Naples Plastic Surgeons Explain Gynecomastia

According to the latest American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) procedural statistics data, gynecomastia surgery was the “most sought-after procedure for men” in 2023. With the number of gynecomastia procedures experiencing 18% year-over-year growth from 2022, the society suggests that “men wanted to feel confident in clothing including fitted shirts that accentuated the contours of their chest.” Men also “likely wanted to be at ease with their chests when not wearing a top either at the beach in a swimsuit or in a game of shirts against skins,” the society concluded.

Gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes enlargement of male breast tissue. With longstanding expertise performing gynecomastia repair surgery—also known as male breast reduction surgery—in Southwest Florida, the surgeons of Naples Plastic Surgery know all about this often embarrassing condition and how it’s effectively treated. Read on to learn more about what exactly gynecomastia is and how Naples Plastic Surgery can help men overcome it.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

A medical condition characterized by temporary or permanent enlargement of male breast tissue, gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels. Males of all ages can be affected by the condition if they experience elevated levels of estrogen or decreases in testosterone, which can stimulate the growth of breast gland tissue in one or both breasts. Affected breasts can sometimes be painful or overly sensitive, but otherwise, the condition is considered medically benign. However, the emergence of “man boobs” can be embarrassing and impact a man’s body image and self-esteem. Due to elevated estrogen levels, gynecomastia can also be marked by other symptoms, including:

• Lumpiness beneath the chest cavity skin
• Low sex drive
• Muscle mass decrease
• Belly fat increase
• Chronic fatigue
• Emotional instability and depression

Gynecomastia affects more than 60% of newborn males, but this form of the condition typically resolves itself two to three weeks after delivery. More than 50% of boys develop some degree of gynecomastia during adolescence, but most cases of adolescent gynecomastia tend to resolve themselves within two years without treatment. Up to 25% of older men between the ages of 50 and 80 experience gynecomastia, though not all to the extent that they require or seek treatment.

Numerous medical conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to the hormone imbalances that cause gynecomastia.

• Unresolved adolescent gynecomastia
• Medication side-effect
• Anabolic steroid use
• Primary hypogonadism
• Secondary hypogonadism
• Hypothyroidism
• Low testosterone
• Testicular cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Illegal drug use
• Malnutrition
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung cancer
• Obesity
• Trauma or injuries

Not All Male Breast Growth is Gynecomastia

Male breast growth is not always caused by hormone imbalances, as gaining weight can cause fat buildup in the chest that mimics the man boob look of gynecomastia. Known as pseudogynecomastia, this form of breast enlargement is typically addressed by diet and exercise. To diagnose gynecomastia, physicians usually conduct several diagnostic procedures, including blood work, liver function testing, hormone level testing, a mammogram, and biopsy.

Resolving Gynecomastia Naturally

Restoration of natural hormone levels can treat the underlying causes of some gynecomastia cases, especially those attributed to lifestyle factors. However, it may not reduce the enlarged breast tissue.

Common lifestyle changes that can help restore natural hormone levels include:

• Reducing alcohol intake
• Quitting recreational marijuana
• Stopping anabolic steroid use
• Consuming testosterone-rich foods
• Eating a balanced diet
• Getting more exercise

Resolving underlying medical-related causes of hormone imbalance can also help. If the hormone imbalance is due to a medical condition, medications, or other medical treatment, balance can be restored once the condition has been effectively treated or when the relevant drugs or treatment are ceased.

While adolescent gynecomastia symptoms usually resolve themselves, about 5% of teenage cases remain unresolved into adulthood. When such cases remain unresolved, they become more challenging to treat as the affected post-teen ages through their 20s.

Gynecomastia Treatment Options

Medical options to control gynecomastia and reduce the size of enlarged breast tissue include testosterone treatment, different drugs, and breast reduction surgery. The effectiveness of testosterone treatment and medications is subject to the patient’s body composition and lifestyle. These treatments usually take considerable time to produce noticeable results. For speedier results, some men choose to combine such treatments with gynecomastia surgery, which is also the only effective solution for some gynecomastia cases.

Gynecomastia surgery involves removing and reshaping a man’s breast tissues to remove the man-boob look and produce a more masculine chest physique. Some surgeries rely primarily on liposuction, while others involve surgical tissue removal combined with liposuction. Skin quality, skin thickness, fat deposit locations, excess breast tissue amounts, and the shape and size of the enlarged breasts typically dictates the appropriate surgical options.

Consult with Naples Plastic Surgery to Discuss Your Gynecomastia Options

Our skilled surgeons customize every male breast reduction surgery in Naples to meet each patient’s specific needs and aesthetic goals. If you have unresolved gynecomastia and would like to consult with our surgeons about your medical treatment options confidentially, they would be glad to speak with you. To schedule your gynecomastia appointment, contact our surgical center at 239.566.2611.