Table of Contents
You might be interested to know that a significant number of men, ranging from 40% to 60%, develop a condition called gynecomastia at some point in their lives. This is a medical term for what is often casually called “man boobs.” While it may not be something most men are happy about, it’s actually fairly common.
So, what causes gynecomastia? There are various factors that can lead to this condition. Sometimes, we simply don’t know why it happens, which is known as idiopathic gynecomastia. However, often it comes down to an imbalance of hormones. Specifically, when men have too much estrogen in their bodies, they can develop extra breast tissue.
This condition is especially frequent during teenage years, affecting roughly 30% of young men going through puberty. This is a time when hormones fluctuate a lot. The good news is that, for many, the condition tends to go away once their hormone levels stabilise. However, some men continue to experience it into adulthood. Interestingly, gynecomastia can also make a comeback in men who are 50 years old or more, as they go through another phase of hormonal changes.
The thing to remember about gynecomastia is that it doesn’t really pick and choose. Although it’s most common in the age groups we’ve discussed, it can affect men at any age. Whether you’re young or old, tall or short, slim or carrying a few extra pounds, you could develop gynecomastia. Even men who are in peak physical condition, including bodybuilders, can experience this condition.
RELATED: Why Is Gynecomastia Becoming More Common?
Gynecomastia and Exercise: Clearing Up Some Common Myths
When it comes to the relationship between gynecomastia and exercise, several myths need to be clarified. Understanding these misconceptions is essential for anyone grappling with this condition, and we at Centre for Surgery have encountered many of these myths in our practice.
The first myth we’d like to address is the notion that you can’t develop gynecomastia if you’re physically fit. This is untrue. We’ve treated numerous men who are in excellent shape, including bodybuilders who have struggled with gynecomastia. Being fit doesn’t make you immune to developing this condition.
This leads us to another widespread misunderstanding: the belief that exercise or bodybuilding can actually cause gynecomastia. To set the record straight, exercise itself does not cause gynecomastia. Because an overdeveloped chest in men can sometimes resemble well-toned muscles, people often mistakenly think that too much exercise or muscle-building is the culprit behind male breast enlargement.
However, it’s crucial to understand that gynecomastia is not caused by an increase in muscle mass. Instead, the condition results from an excess of glandular tissue, fatty tissue, or a mixture of both. So, while exercise doesn’t cause gynecomastia, it’s worth mentioning that certain substances, like steroids often used by bodybuilders, could indeed trigger the condition. Therefore, if you’re into bodybuilding, building your muscles naturally and steer clear of such substances is advisable.
RELATED: Gynecomastia vs Chest Fat – How to Tell the Difference
On the other end of the spectrum, there’s also a common misconception that you can eliminate gynecomastia by engaging in rigorous exercise. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even if you are extremely fit and work out diligently, once you have been diagnosed with gynecomastia, no amount of exercise will remove the excess breast tissue.
Why is that? Simply because in the case of gynecomastia, what you’re dealing with is not excess weight but rather excess breast tissue. If it were a matter of losing extra weight in your chest area, then yes, targeted exercise might help. However, when it comes to actual glandular or fatty breast tissue, the only effective treatment is surgical removal.
Moreover, we’ve encountered patients who, hoping to alleviate their gynecomastia, have increased their exercise regimens only to find that the added muscle mass in their chest areas accentuated the appearance of their enlarged breasts. This can be a huge letdown. Imagine investing your time, energy, and effort into achieving a lean and toned physique, only to realize later that you’ve inadvertently highlighted the very issue you were trying to resolve.
By dispelling these myths, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of gynecomastia, especially in relation to exercise, so that men dealing with this condition can make more informed decisions about their treatment options.
Gynecomastia Surgery: What You Need to Know About Male Breast Reduction Procedures
Gynecomastia can be a source of considerable emotional distress for many men. Whether it makes you feel self-conscious, limits your wardrobe choices, or affects your personal relationships, it’s a condition that can have a real impact on your daily life. The good news is that gynecomastia is treatable through surgery, and the procedure is relatively straightforward. When performed by skilled surgeons, the scarring is often minimal.
Here at Centre for Surgery, our expert surgeons have innovated a unique technique for treating gynecomastia. Rather than making an incision around the nipple area to remove the surplus glandular or fatty tissue, our surgeons make a tiny 1/4-inch incision on the side of the chest. This approach results in almost invisible scarring, making it look as if you’ve merely had a mole removed.
Gyno Surgical Procedure Detailed
During the surgery, different techniques can be used depending on whether you have excess glandular tissue, fatty tissue, or both. Typically, glandular tissue is surgically excised using a scalpel. Excess fatty tissue is usually removed through liposuction. In more severe cases of gynecomastia, where removing the gland and fat would result in sagging skin, our surgeons might also recommend skin contouring by removing the excess skin.
The entire operation usually takes about an hour. After the surgery, you’ll need to take a week off from work to allow for proper healing. You must also refrain from engaging in strenuous activities, including exercise and bodybuilding, for at least six weeks post-surgery.
Consultation is Key
If you’re concerned that you might have gynecomastia, it’s essential to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis. This holds true for any surgical procedure but is especially relevant for gynecomastia. Only through an in-person consultation can a surgeon properly evaluate your condition, discuss your medical history, and provide tailored advice.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Gynecomastia Surgery?
When it comes to treating gynecomastia, choosing the right surgical centre is crucial for ensuring a successful outcome and a smooth and comforting patient journey. Here are the compelling reasons why Centre for Surgery is your best choice for gynecomastia surgery.
Innovative Techniques
Our skilled surgeons are pioneers in plastic surgery, employing state-of-the-art techniques to treat gynecomastia. Unlike traditional methods that might leave noticeable scarring, our experts make a discreet 1/4-inch incision on the side of the chest. This minimises scarring and optimises your post-operative aesthetic result, making it appear like you’ve simply had a mole removed.
Comprehensive Consultation
At Centre for Surgery, we emphasise the importance of an in-depth, in-person consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. This is the cornerstone of any successful surgery as it ensures that we fully understand your medical history, needs, and expectations. It also allows us to provide you with tailor-made advice and a bespoke treatment plan.
Testimonials Speak Volumes
Our satisfied patients are our best ambassadors.
“After years of feeling self-conscious, Centre for Surgery gave me back my confidence. From consultation to post-surgery care, their services have been exceptional.” – Mark J.
“I wish I’d known about Centre for Surgery sooner! The minimal scarring technique is truly remarkable, and the team was supportive every step of the way.” – Alan R.
Transparent and Inclusive Pricing
We offer transparent pricing without hidden fees. Our comprehensive package includes pre-operative tests, the surgery itself, and post-operative care, ensuring no surprise costs.
Expert Aftercare
Your journey doesn’t end after the surgery. We provide an excellent aftercare programme to monitor your recovery and offer further support, ensuring you achieve the best possible results.
Read More on Our Blog
For further insights on gynecomastia and other plastic surgery topics, visit our informative plastic surgery blog: Centre for Surgery Blog.
Book Your Consultation Today
Don’t let gynecomastia continue to affect your quality of life. Reach out to us today to start your journey towards a more confident you.
- Phone: 0207 993 4849
- Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
- Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN
Centre for Surgery is not just a surgical centre; it’s a hub of excellence committed to ensuring you receive top-tier care from consultation through to recovery. Make the best decision for your gynecomastia treatment by choosing Centre for Surgery.
