As we get older, we all experience body changes that we would rather avoid. One concern among men is the possibility of developing man boobs.
Though common, there remains a big stigma concerning ‘man boobs’, also known as gynecomastia. In TV and films, man boobs are often the subject of a lot of jokes, so it only makes sense why people are so insecure about their development.
At The New Birkdale Clinic, we have helped countless men regain their confidence through male chest reduction procedures, so we are familiar with why someone may look to reduce their man boobs.
Here are some methods that you can use to get rid of man boobs.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a swelling of the breast tissue, occurring in men or boys. Commonly referred to as man boobs, gynecomastia can be incredibly uncomfortable and have an impact on a person’s self-esteem, leading to mental health issues.
There are a lot of reasons why a man may start to develop breasts. These may include:
- Hormone imbalance.
- Medications such as antibiotics and antidepressants.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Long-term conditions.
- Poor diet.
- Alcohol and drug abuse.
There are a lot of reasons why someone may develop ‘man boobs’, and without a medical consultation, you may not be able to determine the exact cause of yours.
Pseudo-Gynecomastia
This condition is caused by fat buildup around or behind the nipples. It is important to distinguish between the two, as they have different causes and usually require different treatments.
Because the two tend to have different causes, pseudo-gynecomastia happens to be more avoidable, so how to decrease male breasts in both circumstances may differ.
How to Prevent Man Boobs
If you have not yet developed male breasts but are worried about it occurring, there are some things that you can do to lower your risk of developing enlarged breasts.
For example, you can try to avoid drug use and alcohol overconsumption. Alcohol, in particular, is incredibly high in calories and can also suppress testosterone levels, leading to the development of breasts.
Regular exercise is also a great way to reduce chest fat, and you should try to exercise at least 3 times a week to see any sort of impact.
Eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods where possible is also essential.
Is Breast Fat Hard to Lose For Men?
Chest fat can be difficult to lose for men. Even with diet and exercise, it can be difficult to target specific areas of the body. If the breasts are already developed, they will be difficult to reduce without some form of treatment.
Non-surgical Treatments
If you have already noticed the development of gynecomastia, you are likely wondering how to decrease the look of male breasts. Here are some non-surgical ways that you can improve their appearance.
Lifestyle Changes
As we have already mentioned, making lifestyle changes is a great way to reduce the look of man boobs. If you have quite a sedentary lifestyle, doing regular exercise can help you maintain your body weight and reduce the fat around your breast areas. This should always be matched with a healthy diet to see the best results.
If you are having difficulty making these adjustments, consulting a healthcare professional for additional advice may be beneficial.
Hormonal Treatments
There is a good chance that hormonal issues may cause the swelling of your breast tissue, and in that case, hormonal treatments may be a great solution. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor further, as they will be able to advise you on the best solution.
Medications
There is a selection of medications that have been proven to reduce the look of gynecomastia. These medications include:
- Raloxifene
- Danazol
- Tamoxifen
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Your doctor will run tests to better identify the cause of your gynecomastia before prescribing these medications. This will help them decide what to prescribe.
Surgical Solutions
In most cases, the only way to completely reduce your man boobs is by undergoing surgery. By meeting with one of our experienced surgeons, we can assess you and advise you on which surgical solution will be more beneficial for you.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
The purpose of a male breast reduction procedure is to remove excess glandular tissue, which is more targeted towards men whose gynecomastia is caused by hormonal factors or abnormal tissue growth.
This surgery usually takes 1-2 hours and is performed under local anaesthesia by a trained surgeon.
Liposuction for Pseudo-Gynecomastia
If your enlarged chest has been caused by excess fat, you will likely be recommended to undergo liposuction. This is much more minimally invasive than breast reduction, as it only requires a small incision and has a relatively easy recovery period.
If you would like to learn more about the expected aftercare for liposuction, be sure to look at our guide.
There are two commonly used forms of liposuction that can reduce the look of man boobs, these are:
- Tumescent Liposuction
- Vaser Liposuction
Liposuction is minimally invasive due to the smaller incisions required. You can also expect a short recovery time, so you will be able to return to work relatively quickly after undergoing the procedure.
Should You Choose Surgery?
Surgery is often recommended when non-surgical methods have been unable to address the problem. Surgery is incredibly effective because it addresses the problem at the root, removing any glandular tissue or fat.
When you undergo a surgical procedure, the results are also more likely to last. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid anything that may stimulate regrowth, the results are long-lasting.
What to Expect From Surgery Recovery
Though it may seem intimidating, recovering from breast reduction surgery is more straightforward than you may think.
You are expected to wear a compression garment, as this will help reduce swelling and provide support for your chest as it heals; you should wear the garment for 1-2 weeks while you heal.
These surgical garments control swelling, facilitating skin retraction.
You should also avoid strenuous activities while you heal and carry out no heaving lifting for 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
At The New Birkdale Clinic, we always set up follow-up appointments with our patients to monitor their healing and post-surgery progress.
Take a Step Towards Confidence With New Birkdale
At The New Birkdale Clinic, we offer a range of surgeries to help you reduce the appearance of your chest. Whether you are looking for male chest reduction surgery or liposuction for your breasts, we are here to provide you with the help you need.
If you would like to learn more about the procedures that we offer or you would like to arrange your consultation, contact us today and take the next step towards a more confident you.
