Gynecomastia is more common than many people realize—and it can have a significant impact on a man’s confidence and self-image. If you’ve noticed enlarged or swollen breast tissue that doesn’t seem to go away, you’re not alone.
At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we help men regain confidence and achieve a more masculine chest contour through safe and effective gynecomastia treatments. Let’s dive into what gynecomastia is, what causes it, and how it can be successfully treated.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels. It can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly, and may occur at any age.
It’s important to know that gynecomastia isn’t simply due to being overweight. While fat accumulation can contribute to the appearance of larger breasts, true gynecomastia involves the growth of actual glandular breast tissue.
Common signs of gynecomastia include:
- Swollen breast tissue
- Tenderness or sensitivity in the chest area
- Feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Several factors can contribute to gynecomastia, including:
- Hormonal changes: During puberty, aging, or medical conditions affecting hormones.
- Medications: Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, steroids, and heart medications can trigger gynecomastia.
- Substance use: Alcohol, marijuana, and anabolic steroids are linked to higher risk.
- Health conditions: Such as liver disease, thyroid disorders, or tumors.
- Obesity: Extra fat can increase estrogen production, leading to breast tissue growth.
In many cases, no specific cause is identified—it simply happens due to natural hormonal shifts.
How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
- Medical history review to check for contributing factors like medications or health conditions.
- Physical examination to assess the amount and type of tissue present.
- Imaging tests like ultrasound or mammography if needed, to rule out other conditions.
- Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels when necessary.
Accurate diagnosis is essential to choosing the right treatment plan.
How is Gynecomastia Treated?
Non-Surgical Options
In some cases, gynecomastia resolves on its own—especially during puberty. If a specific medication or substance is causing the problem, stopping its use can sometimes reverse the condition.
However, for persistent cases, especially those involving true glandular tissue, surgery is the most effective solution.
Surgical Treatment: Male Breast Reduction
At VIVE Plastic Surgery, male breast reduction is a highly successful procedure designed to:
- Remove excess glandular tissue
- Remove excess fat with liposuction techniques
- Tighten and reshape the chest area for a flatter, more masculine contour
Depending on your needs, the surgery might involve:
- Liposuction alone (if the enlargement is mostly fatty tissue)
- Excision of glandular tissue (if dense breast tissue is present)
- A combination of both for optimal results
Surgery is performed under anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day.
Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Recovery is typically straightforward:
- First few days: You’ll experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, managed with prescribed medications.
- Compression garment: You’ll wear a special vest to support healing and minimize swelling for several weeks.
- 1–2 weeks: Most patients return to work and light activities.
- 4–6 weeks: Resume exercise and heavy lifting after surgeon clearance.
Visible improvements are immediate, but final results refine as swelling subsides over the next few months.
Conclusion
Gynecomastia is a very common condition—and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Whether caused by hormonal shifts, medications, or genetics, it can be treated effectively. Male breast reduction surgery at VIVE Plastic Surgery offers a permanent solution, restoring a firmer, flatter chest and renewed self-confidence.
If you’re ready to stop hiding and start feeling like yourself again, our team is here to guide you through every step.
