It is common for men with “man boobs,” a condition medically known as gynecomastia, to feel embarrassed or frustrated by their appearance. More often than not, men with enlarged breast tissue feel self-conscious in public settings (e.g., pool or gym), while other men may experience physical discomfort. Dr. Kessler offers male breast reduction in Newport Beach at his plastic surgery practice.

As a leading plastic surgeon, Dr. Rob Kessler provides male breast reduction in Newport Beach.  He regularly meets with men who are unhappy with the appearance of their chest. Here, he explains the different causes of gynecomastia as well how to treat the condition.

Causes of Gynecomastia

There are two peaks of occurrence in gynecomastia, teenage males and middle-aged males. The teenage condition is typically genetic in its predisposition. Excess male breast tissue later in life is usually caused by an imbalance in hormone levels, resulting in excess female hormones. This can occur with age, as some men gain weight and experience a decrease in male sex hormones.

Certain medications have also been linked to enlarged breast tissue, including:

  • Anti-androgens
  • Anti-anxiety medication
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Anabolic steroids and androgens
  • Amphetamines

Research has also found that certain diseases may cause gynecomastia as well. These diseases include:

  • Certain tumors (e.g., testicular tumors)
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Kidney failure

How to Treat Gynecomastia

It is a common misconception that gynecomastia can be treated with diet and exercise or certain medications. Unfortunately, this is not true. The only way to treat gynecomastia is with male breast reduction surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Kessler removes loose skin on the chest and suctions excess fat via liposuction. The remaining skin is tightened, resulting in a smoother, more masculine-looking chest contour. In milder cases, liposuction alone is often the solution. Following the procedure, Dr. Kessler’s patients report feeling more confident about the appearance of their chest. They feel more confident about going shirtless or wearing form-fitting clothes in public. Additionally, the procedure alleviates pain and discomfort caused by excess breast tissue and skin. As a result, men are able to move around more freely and comfortably.

If you experience emotional or physical comfort due to gynecomastia, Dr. Kessler can help. You may be an appropriate candidate for the procedure if you are physically and psychologically healthy, not overweight and have good skin elasticity. Male teenagers may be eligible for male breast reduction surgery if the condition is severe or if it has been present for at least two years.

To learn more about male breast reduction surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler. Please call his Newport Beach plastic surgery practice at 949.644.6544.

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