Man-boobs are a very common condition, and worldwide gynecomastia symptoms affect approximately one in three men. This condition causes excess breast glandular tissue, which is often combined with fatty tissue, causing the appearance of female breasts. For many men, living with man boobs causes embarrassment and low confidence. This can lead to avoiding activities that involve going shirtless, such as swimming and trips to the beach, and missing out on spending time with family and friends. Men often feel too uncomfortable to visit the gym or exercise, which can result in weight gain and increase the size of man boobs.
Although the cause of gynecomastia is not always known, some of the more common causes include weight gain and obesity, anabolic steroid abuse, and male menopause. Whatever the cause, if enlarged male breasts are destroying your confidence, there is usually no need to continue living with man boobs.
Having plastic surgery may seem drastic or daunting, but with modern surgical options, getting rid of man boobs has never been safer. For the best possible outcome, the most important thing you can do is choose a plastic surgeon that specializes in gynecomastia surgery.
How to Check Your Surgeon Is a Plastic Surgeon
In the U.S., the only requirement to practice plastic surgery is a medical license from a state medical board. This can be obtained once a medical degree and postgraduate training are completed. However, this does not mean the physician has experience in any form of surgery.
There is a lot of confusion around board certification and how to check if a plastic surgeon is qualified. The first thing to be aware of is a Board Certified Surgeon is not always a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes 14 individual surgical specialties. This is why you need to check that your surgeon is not only board-certified but is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Another issue is understanding the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Many people wrongly assume that if a surgeon is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), they will have received the same training and passed the same exams as a plastic surgeon. This is not the case. To apply for board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must have completed at least six years of training and passed an accredited residential training program, with three years committed entirely to plastic surgery procedures. They are also subject to continuous assessment and exams.
A surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery only needs to complete one year of surgical training, and there are no continuous assessments once they are certified. In California, the Medical Board of California has prohibited ABCS diplomates from calling themselves “board-certified.”
Gynecomastia surgery is the fastest and most effective solution to permanently get rid of gynecomastia. Usually, this is a one-time surgical procedure with a high patient satisfaction rate.
2. What happens during gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery involves the removal of glandular tissue and/or fatty tissue. Liposuction sculpts the chest area for a smooth and contoured masculine-looking chest.
3. Can gynecomastia surgery be performed under local anesthetic?
Gynecomastia surgery can be performed under a local anesthetic. However, Dr. Delgado prefers to use a light general anesthetic for standard gynecomastia surgery. This gives him more control and also provides a more comfortable experience for the patient.
4. When can I shower after gynecomastia surgery?
You can shower the day after the drains are removed normally within 3 days of gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Delgado advises to gently pat incisions and then put your compression garment back on.
5. When will I be able to return to work after gynecomastia surgery?
Most men return to non strenuous work and light daily activities within 5 days of having gynecomastia surgery. For more strenuous work you will need to wait between 7 to 10 days before returning to work. Lower body light aerobic exercise can be started four weeks and full workouts six weeks following surgery.
6. How soon can I swim after gynecomastia surgery?
You should avoid exercise and swimming for six weeks following gynecomastia surgery. This is to prevent contaminants causing infection and arm movements pulling on the incision sites.
7. How long does it take to see the results of gynecomastia surgery?
You will see results immediately after surgery. Swelling and bruising will decrease over the following 10 days and by six months, the final bit of swelling will have gone, and the final results will be evident.
Boost your confidence and feel free to enjoy life with gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Delgado provides free virtual consultations so that you can share your goals and expectations. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch !
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021”.
Gynecomastia.org does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
Man boobs are often joked about, but living with man boobs can be distressing. Surgery for man boobs is the fastest way to get rid of enlarged male breasts. However, if you are unable to have surgery for man boobs, there are ways to hide your moobs.
Man boobs can range in size significantly. Some men with gynecomastia symptoms will only have a small degree of enlargement, while others can have enlarged male breasts similar to female breasts. Surgeons separate gynecomastia into four grades based on the amount of fatty tissue and breast gland enlargement present.
Grade 1 – Small amount of breast glandular tissue with or without puffy nipples.
Grade 2 – Mild to moderate enlargement of breast glandular tissue, often with fatty tissue, which causes male breast enlargement with a feminine appearance.
Grade 3 – Moderate to significant enlargement of breast glandular tissue with fatty tissue, resulting in fuller male breasts.
Grade 4 – Significant breast enlargement, with breast glandular tissue, fatty tissue, and excess skin, causing larger male breasts with a deep breast crease.
The Best Men’s Shapewear to Hide Man Boobs
The quickest way to hide man boobs, or moobs, is with male compression vests, also sold as men’s shapewear. Male vests for man boobs compress the glandular and fatty tissue to make the chest look flatter. You can also buy men’s shapewear to compress your stomach area for an overall improved upper-body appearance.
The style of compression vest you choose will depend on the size of your enlarged male breasts and the amount of compression required. Some men might find a compression vest that looks like a “normal” men’s vest is sufficient. However, if you have moderate to large man boobs, you may need to consider a compression garment that is more like actual underwear.
Three Popular Brands of Men’s Shapewear
Men’s shapewear has become increasingly popular, and the good news is many brands now produce good quality men’s compression garments. Below are five top brands that offer various styles of compression shapewear to wear underneath your clothes.
1. Spanx
Spanx range for men has a range of stylish vests and t-shirt style tops that no one would know are compression garments.
Spanx shapewear, compression vests, and tops for men include:
Compression crew neck style t-shirt
Compression vest
Compression tank top.
Now that you know which body shapers are the best shapewear for men, you can cut a svelte physique underneath your clothes.
2. Underworks
Underworks offer a choice of tops and vests marketed as medical-grade compression garments — available as vests and high-power chest binders designed specifically to hide larger man boobs.
Underworks compression vests and chest binders include:
Compression tank tops
Chest binder compression tank tops
Chest binder in a short, discreet low-neck vest.
3. Leo
Leo men’s shapewear is made from a patented PowerSlim® fabric and SkinFuse® seamless compression fabric. Leo also offers a range of vests with different degrees of compression to provide extra strength depending on the amount of flattening required.
Leo compression vests include:
Body shaper vests with back support and maximum compression
Tank tops with moderate compression
Crew neck seamless tank tops with light compression.
How to Hide Man Boobs without Wearing a Man Boobs Vest
Men’s shapewear is not the only way to hide enlarged male breasts. If you have grade 1 or 2 gynecomastia, you may prefer to use tape to strap down your man boobs. Companies now make tape marketed for hiding man boobs. Another readily available option is surgical tape. You may also decide to use tape to provide extra pressure under a compression vest if you have larger man boobs for additional chest flattening.
Best Clothes to Hide Man Boobs
Some men find compression vests or garments and tape uncomfortable. The alternative is careful clothing choices. Here are three things to look for if you want your clothes to hide man boobs:
Color is one of the best ways to hide man boobs. Darker colors like dark gray, dark blue, and dark red can work, as well as black, of course.
Fabric is essential. Clingy and thin fabrics will make man boobs more obvious. Choose structured fabrics such as linen and heavier fabrics.
Style and fit can make a real difference. The best way to hide man boobs is to wear a t-shirt under a loose-fitting shirt.
If you are fed up with trying to conceal enlarged male breasts, surgery for man boobs is the quickest, most reliable way to banish man boobs for good.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.”
Gynecomastia.org does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
The appearance of man boobs is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can result from medications, steroid use or may occur naturally. Gynecomastia is defined as excessive growth of male glandular tissue. Although weight loss and exercise may help reduce the size of man boobs, surgery is the only option to reduce glandular tissue. Another condition that may be mistaken for gynecomastia is called pseudogynecomastia, when male breast enlargement occurs due to excess fat. This type of male breast reduction can normally be carried out with a liposuction procedure.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Male breast reduction is also known as gynecomastia surgery. This is a plastic surgery procedure designed to treat a medical condition that causes the enlargement of male glandular tissue, resulting in what is often called man boobs. Gynecomastia surgery is performed by numerous surgeons and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for men in the USA.
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
When considering any surgery, the cost will play a part in the decision-making process and which surgeon to choose. Certain plastic surgery organizations operate a “conveyor belt” of patients. Permitting limited time for the procedure will provide a set fee in advance of a consultation. Consequently, as they limit the time to a minimum for each procedure and book in as many patients as possible in a short period, the gynecomastia surgery cost is lower.
More often, when the price is low, it is because any surgeon can perform a cosmetic surgery procedure in the USA, regardless of their training or specialty. When comparing prices, always check that the surgeon is a Board Certified plastic surgeon. The actual cost estimate of any plastic surgery is dependent on the surgeon, the facility where the procedure will take place, and the patient’s specific needs. Cosmetic surgery in this respect is the same as most surgical procedures, and a set price should immediately ring alarm bells.
Several other factors are evaluated by the plastic surgeon when providing an estimate for the cost of a gynecomastia procedure. Among these factors is the type of gynecomastia procedure required and whether or not it’s revision surgery. In all cases of true gynecomastia, the surgeon will have to perform surgical excision of the breast glands. This procedure will usually be performed under a general anesthetic and increase the total cost.
You should also consider costs common to all plastic surgery procedures, such as anaesthesia, the fee for the facility and operating room, the geographical location, and any other complications. Additional costs also may include medical tests, antibiotics or medications, and post-surgery garments required following a surgical procedure.
Gynecomastia surgery costs can vary from state to state and according to the surgeon’s expertise. A plastic surgeon will usually charge more than a general surgeon, and anesthesia charges differ depending on experience. Plastic surgeons also tend to use facilities that charge considerably more than clinics and set up as quickly as possible for minimum cost. This means the all-inclusive fee for the plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and facility usually falls between $6,500 and $9,000.
Recovery Time for Gynecomastia Surgery
The recovery time usually expected with modern gynecomastia surgery techniques is around one week. Although it is not recommended to start exercising or lifting heavy objects, most men feel well enough to return to work. Any swelling will continue to reduce, and scars will heal over two to three weeks.
Occasionally, a small, thin tube will be placed near the incision to drain out any excess fluid or blood after gynecomastia surgery. These are typically removed within two to three days. Patients are asked to wear a dressing or bandage on the surgical site during the recovery period. In some cases, customized compression garments may be provided to minimize swelling and aid the healing process by limiting movement on the incision site.
Patients are also given specific sets of instructions on caring for the surgical site at home. They will also be asked to take oral medications for a few days following your surgery to fight off any potential infection or complications that may arise. All patients are advised to strictly follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding care, especially resting. You will be asked to take it easy for a few days or weeks following your surgery, and you must avoid strenuous activity until your wound has fully healed.
Male Breast Reduction Without Surgery
Before considering male breast reduction, it is important to consider other treatment options first. Understanding the symptoms is one of the best ways to determine the most effective course of treatment. With the help of an expert, you may be able to reduce enlarged male breasts without surgery.
Losing weight through diet and exercising can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of man boobs. The enlarged breasts are often a result of excessive fat tissue in the breast area. Exercise can trim down the fat content in your body and help you shed excess weight. The less fat you have, the smaller your man boobs. Weight loss can take time. Liposuction is an effective and quick procedure with minimal associated complications and virtually no scarring for a faster solution. However, liposuction is only suitable for pseudogynecomastia, as it will not reduce the size of the breast glands present in true gynecomastia.
The intake of certain drugs and steroids can also contribute to the growth of breast tissues in men. If you want to get rid of your man boobs, you must abstain from drugs immediately. You might have to undergo hormone treatments to reduce the presence of estrogen in your system, which can trigger breast growth. The downside to hormone treatment is that it is only effective for moderate cases. Not all men are suitable due to health reasons or medications they are taking for other medical conditions, such as irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia).
Non-surgical Procedures to Get Rid of Man Boobs
Other more advanced non-surgical procedures for gynecomastia symptoms include laser therapy that can remove fat and be used for body sculpting, and Coolsculpting is another option to reduce fat tissue, which can help reduce male breasts. These treatment options melt or freeze the fat cells, which are then dispelled naturally from the body over months through urine. As these treatments will not reduce the size of glandular tissue in cases of true gynecomastia it is likely they will be unsatisfactory.
The great thing about non-surgical treatment for enlarged male breasts is that they require less downtime. Plus, the cost is lower. However, when repeat treatments are necessary, the costs can equal the cost of gynecomastia surgery. Suppose you have tried any of the above-mentioned non-surgical treatments and are still not satisfied with the result. In that case, gynecomastia surgery is likely to be needed to fully remove excess glandular tissue that causes man boobs.
FAQs About Gynecomastia Surgery
Does Health Insurance Cover Gynecomastia Surgery?
In terms of health insurance, gynecomastia surgery is not eligible for coverage because it is classed as a cosmetic surgery procedure. It is still advisable to consult with your insurance provider as there may be exceptions to this rule.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Painful?
The pain reported by patients is mild and subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are available if required.
Does Gynecomastia Surgery Leave Scars?
Expect scarring when undergoing any surgical procedure. However, gynecomastia surgery has advanced significantly in terms of scars. While complete lack of scarring is impossible, different factors can impact scar visibility, such as the type of procedure required, incision size, and the surgeon’s skill.
Previous gynecomastia surgery techniques require a relatively large incision to remove the fat and glandular tissue from the chest area. Today, newer techniques have been developed to eliminate the need for a large incision. One of the newer methods used by plastic surgeons is cutting-edge ultrasound technology, which breaks up the chest tissue. Once broken down, the fat tissue that needs to be excised can measure approximately a quarter of an inch, eliminating the need for a large incision, as it is possible to suction out the smaller fat tissues.
Aside from leaving almost undetectable scars, the advancement in surgical techniques can also facilitate faster recovery time for the patient. The smaller the wound, the faster a patient can recover from the procedure, in most cases with significantly reduced scarring.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.”
The content on Gynecomastia.org is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace the need to meet with a physician who will accurately diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options.
The National Institute of Health defines gynecomastia, commonly referred to as man boobs, as a benign abnormal growth of male breast glandular tissue. It is typically caused by an increase in estrogen, a decrease in testosterone, or a combination of these factors. Gynecomastia symptoms can affect men of all ages, affecting one or both breasts.
When man boobs or moobs develop due to fatty tissue, this is called pseudogynecomastia. Typically, overweight or obese men are most affected by pseudogynecomastia, also referred to as “false gynecomastia.”
For support and constantly updated resources, join our gynecomastia forum.
Here are some tips that will help you or someone you know to get rid of man boobs caused by pseudogynecomastia due to increased localized fat tissue.
1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
It is always advisable to consult your physician before implementing any new diet or exercise program. It is important that you communicate your concerns and objectives to your physician. This is so that diagnostic tests can be carried out to rule out any other underlying causes of your gynecomastia symptoms.
2. Gynecomastia Diet Changes
Gynecomastia diet – low in estrogen and high in testosterone
A healthy, low-calorie diet is one of the best things you can do for weight loss. Setting a goal and tracking your daily food intake is the first step. The majority of people are unaware of the amount of food they consume, so food tracking can be an eye-opener. In addition, if you are trying to lose weight, you may want to reduce the amount of these five food groups:
Sugar – Avoid sugary foods and drinks and check for hidden sugar. Sugar is hidden in a wide range of products, such as cereals, bread, grains, granola bars, juices, energy drinks, meal replacement bars, and powdered milk.
Sugar
Processed Foods – Ingredients used in processed foods, such as GMO ingredients, artificial sweeteners, soybeans, vegetable oils (like canola and sunflower), and inferior meats, pose serious health risks. The chemicals, antibiotics, and endocrine disruptors in these products can lead to hormonal imbalances, which will end up making weight loss more difficult.
Highly processed foods
Gluten – The Beyond Celiac website reports that approximately 18 million Americans have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Consequently, even if you do not have celiac disease, gluten can still trigger an inflammatory reaction in your body. Such sensitivities or intolerances can prevent weight loss and cause various other health problems.
Gluten
Dairy Products – Inflammatory effects of dairy products are similar to those of gluten. It is important to note that inflammation is the underlying cause of most diseases, including obesity and weight gain. Moreover, if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, dairy products may result in uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and digestive discomfort.
Dairy products
Food with low-fat content – Researchers have proved that high-fat diets can help burn more calories than low-fat diets, based on studies involving avocado, coconut products, butter, ghee, and extra virgin olive oil. In addition, low-fat food often has high amounts of sugar.
Foods low in fat
The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Loss
Using the body mass index (BMI), we can estimate body fat percentage. BMI can be calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in meters squared, or there are several online tools to work it out for you. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a BMI over 25 is classed as overweight. Chest fat (or fat in any area) can not be lost just by targeting that specific area of the body. This is why aiming for overall weight loss and a BMI under 25 is the most effective way to get rid of man boobs.
Many diet fads can trigger fast weight loss, but it is advisable to avoid crash diets and change your diet gradually for long-term sustained weight loss. A balanced diet should consist of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a simple food guide of what to eat and avoid if you want to lose weight.
Eat more:
Whole foods
Vegetables
Lean meat
Eat less:
Processed foods
Sugary foods and beverages
Alcohol
More tips for weight loss:
Keep a food journal
Realistic, long term weight loss goals
Reduce food portions
Exercise and Weight Loss
Research has shown thathigh-intensity interval training takes less time and is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous exercise for weight loss.
Weight Loss Tip
Getting the hang of food tracking may take you one or two weeks, but do not give up! In no time, you will be a pro at calculating portion sizes. And when it comes to having a healthy and happy gut, don’t forget about prebiotics and probiotics!
3. Bodyweight Training
Body weight exercises
Bodyweight training targets various muscle groups, which leads to higher calorie expenditure. Therefore, do not limit yourself to chest area exercises alone.
Tip
Push-ups are an excellent example of bodyweight exercises for the chest that also require activation of your arms, shoulders, back, core, and glutes and require you to engage your legs. As you place your hands wider during a push-up, your chest is forced to work harder. You do not have to go very fast. It may be beneficial to change the tempo of the push-up and to do some slowly as well.
4. Weight Training
Weight training by lifting weights
Building chest muscle will not only help to define your chest. A higher body percentage of muscle over fat means you will burn more calories, even when resting.
Tip
Chest muscle exercises to get rid of man boobs, chest presses and cable chest flies are excellent examples. Make sure you do more than chest exercises geared strictly to build chest muscles. Training with an all-body approach is crucial (to losing fat). Men’s testosterone levels can be boosted by exercise, which (among other things) helps to build and maintain muscle mass and reduce moobs.
Myth or Fact
The amount of fat tissue and the degree of elasticity in the skin really determine the degree of man boobs or the grade of gynecomastia. Losing weight may also result in your losing your man boobs. The skin might also hang loosely when a lot of fat needs to be lost. If you have lost weight, there are surgical procedures to remove excess skin, but you need to take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment! It’s not easy to lose weight. You must be dedicated to your health and to yourself. Ultimately, if you still have excess skin, the surgical procedure is up to you.
Conclusion
Is It Really Possible to Fully Get Rid of Man Boobs?
The amount of fat tissue and the degree of elasticity in the skin contribute to the size of man boobs or the grade of gynecomastia. In cases of pseudogynecomastia, weight loss may result in losing your man boobs. Following excessive weight loss, the skin might be loose and hang away from the body. When this happens, a surgical procedure to remove excess skin will be necessary if it is causing concern.
Can Moobs Go Away?
Enlarged male breasts may remain if hormones are not in balance. As many as 30% of male adolescents and boys suffer from this condition. As a result of the hormonal changes in boys, it is not uncommon for adolescent males to have gynecomastia symptoms. In up to 90% of gynecomastia cases during puberty, the symptoms will resolve within two years.
If the gynecomastia breast tissue does not resolve within two years, it is usually permanent. Man boobs caused by fat build-up called “fake gynecomastia” or pseudogynacomastia can be reduced with weight loss and disappear completely. Reviewing prescription medications associated with gynecomastia, and stopping them where possible, may also reverse gynecomastia symptoms that developed after starting the medication.
It is important to remember that gynecomastia is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances rather than anything men can control. Every man’s endocrine system produces both estrogen (the “female hormone”) and testosterone (the “male hormone”). When hormones are not balanced, this can lead to excess breast tissue in men. Mild cases of gynecomastia may be successfully treated with appropriate hormonal medicine. However, this is not always effective. Gynecomastia surgery is by far the most effective way to permanently get rid of man boobs.
Can I Reduce My Chest Fat?
Most men can reduce chest fat by following a healthful diet and exercising regularly. This is not always the case and sometimes a medical condition may need to be resolved.
Can Certain Food Cause Man Breasts?
Certain foods contain chemicals that mimic estrogen’s effects; these include:
Processed foods, ‘diet’ food, and ready-made meals, usually contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives.
Soy alternatives to dairy products such as edamame, tofu, and tempeh are high in protein but contain phytoestrogens or plant estrogens which may mimic the effect of estrogen.
Dairy Products and eggs all include estrogen from the hormones found in chickens and cows, identical to human hormonal production. (Dairy products such as milk and eggs that claim they are hormone-free simply do not have extra hormones added to the ingredients).
Beer is made from grain containing phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, making it naturally estrogenic.
To achieve a more sculpted and healthy physique, it is crucial to understand the causes of gynecomastia and consult an experienced and knowledgeable healthcare professional to determine the cause of your gynecomastia symptoms.
Non-surgical options such as gynecomastia diet, gynecomastia exercise and chest muscle development can make a difference in both pseudogynecomastia and grade 1 or 2 gynecomastia. A physician can also prescribe certain medications to help reduce or eliminate man boobs.
Gynecomastia is also referred to as man boobs or moobs and is a complex physiological condition. The most effective and permanent solution is gynecomastia surgery to remove the excess glandular tissue and subcutaneous fat from the chest. On occasion, non-surgical options and medications may offer a solution. However, medication will normally only provide a temporary fix and gynecomastia will usually return if treatment is discontinued.
For a large percentage of men, non-surgical gynecomastia treatments will not provide an effective enough solution. If you want to try non-surgical treatment for gynecomastia, keep reading for a breakdown of which treatments might help.
Types of Gynecomastia
Non-surgical treatment options may work for a small percentage of men. The most appropriate method will depend on the type of gynecomastia that has been diagnosed.
Gynecomastia is typically classified into three types:
True gynecomastia, caused by glandular parenchyma — excess glandular tissue.
Mixed gynecomastia, a combination of glandular parenchyma and hypertrophy of fat.
Before considering a surgical approach to male chest reduction, a correct diagnosis of the cause of gynecomastia is essential.
Non-Surgical Treatments for True Gynecomastia
True gynecomastia, also referred to as real gynecomastia, results from excess glandular tissue. This tissue gives the chest a feminine appearance, resulting in what is often called man boobs. Enlargement of glandular tissue is the most challenging type of gynecomastia to treat without surgery.
Currently, no medications are approved by the FDA to treat gynecomastia.When the FDA has not approved a medication for a specific use, it is usually due to a lack of proven results from evidence-based research and comprehensive data. However, the use of this type of medication is still permitted and is referred to as “off-label” use.
The below medications can be used for the treatment of gynecomastia, although in most cases, gynecomastia will return within six months following discontinuation of the medication.
Gynecomastia Treatment Medication Summary
Clomiphene (Clomid)
Clomiphene is a synthetic chemical taken orally that has been shown to partially reduce glandular tissue for approximately 50% of patients.Complications such as nausea, skin irritation, nipple tenderness, visual disturbances, decline in sperm count, and testicular atrophy (shrinkage) may occur using clomiphene.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Tamoxifen is another oral medication and a type of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Research has shown that treatment with tamoxifen only resulted in a marginal decrease in glandular tissue. Complications recorded during the use of tamoxifen include nausea, fatigue, headaches, skin rash, weight gain, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be taken in various ways, including intramuscular injections, gel, and in a stick form that is applied to underarms. There is limited research into the effectiveness, and it is not suitable for men who have prostate or breast cancer, persistent urinary tract problems, or sleep apnea.
Before starting testosterone replacement therapy, men should have screening for prostate cancer. Complications associated with testosterone replacement therapy include elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and blood clots. Other complications include mood swings and heightened aggression, decline in sperm count, and testicular atrophy (shrinkage).
Anabolic Steroids and Gynecomastia
Bodybuilders that use anabolic steroids will often find that one of the side effects is the development of gynecomastia. This is true gynecomastia and a result of the growth of glandular tissue. Often nipples will point down, and in extreme cases, the pecs will look more like female breasts. Clearly, this is distressing when the goal is to achieve a muscular-looking chest with defined pecs.
Non-Surgical Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia is when hypertrophy of fat in the chest area gives the appearance of breast tissue or man boobs. This occurs in men that are overweight and can be reduced with a corrective diet and exercise to burn calories and decreasesubcutaneous fat. When hormone levels are not balanced, some men find that avoiding certain foods could change estrogen levels and may also impact the growth of glandular tissue,
Cardiovascular aerobic activity is one of the fastest ways to burn calories and involves any exercise that elevates the heart rate. A balanced diet, exercise, and reaching a healthy BMI are important for both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, even after weight loss, many men do not notice any real visible difference in the amount of fat on their chest or the overall shape of their chest area.
Non-Surgical Ways to Treat Mixed Gynecomastia
Mixed gynecomastia may be treated with a combination of medication to reduce glandular tissue and weight loss to decrease fat. Often mixed gynecomastia causes a lack of motivation to exercise and stick with a balanced diet, as there is a reliance on the medication used.
Due to the limited reduction in the chest area due to weight loss, it can also be difficult to measure the effectiveness of treatment with medication. When weight loss does not result in a significant loss of chest fat, even if the medication reduces glandular tissue, there is unlikely to be a significant change in the shape of the chest.
Do Estrogen Blockers and Nutritional Supplements Reduce Gynecomastia?
There are numerous claims online made by nutritional supplement companies. One of the most commonmyths is that estrogen blockers will reduce gynecomastia. High estrogen levels in men have been linked to insulin resistance and weight gain. Insulin resistance is not resolved by taking estrogen blockers which is why they do not reduce gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Surgical solutions currently provide the most reliable, fastest, and permanent solution for gynecomastia. With advanced techniques and minimal scarring, there is no need to be afraid of surgery.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2020.”
