Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) in South Jersey
What is Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)?
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) is the enlargement of male breast tissue and can affect one or both sides of the chest. It may occur at different stages of life and can result in fullness, tenderness, or a chest appearance that causes physical or emotional discomfort.
Male breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce excess breast tissue and, when appropriate, excess fat to create a flatter, more defined chest contour.
View Our Male Breast Reduction Before & After Photo Gallery
At Metropolitan Plastic Surgery in Marlton, New Jersey, board-certified plastic surgeon Julia Spears, MD, FACS, performs male breast reduction surgery for patients throughout South Jersey and the surrounding area.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gynecomastia can develop due to a variety of causes, including:
Hormonal Imbalances
- Excess estrogen: Estrogen is the hormone that promotes breast tissue development. Men typically have low levels of estrogen, but when this hormone is elevated (often relative to testosterone), it can cause gynecomastia.
- Low testosterone: A decrease in testosterone can lead to the growth of breast tissue. This imbalance may occur due to aging, injury, or certain medical conditions.
Medications and Drugs
Some medications and drugs can contribute to gynecomastia, including:
- Anti-androgens: Used to treat prostate cancer or enlarged prostate.
- Anabolic steroids: Often used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass.
- Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. javascript:void(0)
- Alcohol and recreational drugs: Heavy alcohol consumption and the use of drugs like marijuana or heroin may contribute to gynecomastia.
- Heart medications: Certain medications used for heart conditions, such as digoxin or calcium channel blockers, can affect hormone levels and lead to gynecomastia.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions that can contribute to gynecomastia include:
- Liver disease: Cirrhosis and other liver conditions may interfere with the metabolism of hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can affect hormone levels, leading to gynecomastia.
- Klinefelter syndrome: A genetic condition in which males have an extra X chromosome, often resulting in lower testosterone levels.
- Tumors: Hormone-secreting tumors, particularly in the testes or adrenal glands, can lead to hormone imbalances that cause breast tissue growth.
Aging
As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to the development of gynecomastia. Additionally, older men are more likely to take medications that may contribute to the condition.
Obesity
Excess fat in the chest area can sometimes mimic the appearance of gynecomastia, which is referred to as pseudo-gynecomastia. Fat accumulation can increase estrogen levels and further exacerbate breast tissue enlargement.
View Our Male Breast Reduction Before & After Photo Gallery
Final Thoughts
Gynecomastia is a common condition that can have both physical and emotional effects on men. While mild cases may resolve on their own, more persistent or severe cases often benefit from treatment, either through medication or surgery.
