Does Gynecomastia Go Away?

Table of Contents

Gynecomastia, commonly known as ‘man boobs,’ refers to the condition where men have larger than normal breast tissue. Many men want to get a flatter, more muscular-looking chest by getting rid of this extra tissue. One way to do this is through a surgical procedure designed to treat gynecomastia.

In this article, we’re going to look at whether this condition can get better on its own without any treatment. We’ll also explore if getting a surgery to reduce the enlarged breast tissue could be a good option for you.

Here at Centre for Surgery in London, we have a team of expert plastic surgeons who are skilled in body shaping treatments like gynecomastia surgery. They’ve carried out many successful procedures throughout their careers.

Our track record shows we consistently deliver top-notch results. This means you can feel confident you’re in the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon—one who really knows how to help you meet your appearance goals.

Does Gynecomastia Go Away Naturally?

The course of gynaecomastia will determine whether gynecomastia can go away on its own. Men with enlarged breasts often have an underlying hormonal disturbance affecting levels of oestrogen. Gynaecomastia is exceedingly common when boys reach puberty due to hormonal fluctuations. In many cases, most young men often grow out of gynecomastia once they reach adulthood and levels of hormones begin to stabilise.

Gynaecomastia can also be caused by other factors such as prescription medications, recreational drug use, including anabolic steroids and cannabis use, the natural ageing process, and certain medical conditions such as chronic liver disease. Genetics can also contribute to gynecomastia forming, with the condition being more common if you have a first-degree relative having the condition.

Will Enlarged Male Breasts Go Away On Their Own? The Different Scenarios Explained

The question of whether gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts will go away depends on several factors:

It Often Clears Up For Teens

Teenagers who notice they have larger breasts may find some relief as they grow older. As they transition into adulthood, their hormones usually balance out, leading to a reduction or even disappearance of the excess breast tissue.

Lifestyle Changes Can Help Overweight Men

Men who have larger breasts due to being overweight may see improvement if they change their lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help. This form of enlarged breasts, known as ‘pseudogynecomastia,’ is actually not a result of hormone imbalance but due to fat accumulation. If you’re not sure what you’re experiencing, a healthcare provider can help you figure out if it’s gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia.

Some Causes Are More Permanent

On the other hand, some men may not see a natural reduction in breast size. For example, if the condition is rooted in your genetics or is a result of getting older, it might not go away on its own.

Medications and Drug Use Can Have Lasting Effects

Additionally, using certain medications like steroids, or illicit drugs like marijuana, can result in a more permanent form of gynecomastia. Even if you stop taking these substances, the enlarged breast tissue might not shrink back to its original size.

When Gynecomastia Is Stubborn and Doesn’t Go Away: What Can Be Done?

In many cases, gynecomastia doesn’t just resolve itself. If you’re one of those who find that excess breast tissue persists despite lifestyle changes, age progression, or avoiding triggering substances, you’re not alone. In fact, for a significant number of people, gynecomastia is due to naturally occurring breast tissue that won’t diminish with exercises, diet changes, or home remedies.

So, what can you do when gynaecomastia sticks around?

Opt for Gynecomastia Treatment The most effective way to deal with persistent gynecomastia is to seek professional medical treatment. This often involves consulting with a specialist to determine the best course of action, which may include:

Hormone Testing: To understand the underlying cause of your gynaecomastia, doctors may recommend hormone tests.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds or mammograms can provide a clearer understanding of the breast tissue.
Surgical Options: Procedures like liposuction or mastectomy can remove the excess tissue, giving you a flatter, more masculine chest.

Consulting with a medical professional is crucial to determine the best course of treatment for you, especially if your gynecomastia is causing you emotional or physical discomfort.

Treating Gynecomastia Through Surgery: What You Need to Know

gynecomastia surgery uk

When gynecomastia doesn’t go away on its own, surgical intervention is often the most effective route to take. A procedure known as male breast reduction can specifically target and remove the extra fat and tissue that contribute to the enlarged breast appearance.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

To get the best results, it’s crucial to select a surgeon who is highly experienced in performing male breast reduction. This is a specialized form of body contouring surgery that requires specific skills and expertise.

The Surgery Itself

Male breast reduction has gained popularity due to its proven effectiveness and the multitude of aesthetic benefits it provides. Depending on your individual needs, this surgery may also be combined with other complementary procedures like liposuction or skin tightening to give an overall more sculpted appearance.

RELATED: How To Get Rid Of Gynecomastia

The Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

There are several compelling reasons to consider this surgical option:

A More Sculpted Chest: The procedure eliminates the excessive breast tissue, resulting in a flatter, more contoured chest that many find aesthetically pleasing.
Easier Physical Activity: Extra breast tissue can make exercise uncomfortable for some men. Post-surgery, you may find it easier to engage in physical activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Better Physical Health: For men who have severe gynecomastia, the surgery can alleviate associated issues like poor posture and back pain, improving overall physical well-being.
Increased Self-Confidence: The surgery often has a positive impact on self-esteem. A more contoured chest allows for greater freedom in clothing choices and can make you feel more confident in social situations.

By addressing both the physical and emotional toll of gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery offers a comprehensive solution for those who don’t see improvement through natural means or lifestyle changes. Always consult a qualified medical professional for an individual assessment and to discuss the most suitable treatment options for you.

Gynecomastia Before and After Photos

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?

The cost of gynecomastia treatment will differ depending on the amount of surgical correction required and the patient’s overall health, including body mass index. Gynecomastia removal starts from £5000 at Centre for Surgery. Once you have had a face-to-face consultation, you will receive an accurate quotation from your dedicated patient coordinator. Other factors that may determine the cost of gynecomastia surgery include the type of anaesthetic used, whether a local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic and whether other treatments will be combined with the surgery, including liposuction or skin removal.

Gynecomastia surgery is always customized to the individual needs and desires of the patient. At your consultation, your surgeon will provide customized recommendations to help you decide on the most appropriate type of treatment to reduce or eliminate gynecomastia permanently.

What does male breast reduction involve?

Once you are taken through to the operating theatre, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the area to numb the chest and nipples. If you have a general anaesthetic, you will be asleep for the duration of the procedure to ensure your comfort. The surgeon will make a semi-circular incision around the nipple area. The size of gynecomastia will determine the type of incisions used. Men who have lost a significant amount of weight may require lengthy incisions for sufficient removal of excess male breast tissue. Once the desired amount of glandular tissue, fat, and skin has been surgically removed, the chest skin will be surgically tightened using a delicate surgical technique, followed by the closure of the incisions with dissolvable stitches. The stitches do not need to be removed at a subsequent follow-up appointment.

What does gynecomastia surgery recovery feel like?

Once the surgery for gynecomastia removal is complete, you will be provided with detailed post-operative after-care instructions, which you must follow to minimise the risk of complications occurring. Any pain and discomfort can be easily controlled with prescription painkillers prescribed to you by your surgeon to ensure your healing and recovery are as smooth as possible.

Common side effects of surgery include bruising, swelling and temporary numbness in the treated areas of the chest. The symptoms will rapidly settle down over the first 3 to 5 days after gynecomastia surgery. Patients can restart most daily activities between one to 2 weeks after surgery. We would advise against any strenuous activity, including going to the gym for the first six weeks after surgery. Attempting to do too much too soon may affect your wound healing and final surgical results.

When will I see the final gynecomastia results?

The time taken for final results to appear after gynaecomastia surgery will differ between men depending on the extent of the surgical procedure. However, in general, most patients can expect to see a significant improvement in the appearance of the chest straight after surgery. Continued improvements will become noticeable over the next few weeks as the swelling resolves. Swelling can take between 3 to 6 months to fully settle down. Once the swelling has disappeared, you will begin to see the final aesthetic results of Surgery with a more contoured and flatter chest.

Why Do Some Men Develop Larger Breasts? Understanding Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition where men develop larger breasts than usual. It happens when there’s too much of the female hormone oestrogen in a man’s body, which leads to the growth of extra breast tissue. Let’s delve into what can cause this hormone imbalance:

Life Stages Can Influence It – Men can face gynecomastia at different times in their lives. For instance, newborn baby boys might have larger breasts because of their mother’s oestrogen. But, don’t worry, this usually goes away in about two to three weeks after birth.

Teenage boys are also pretty likely to get it. But again, it’s usually not a cause for concern. The extra breast tissue often shrinks back down as their hormones settle down, usually within six months to two years.

As men age, they might notice this condition again. This happens because their androgens—the male hormone—levels drop. Older men often gain weight, too, and that extra fat can mess with the hormone balance even more.

Medicines and Other Substances Could Be A Culprit – Certain medicines can disrupt your hormone levels and make you develop bigger breasts. These can include medicines for stomach ulcers, heart diseases, and steroids. Even some illegal drugs like cannabis and anabolic steroids can mess up your hormones enough to cause gynecomastia.

Other Health Issues May Play A Role – Sometimes, other health conditions can bring about gynecomastia:

Low androgens: If a man doesn’t make enough androgens, this can’t offset the growth-promoting effects of oestrogen on the breast tissue, leading to larger breasts. Certain rare medical conditions, like Klinefelter syndrome and issues with the pituitary gland, can also make this happen.

Cancer: Although it’s rare, some tumours in the testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands can interfere with normal hormone production, causing breasts to grow larger.

Overactive Thyroid: Another condition, known as hyperthyroidism, makes your thyroid gland produce too much of a hormone called thyroxine. This can tip the hormone balance and bring about gynecomastia.

So, if you or someone you know is dealing with gynecomastia, remember it can be for a variety of reasons. Hormones play a big role, but age, medication, and other health conditions can be contributing factors too.

Symptoms and Signs of Gynecomastia: What to Look Out For

While the most common symptom of gynecomastia is simply the appearance of enlarged breast tissue, some people may experience additional signs that could indicate the condition. These include:

Pain: Adolescent boys, in particular, might experience discomfort or pain in the breast area.
Swollen Breast Tissue: Beyond just enlargement, the breast tissue may also become swollen, further confirming the presence of gynecomastia.
Tenderness: The breast area may feel tender to the touch, adding another layer of discomfort.
Increased Nipple Sensitivity: Some men also report that their nipples become more sensitive than usual.

If you are dealing with any of these symptoms and are concerned about them, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. They can perform tests to confirm if what you’re experiencing is indeed gynecomastia, and discuss appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Worth the Investment?

The question of whether gynecomastia surgery is ‘worth it’ often comes down to the specific issues you’re facing and how much they affect your life. That said, the satisfaction rates for male breast reduction are generally high, and here’s why:

Aesthetic Transformation

The surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of your chest by eliminating the enlarged breast tissue, often referred to as ‘man boobs.’ For many, this physical transformation leads to a significant boost in self-confidence and a greater sense of well-being.

Relief from Physical Symptoms

If you experience pain, tenderness, or even posture issues because of the excess breast tissue, the surgery can address these problems, enhancing your physical comfort.

Long-term Health Benefits

Beyond the immediate aesthetic and physical benefits, the surgery can improve long-term health by alleviating conditions like poor posture and back pain that may be associated with severe gynecomastia.

Quality of the Surgeon

The success of the procedure depends on the expertise of the surgeon. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can ensure not just the effectiveness but also the safety of the procedure.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Gynecomastia Treatment?

When it comes to making a transformative change like gynecomastia surgery, you’ll want to be in the hands of trusted experts. Centre for Surgery stands out as a leading specialist plastic surgery clinic in London, offering the best-in-class services you deserve.

Our Expertise

With our team of highly experienced surgeons, we bring to you a blend of clinical expertise and artistic finesse. Our practitioners are dedicated to providing bespoke treatments that are tailored to meet your individual needs.

State-of-the-Art Facility

We invest in cutting-edge technology to ensure that your surgical experience is as smooth as possible. Our facility adheres to the highest standards of healthcare, ensuring both effectiveness and safety throughout your procedure.

Comprehensive Care

From your initial consultation through to aftercare, we offer a complete and holistic healthcare experience. Our dedicated staff are always available to assist you at every step of your journey, ensuring your utmost comfort and satisfaction.

Patient Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it; listen to our satisfied patients:

“My experience with Centre for Surgery was excellent. Not only did they correct my physical discomfort, but the boost in my self-esteem has been invaluable. Highly recommend!” – James, London

“The surgeons at Centre for Surgery are true experts. They gave me the appearance I’ve always wanted, along with excellent aftercare.” – Emily, Surrey

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering gynecomastia surgery, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your options.

📞 Phone: 0207 993 4849
📧 Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
📍 Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

For more insights into gynecomastia surgery and other plastic surgery topics, feel free to visit our blog: Centre for Surgery Blog

Invest in yourself with Centre for Surgery; we’re here to make your transformative journey a rewarding experience.