Dealing with Enlarged Male Breasts

• Posted on: Sep 15 2018
• By: Snodgrass
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Whether over at the coast, boating on an area lake, or just one of a thousand Atlanta pools, everyone has heard the term “man boobs” thrown around. Most people assume it relates to men who are decidedly overweight and, like women, have more fat in their breasts because of it.

In actuality, about 50% of men have gynecomastia, the clinical term for male breast enlargement. It’s a condition that can really impact a man’s self-esteem, making him avoid things like going to the beach or turning down waterskiing invitations.

But Dr. Snodgrass and Dr. Robinson can fix the condition with male breast reduction surgery.

What leads to gynecomastia?

Surprisingly to most people, gynecomastia is common in teenage boys. Up to 70% of pubescent boys have the condition to some degree at some point. In teens, raging hormones, both estrogen and testosterone, are the cause. When puberty passes, hormone levels stabilize, and the breasts return to normal size.

In adult men, the causes of gynecomastia aren’t as clear cut. Middle-aged and older men can also develop enlarged breasts due to hormone changes that come with aging. But often gynecomastia comes from taking certain medications:

• Antibiotics
• Heartburn treatment drugs
• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Steroids
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• AIDS treatment drugs

Heavy drinking and smoking marijuana can also lead to gynecomastia.

Breast reduction surgery

Men with gynecomastia have a firm, rubbery mass underneath the nipple area. The size of this mass is around 1.5 inches across and it may be sensitive to the touch.

If surgery is required, small incisions are made in the armpits or around the areolae. Through those incisions, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed and excess skin is trimmed. Liposuction may be added to remove fat pockets.

If you think you may have gynecomastia, there’s no reason to have to live with the condition and keep your shirt on. Call us at Snodgrass & Robinson, (706) 378-0200, and schedule a consultation for gynecomastia surgery.

Posted in: Male Breast Reduction