasts are caused by weight gain, men should try to lose the weight first to see if the breasts return to normal.
• Good candidates for surgery are men who are in overall good health, have a positive outlook and realistic expectations for surgical outcomes.
• Men who have a firm, rubbery mass underneath the nipple area would benefit from surgery.
• Surgery may consist of liposuction alone to remove the fat pockets, but surgery often entails excising excessive glandular tissue, fat and skin through small incisions made around the areola. That is the dark skin surrounding the nipple.
• Recovery isn’t difficult. The small incisions will heal quickly. Patients can expect initially swelling and discomfort that resolves quickly. Patients will wear a compression garment to help with any swelling and help the chest adhere to its new contour.
• Patients usually return to work and normal activities in a week. They will need to avoid strenuous exercise for about a month.

Male breast reduction surgery can help men improve their self-esteem and get them back to activities they enjoy without worrying about their breasts. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling (585) 922-5840 today.