Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breasts. The condition can present as puffy nipples, a lack of firmness in the chest, or even full, female-like breasts. While rarely harmful to a man’s physical health, the psychological effects of gynecomastia are a different story. Having “man boobs” can be embarrassing in a world where a firm, flat chest is considered the masculine norm. Men with gynecomastia often wear baggy shirts to hide their chest and avoid removing their shirts at the pool, the gym, or even in intimate situations.
The good news is that gynecomastia is almost always 100% treatable with male breast reduction surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger offers a number of specialized options for male breast reduction that require minimal recovery and leave virtually no visible scars. Learn more about male breast reduction in Hawaii.
Male breast reduction surgery with Dr. Schlesinger can help you get a better looking chest
[multi_patient post_list=”231:1, 229:1″ pictures_size=”original” pictures_link=”taxonomy” pictures_columns=”2″ call_to_action=”Before and after photos”]
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
I have had surgery for gynecomastia two times before I finally went to Dr. Schlesinger. I almost gave up, but decided to try one more doctor. Dr. Schlesinger changed my life by accomplishing something I thought was impossible to fix. My chest is completely flat and I don’t feel embarrassed to take my shirt off now. I am very satisfied with the outcome from surgery. I would definitely recommend Dr. Schlesinger to men seeking help for gynecomastia. - RealSelf
What causes gynecomastia?
Men can develop gynecomastia for different reasons—and sometimes for no known reason at all. The condition is extremely common and thought to affect up to half of men at some point in their lives. Dr. Schlesinger treats men of all ages, from those in their teens all the way up to men in their 70s.
Gynecomastia in teens
Teenage males are especially hard hit by this disorder. Fluctuating hormones can cause male breast tissues to enlarge during puberty. Adolescent gynecomastia is often temporary, and the chest flattens once a man is an adult. Sometimes, however, the “man boobs” last into adulthood.
Steroid & hormone use
Use of anabolic steroids and other substances are a common cause. Many young, healthy men who are attempting to look more muscular will turn to the illegal use of male hormones such as testosterone, or even legal health store products such as DHEA. These and other hormone-producing products can cause breasts to enlarge, resulting in the unfortunate side effect of making one look worse when they were only trying to look better. While stopping these products is important for health and may keep gynecomastia from getting worse, oftentimes the damage has been done.
Weight gain and loss
Significant weight gain can also lead to enlarged male breasts, typically in the form of pseudogynecomastia (excess fat in the breasts). However, massive weight loss can leave behind excess skin, fat and glandular tissue in the breasts that can only be removed with male breast reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia
“True” gynecomastia refers to the growth of glandular breast tissue, while “pseudogynecomastia” refers to excess fatty deposits in the breast area. Most gynecomastia cases involve a combination of both excess breast tissue and fat. While the type of tissue causing enlarged male breasts will influence the surgical techniques used to treat gynecomastia, whether you have “true” or “psuedogynecomastia” is of less concern to Dr. Schlesinger than how you feel about your chest appearance and what results you desire.
Male breast reduction can treat your gynecomastia
If you are suffering from gynecomastia in Hawaii, know that you have options to restore a firmer, flatter and more masculine chest shape. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger has over 30 years of experience helping men permanently overcome gynecomastia and feel more confident in their bodies as a result. Learn more about your male breast reduction treatment options now.
