What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that causes male breast tissue to develop. Abnormal growth of the breasts can occur in boys as well as men of any age. The condition can be caused by many factors, mainly hormonal imbalances. Gynecomastia treatment in NYC is the most effective way to address male breast enlargement and achieve a more well-defined upper body that will boost your confidence and self-image. The procedure provides a more natural-looking chest by eliminating the excess fat and breast tissue. Leading plastic surgeons in Manhattan use FDA-approved, minimally invasive liposuction technologies such as BodyTite RFAL (radiofrequency-assisted liposuction) to perform the procedure. Such modalities are designed to provide effective fat reduction as well as significant skin contraction.

A US News article discussed the views of expert plastic surgeons on excess breast tissue or gynecomastia, how it affects millions of males regardless of age and the required strategies to cope with the situation. Dr. Christopher T. Chia, MD, the surgical director of bodySCULPT®, a plastic surgery group in New York City, points out that gynecomastia patients who come into his office are often men in their 20s and 30s who recall painful memories for having “man boobs”. Dr. Chia says, “It’s especially poignant for young boys who are coming into puberty, that’s a complicated period of life anyway. You add to that how kids could be merciless. A lot of these boys [with gynecomastia] don’t want to take their shirts off. They won’t change in front of their peers in the locker room, they wait until everyone leaves. Or they won’t shower after their gym class, their self-consciousness is that great.”

Factors that Cause Gynecomastia

• Hormonal imbalances
• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Being overweight
• Aging

What Leads to Gynecomastia: Causes and Triggers

• Hormonal Imbalance: The male body produces testosterone and estrogen. The development of male breast tissue usually results from abnormally high estrogen levels in relation to testosterone levels. This imbalance can happen naturally at different phases of life, such as puberty or aging.
• Medications: Certain medications can contribute to the development of gynecomastia. These include:
  • Anti-androgens: Used to treat prostate conditions.
  • Anabolic steroids and androgens: Often taken to enhance athletic performance or muscle growth.
  • Heart medications: Drugs like calcium channel blockers.
  • Anti-anxiety and antidepressants: Certain mental health medications.
  • Medications (like cimetidine) used to treat ulcers.
  • Drugs for the treatment of epilepsy

  If you suspect your medication is causing gynecomastia, it’s essential to discuss alternatives with your doctor.

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to gynecomastia, including:
  • Hypogonadism: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome that reduce testosterone production.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone can increase estrogen levels.
  • Kidney failure: Dialysis patients often experience hormonal changes.
  • Liver disease and cirrhosis: These conditions can affect hormone balance.
  • Pituitary gland tumors (pituitary adenomas), especially prolactinomas.
  • Testicular tumors

• Being overweight: Gynecomastia can develop as a result of excess body fat increasing estrogen production. In addition, obesity may result in pseudo-gynecomastia, a condition in which the growth of glandular tissue in the breasts is replaced by fat buildup. A balanced diet and weight loss can help control this problem. However, additional treatment may be necessary if gynecomastia is diagnosed.
• Aging: Gynecomastia can result from men’s naturally declining testosterone levels as they age. This is particularly prevalent among men who are over 50. Gynecomastia treatment is a practical way to reduce the excess breast tissue and enhance quality of life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of gynecomastia are caused by hormone changes during puberty in adolescents and a small percentage is caused by medication. Dr. Chia says, “Talk to your primary care physician, so that they can identify whether your gynecomastia is caused by medication, and whether discontinuing the meds could correct the condition.” He also adds that the doctor can reassure the patient that this condition is an extremely common one, and that they are not alone.

If you have gynecomastia and if medications have failed to resolve this embarrassing issue, you can benefit from male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery. When thinking about undergoing treatment, ask yourself these questions.

• How much does the condition bother you? Is it basically a cosmetic concern? Gynecomastia becomes a concern when it is moderate to severe and causes a person considerable distress and embarrassment, and affects his quality of life.
• Consider whether seeking treatment will make you feel better and whether you can afford the treatment.
• Are you an ideal candidate? Talk to your doctor to find out whether you need the treatment and whether it can benefit you.

In recent years, the changing fashion concepts of men have persuaded an increasing number of teenagers and men to seek gynecomastia surgery. Even though the procedure provides optimal results, is there any minimum age to have the treatment? This question is more relevant for teenagers, because when teenage boys are seeking this treatment, they have to understand that it is not uncommon for boys to experience some changes to their breasts during puberty which however would take 2 to 3 years to resolve. If the condition persists and becomes a source of emotional distress and embarrassment, breast reduction treatment could be the solution.

Ideally, gynecomastia surgery is delayed until full development of the male breast. This could be around the age of 18 years, after the effects of adolescent hormonal development on the breasts cease. Experienced and skilled plastic surgeons at an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center would perform a comprehensive history and physical exam and possibly blood tests to check your hormone levels. To confirm that the patient is a good candidate for surgery, they will make sure that there is no other underlying cause for the gynecomastia. Understanding how common gynecomastia is and that it’s not associated with other health effects can help you keep the condition in perspective.

If you are considering gynecomastia treatment in NYC, consider choosing a reliable plastic surgery practice that has surgeons who have extensive experience in performing this procedure.