by DLM Developer | Aug 25, 2023 | Gynecomastia, Living with Gynecomastia, Non Surgical
Gynecomastia is a condition where male breast tissue becomes enlarged, causing the appearance of male breasts. Enlarged breast tissue can be extremely embarrassing for men, especially in social situations like the beach or pool. If you’re experiencing mental distress because of gynecomastia or are considering gynecomastia surgery, you’re not alone. Although many men opt for gynecomastia surgery (or male breast reduction surgery) as a way to manage and remove excess breast tissue, lifestyle modifications for gynecomastia can also be an ideal solution. However, knowing more about gynecomastia and the specific changes that can produce noticeable results is key. Here’s what to know about managing gynecomastia symptoms and how an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Miguel Delgado can help you explore your treatment options.
Healthy Diet Recommendations
Gynecomastia is often tied to a variety of health factors like diet and hormones. In fact, eating a balanced diet can have many different health benefits, including treating gynecomastia. It can be helpful to consider switching to a gynecomastia diet to maintain the results of your procedure or help reduce symptoms. As with any dietary changes, however, make changes slowly and don’t try to overhaul your diet all at once. Adjust the following accordingly:
Reduce Estrogenic Foods
Certain foods have higher levels of estrogen-rich compounds which can contribute to male breast development through misbalancing hormone levels. These tend to include foods rich in soy (such as soy milk), saturated fats, and flaxseeds. Instead, incorporate more lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your nutritious diet. Additionally, processed foods are notorious for containing high levels of estrogen-rich compounds, so try to enjoy these in moderation.
Increase Fiber
Fiber is key for digestion and also plays a role in hormonal imbalances (one of the common causes of gynecomastia). Try to find sources of fiber that you enjoy and can incorporate daily. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens, as well as certain fruits and vegetables.
Exercise Recommendations
Exercise is key when it comes to gynecomastia because it can help reduce body fat and the appearance of male breast development. Focus especially on toning the chest muscles and incorporate exercises that bring you to a healthy weight, if you’re not already. Keep in mind that body changes can occur slowly when it comes to exercise, so consistency is key. Whether or not you already exercise regularly, consider the following changes to your schedule:
Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardio exercises are designed to increase your cardiovascular health as well as burn excess fat as energy. Some of the most effective cardiovascular exercises for losing weight include swimming, running, or cycling. It’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise of moderate intensity per week, or at least 20 minutes per day.
Chest Exercises
An important accompaniment to any exercise regimen is weight training. Focus on exercises that target the chest muscles to increase muscle mass and reduce fat. These exercises include push-ups, chest presses, and dumbbell flys. Make sure to incorporate good sources of protein into your diet to support muscle growth.
Lifestyle Changes for Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia may be tied to health changes, but there are a variety of causes including lifestyle factors. In fact, other lifestyle changes can help reduce the appearance of gynecomastia and glandular tissue. These include:
Weight Management
If your gynecomastia is related to fat, then it may be helpful to lose weight. Make sure to focus on a healthy lifestyle and sustainable changes to your diet and exercise regimen. By losing fat tissue, you may also reduce hormonal fluctuations that can contribute to breast development. With a little long-term dedication, you can achieve more average breasts and better confidence – and prevent weight gain that may cause male breast enlargement to come back.
Clothing and Outfits
Your choice of clothing can exaggerate the appearance of gynecomastia, meaning taking stock of your wardrobe can help. Look for well-fitting clothing and consider having your wardrobe tailored to minimize the appearance of breasts. Additionally, look for shirts with thicker fabrics, layers, or patterns to better conceal your chest and create a more masculine chest contour.
Medications and Drugs
Certain medications can produce enlarged breasts (sometimes by affecting estrogen levels) meaning that switching medications can sometimes produce results. Make sure to consult your physician before making any changes. Secondly, illicit drugs can also produce gynecomastia symptoms – as can alcohol consumption. Stopping these lifestyle choices can often treat gynecomastia without the need for surgery.
Underlying Health Conditions
There may be an underlying cause that is unknown to you, meaning treating underlying health conditions can sometimes produce results. Hormone imbalance may cause excess estrogen and thus enlarged breast gland tissue, meaning you may be able to resolve gynecomastia through hormone therapy. Testing your testosterone levels and whether it may be playing a role in developing gynecomastia can be a good first step in your treatment plan.
Schedule a Consultation
There are many causes of gynecomastia and a board-certified plastic surgeon is often the best place to start. During a consultation, you can discuss your many treatment options and learn more about the impact that gynecomastia has on many men. To meet with Dr. Delgado, San Francisco’s leading gynecomastia expert, contact us today through our online form.
by DLM Developer | Jul 22, 2023 | Age-Related, Living with Gynecomastia
What Causes Gynecomastia During Puberty?
The teen years and puberty can be an awkward and confusing time as the body and facial hair begin to grow, hormone levels fluctuate, and more. However, one issue that some teen boys face is the development of excess breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia. This excess breast tissue growth can result in enlarged male breasts that look similar to female breasts (also called “man boobs”). Understandably, this condition can cause many teen boys to feel embarrassed and affect their overall self-esteem and confidence. Read on to learn more about teenage gynecomastia and how to treat it.
Fluctuating hormones during puberty are the main cause of breast enlargement in males. During this time, the hormones estrogen and testosterone are fluctuating to aid in development and growth. Typically, testosterone takes the lead during this time of male development. However, in some cases, there may be less testosterone in the body, which can lead to male breast growth in one or both breasts. In rare cases, gynecomastia in adolescent boys may also be caused by anabolic steroids, illegal drugs, and certain medical conditions or medications as well.
Does Weight Impact Gynecomastia?
While being overweight or obese can lead to the formation of increased body fat and fatty tissue in the chest, this is not the main cause of adolescent gynecomastia. Gynecomastia which is caused by weight gain is known as pseudo-gynecomastia, as true gynecomastia is caused by an excess of glandular tissue in the breasts. Teens with gynecomastia may also experience a small, rubbery lump under the nipple, breast buds, or tenderness around their nipple-areolar complex.
How is Gynecomastia Treated?
While some teenage boys may grow out of their teen gynecomastia naturally, others may notice that their male breasts are still with them into early adulthood. In these cases, gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is the best option for permanent results. The main goal of this procedure is to treat breast enlargement by excising glandular tissue to create a flatter chest contour. In cases of severe gynecomastia or cases where the patient has more body fat, excess tissue, and skin may also need to be removed to create a masculine chest appearance. Overall, outcomes from this surgical treatment are positive and can make a lasting positive impact on the patient’s life.
How Can I Best Help My Teenage Boy?
If your son is living with gynecomastia, understand that his breast size has most likely caused him to feel self-conscious or even ashamed. It can be hard to watch your child go through this, and you may be wondering how to best help them. Overall, it is important that you take the time to listen to them and show them support while they are going through this tough time. If your teen is still experiencing breast swelling and enlarged breasts after a couple of years, it may be time to consider speaking with their healthcare provider regarding medical intervention in the form of gynecomastia surgery.
To diagnose gynecomastia, a physical examination will need to be performed. Blood tests may also be ordered since various factors may be at play, such as other medical conditions along with hormonal changes.
Contact Dr. Delgado Today
Overall, gynecomastia is a common condition that affects young men in their teen years due to hormonal changes. This condition can affect their self-image and take a toll on their everyday lives. If you are concerned regarding your son’s gynecomastia symptoms and are interested in learning more about gynecomastia treatment, please contact Dr. Delgado in San Francisco and Novato, CA today. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Delgado specializes in gynecomastia surgery and has more than 30 years treating males of all ages. To take the first step, please contact Dr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment today to discuss the best treatment option for your son.
by DLM Developer | Apr 27, 2023 | Gynecomastia Surgery, Living with Gynecomastia
The primary concern regarding gynecomastia surgery is often the longevity of the results. Patients want to know whether or not gynecomastia surgery will provide them with permanent relief from gynecomastia symptoms, such as excess male breast tissue. Fortunately, the results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent, and below, we’ll tell you exactly why.
What is Gynecomastia?
First, let’s begin by touching on gynecomastia. This condition causes excess male breast tissue, resulting in enlarged breasts, or “man boobs”. It is often caused by an imbalance in hormone levels, which often occurs during puberty. However, gynecomastia can affect males of any age.
The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure
Unlike most body contouring procedures, which target stubborn fat, gynecomastia surgery is actually removing glandular tissue. When fat cells are removed, fat can easily reaccumulate if a patient doesn’t maintain healthy lifestyle habits. But the tissue that is removed will not grow back. The appearance of “man boobs” is caused by excess breast tissue in the chest, not the presence of fat cells. So, when this tissue is removed via gynecomastia surgery, it permanently removes it from the body, along with excess skin, and provides a long-lasting sculpted appearance.
After Your Gynecomastia Surgery
Keep in mind that the results from your gynecomastia surgery will largely be reliant on how you handle your recovery period and your lifestyle following treatment. While gynecomastia can permanently eliminate excess breast tissue, it cannot prevent the accumulation of fat in the chest and surrounding areas. You need to be aware that future weight gain may cause body fat accumulation in the chest where gynecomastia once affected you. Fortunately, as this is just fat-related weight gain, it can be more easily eliminated with diet and gynecomastia exercise when necessary.
Do I Need Gynecomastia Surgery?
The first step in determining if you need gynecomastia surgery is determining whether your symptoms are actually gynecomastia-related. If so, you’ve probably noticed that your chest remains unchanged despite diet and exercise habits. If you merely have stubborn fat in the chest, there may be other treatment options, including non-surgical ones, that will be more suitable than gynecomastia surgery. In cases where the appearance of man boobs is a result of gynecomastia and the buildup of fatty tissue and glandular tissue in the chest, gynecomastia surgery is often the best course of treatment to produce the desired chest contours.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you ready to treat your enlarged male breast tissue once and for all? If you are interested in learning more about male breast reduction surgery, please contact Dr. Delgado today. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he is highly skilled in performing male breast reduction surgery on patients of all backgrounds to help improve their quality of life. Dr. Delgado has two convenient locations in Novato, CA, and San Francisco, CA.
by DLM Developer | Mar 30, 2023 | Gynecomastia, Living with Gynecomastia
Boys and males who suffer from enlarged male breasts often have a condition called gynecomastia. This condition is not life-threatening but can take a negative toll on the mental health of those living with it. Gynecomastia can actually be divided up into seven different types. Read on to learn more about these types and the best gynecomastia treatment option.
True Gynecomastia
True gynecomastia is caused by excess breast tissue and glandular tissue, causing large male breasts. This cannot be resolved with weight loss alone, and gynecomastia surgery is the only long-term solution.
Adult Gynecomastia
Adult gynecomastia usually affects men around the age of 50, because this is when “male menopause” begins, resulting in a decrease in testosterone production. In fact, one in four men will develop gynecomastia symptoms between the ages of 50 and 80. However, adult gynecomastia may also be the result of untreated adolescent gynecomastia.
Adolescent Gynecomastia
Adolescent gynecomastia affects teenagers due to a hormone imbalance caused by puberty. The most common symptoms include tenderness in the chest area, nipple soreness and sensitivity, a small lump beneath the nipple, and a puffy or shiny look to the nipple. If left untreated, this condition may follow patients into their adult years.
Medication-Induced Gynecomastia
In some cases, gynecomastia can be caused by certain prescription medications. The most common medications associated with gynecomastia include those for high blood pressure, ulcers, antidepressants, HIV, and prostate cancer. Illegal drugs that can lead to male breast growth include marijuana and heroin.
Steroid-Induced Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can also be brought on by the use of anabolic steroids. This type is common among bodybuilders and athletes.
Severe Gynecomastia
Patients with severe gynecomastia will have severely large breasts and excess skin. Older men or those who are obese with diminished skin elasticity may experience this form of gynecomastia.
Pseudo-Gynecomastia
Pseudo-gynecomastia, or false gynecomastia, is the result of fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue and can often be resolved with weight loss.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
The best way to treat gynecomastia is with male breast reduction surgery. During this surgical procedure, Dr. Delgado will remove excess glandular tissue, remove excess breast tissue, and eliminate excess fat with liposuction techniques for a more masculine chest contour. He will create a personalized treatment plan for you that includes the best incision patterns and liposuction technique to help you reach your body goals.
This is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can return home to heal. You will need to wear a special compression garment during healing to reduce swelling and support your new chest contour. Also, be sure to follow Dr. Delgado’s instructions regarding pain medication for proper healing.
Schedule a Consultation for Gynecomastia Surgery in San Francisco
If you are bothered by enlarged male breasts, please do not hesitate to contact board-certified plastic surgeon, Miguel Delgado, MD. To schedule a one-on-one consultation regarding the male breast reduction treatment, please contact our San Francisco office today by giving us a call or filling out our online form.
by DLM Admin | Feb 10, 2023 | Living with Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the abnormal enlargement of breast tissue in males. There are a variety of different triggers for gynecomastia, including hormonal imbalance, low testosterone, steroids, certain medications, and obesity. And while this condition is often seen as an aesthetic issue, is can actually have a psychological impact on men as well.
The Psychological Effects of Gynecomastia on Teens
While gynecomastia is physically harmless, it can have a profound impact on the mental and emotional health of boys and men. Adolescent boys are most commonly affected by this condition, which can make them self-conscious about their already-changing bodies, often causing them to isolate themselves from social situations.
Many boys with gynecomastia avoid group activities, tend to dress in baggy clothes to cover their breasts, or avoid situations in which their chest may be exposed such as swimming. If left untreated, this social anxiety can lead to other psychological issues such as clinical depression, emotional isolation, and stress eating.
The Psychological Effects of Gynecomastia on Men
Gynecomastia can also affect men psychologically as well. Because the cause is often hormonal imbalances or low testosterone levels in adult men, this may lead to intimacy issues. Many men with gynecomastia avoid dating and live with a deep fear of rejection or humiliation due to their gynecomastia. Men who suffered from untreated gynecomastia-based social anxiety as children will continue to deal with the effects as they age, which can sometimes lead to depression and other psychological disorders.
How to Support a Loved One with Gynecomastia
Thankfully, the internet nowadays provides many different avenues for men to learn more about their condition and the treatments available. There are also social groups online where men can chat about their gynecomastia symptoms. Gynecomastia awareness helps men and their loved ones to better understand this disorder, which is a vital step for their treatment. If you have a loved one who is living with gynecomastia, be ready to listen and be open to learning more about this condition. Also, if you and your loved one are discussing possible gynecomastia surgery, joining them on their visit to different surgeons can be great support.
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
While some adolescent boys will notice that their gynecomastia will correct itself as their hormones stabilize, some boys will not “grow out” of their condition. Gynecomastia that is caused by hormonal imbalance can only be corrected with gynecomastia surgery to remove excess tissue. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Delgado has been successfully treating patients with gynecomastia symptoms for over 30 years. He specializes in performing male breast reduction surgery and revision gynecomastia surgery procedures to help males feel confident in their bodies.
Schedule a Consultation in San Francisco
If you are interested in learning more about gynecomastia surgery and if you are a candidate, please contact Dr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment.
by DLM Admin | Apr 8, 2022 | Living with Gynecomastia
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.”
Common Gynecomastia Surgery Questions
1. Is gynecomastia surgery permanent?
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.
