Posted August 16, 2024 in Male Gynecomastia Surgery
5 minute read
Terms like “man boobs” and “moobs” are often used to describe gynecomastia, and both the derogatory names and the impact it has on your appearance can cause embarrassment and shame. The reality is that as many as 65% of men worldwide suffer from gynecomastia each year. In this blog, we debunk some of the common myths about gynecomastia so you can better understand this prevalent condition.
Addressing Misconceptions About Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that affects millions of men every year. There are several causes of gynecomastia, and while some are preventable, others are a result of things out of your control. In this blog, we explore some of the misconceptions about gynecomastia and how gynecomastia surgery can be life-changing for men who struggle with self-confidence issues around the appearance of their chest.
Myth One: Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia Are the Same
The first thing you should know about gynecomastia is that it’s not just fat in the chest area. Gynecomastia is the development of glandular breast tissue and is thought to be the result of an imbalance in estrogen and testosterone in the body. Unlike women, men do not have glandular breast tissue; instead, their breasts are primarily fatty tissue. Pseudogynecomastia is when a man’s breasts become enlarged due to an increase in fat.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to gynecomastia, including (but not limited to):
- Hormonal changes
- Steroid use
- Health issues (liver, kidney, or thyroid disease)
- Recreational or prescription drugs
If you notice an increase in the size of your breasts, they feel lumpy, or they’re swollen or painful, it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor. It may be gynecomastia, it may be pseudogynecomastia, or it may be something more serious. Certain types of tumors produce estrogen, which can cause gynecomastia. And while only about 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men, when it comes to your health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Myth Two: Exercise and Diet Changes Will Cure Gynecomastia
As mentioned above, gynecomastia is the development of glandular tissue in a man’s breast. One of the primary causes of gynecomastia is hormone changes, which is why gynecomastia is more prevalent in specific age groups of men and boys. Newborns often have gynecomastia because of the estrogen in their bloodstream that passes through the placenta during gestation. Teen boys can develop gynecomastia when they’re going through puberty because of the fluctuating hormones in their body, including estrogen. Men over 50 are also affected because of the changes in hormone levels as they age.
While exercise and a healthy diet can’t cure gynecomastia, they are always an excellent way to maintain your health. In fact, exercise can actually help balance your hormones. Additionally, did you know that certain foods can contribute to estrogen increases in your body? Being aware of what you eat and how often you eat can help you keep your estrogen levels in check and, in turn, reduce your chances of developing gynecomastia.
Myth Three: Gynecomastia Always Requires Surgery
Thus far, we’ve learned that gynecomastia can be caused by several things, some of which are in your control and some of which are not. In some cases, you may be able to reverse your gynecomastia by making lifestyle changes like eliminating estrogen-producing foods from your diet, changing medications that may affect estrogen levels, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs (including steroids). If your gynecomastia is due to an underlying health concern, treating and managing that issue may also help.
However, sometimes it may not be possible to address your gynecomastia without surgery, so if you decide that’s the route you wish to take, it’s essential that you find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure.
Myth Four: Gynecomastia (and Gynecomastia Surgery) Is Something to Be Ashamed of
Being self-conscious about the appearance of your chest is normal, and wanting to improve how it looks is also normal. Even a celebrity as idolized and popular as The Rock had gynecomastia at one time and underwent surgery to correct it, so it’s clear that the condition is not something caused by laziness or a bad diet. The stigma around plastic surgery is still a problem, and it causes men to feel like they have to just “live with” gynecomastia. That’s just not true—-you deserve to feel confident in your skin both in and out of clothes.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Washington, D.C.
When you’re frustrated by gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery to address the issue is something that many men elect to do each year. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell offer compassionate gynecomastia care with exceptional results, whether you need glandular tissue removal, fat removal, or both. To schedule an appointment for a consultation, call our office today at 202.966.9590 or complete the online contact form.
