Medically reviewed by
Dr. Omar Tillo
MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)
Gynecomastia, also known as ‘man boobs’, is the name given to overdeveloped male breast tissue. Many men wish to create a more toned, athletic-looking chest by removing this excess tissue through gynecomastia surgery.
In this article, we will discuss whether gynecomastia can resolve naturally, and whether or not a gynecomastia reduction could be beneficial for you.
The CREO Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Omar Tillo, specialises in body contouring procedures like gynaecomastia surgery,having performed many successful surgeries over the course of his career.
Dr. Tillo’s record of achieving consistently excellent results means you can be sure you are receiving treatment from an experienced practitioner — one who understands how to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Contact the CREO Clinic today to book an initial consultation and explore the many benefits of gynecomastia reduction.
Does Gynecomastia Go Away Naturally?
Men experiencing the discomfort of gynecomastia may find themselves hoping for a natural resolution whereby the concerning breast tissue simply reduces over time. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. For this reason, many men pursue gynecomastia, a male breast reduction surgery to alleviate their aesthetic concerns.
When gynaecomastia will go away
In certain circumstances, gynecomastia can subside on its own. For example, adolescent boys who experience enlarged breasts will often find that the tissue gradually disappears as they move into adulthood and the hormones responsible for the excess male breast tissue level out.
Men who are experiencing chest protrusion as a result of being overweight should also see some improvement by regulating their diet and exercising regularly – this kind of overdevelopment of one or both breasts is called ‘pseudogynecomastia’, as it is unrelated to hormone imbalance. Your practitioner can tell you whether you are experiencing a gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia.
Gynecomastia caused by genetics and ageing may not naturally disappear. The use of certain medications (e.g. steroids) and illicit drug use (e.g. marijuana) can also cause permanently enlarged breast tissue that remains even after abstaining from use.
When gynaecomastia won’t go away
For many, gynaecomastia is not something that will improve with time. In fact, the majority of gynaecomastia cases are the result of naturally occurring excess breast tissue which cannot be reduced through exercise, weight loss, or any at home remedies. Instead, the best, most effective course of action in these instances is gynecomastia treatment.
How to Treat Gynecomastia
For gynecomastia that does not naturally subside, a male breast reduction can target and permanently remove the excess fat and tissue. For optimal results, be sure to choose a surgeon who specialises in performing this procedure, as it is a niche body contouring surgery that demands particular skill and experience.
Gynecomastia Surgery
The male breast reduction is a popular procedure, due to its effectiveness and the many positive aesthetic effects it can provide. Some patients may also benefit from combining it with complementary procedures like liposuction, skin tightening, or both for a more comprehensive transformation.
Benefits
There are multiple important benefits to undergoing gynecomastia reduction surgery:
- Flatter, more contoured chest – The surgery removes the excess breast tissue, sculpting a tighter, more aesthetically pleasing chest.
- More comfortable exercise – Some men struggle with discomfort caused by their extra breast tissue. Removing the tissue can allow you to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
- Improved physical health – Men with severe gynecomastia may find that the surgery improves issues such as poor posture and back pain.
- Boost confidence – By opening up new clothing options and helping you feel more comfortable in your skin, reduction surgery can give a significant boost to your self-confidence.
Before and After
Cost
The cost of gynecomastia at the CREO Clinic starts at £6,900. The exact cost depends on the type of anaesthetic used and whether Dr. Tillo combines your reduction with skin tightening or liposuction.
At the CREO Clinic, patients will receive a full cost breakdown following a one-to-one consultation with Dr. Tillo. During this consultation, he will discuss the best treatment paths and talk you through the surgical techniques needed to achieve your desired outcomes.
Procedure
After anaesthetic is administered, Dr. Tillo will make an incision around the nipple area. The exact size and location of these incisions are dependent on various factors, such as the amount of excess tissue that needs to be excised. After the surplus glandular tissue and skin are removed, the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
In total, the surgery should last between 1-3 hours, depending on the amount of tissue that needs removing.
Recovery
Immediately after surgery, patients may notice some swelling, soreness, and bruising in the chest area – this typically dissipates over the first few days after surgery. Patients are generally able to resume most daily activities and return to work from 1-2 weeks after surgery, but should wait up to six weeks before engaging in any strenuous exercise.
Results
Patients will notice straight away that they have a flatter and more sculpted chest post-surgery. However, they will not be able to see the full effect of the procedure until swelling completely dissipates, which can take up to six months. After this, patients can enjoy the improved aesthetic of a chest that has greater contour and definition.
What Causes Gynecomastia
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of excess breast tissue in men. In general, gynecomastia is caused by the female sex hormone, oestrogen, rising to higher levels than is normal in men, causing the overdevelopment of breast tissue. This imbalance can be the result of multiple contributing factors:
Age
Men can experience gynecomastia at various stages of their life. It’s common for male infants to be born with excess breast tissue due to the effects of their mother’s oestrogen, but this typically subsides two to three weeks after birth.
As previously described, it is relatively common for teenage boys to develop gynecomastia. In most cases, this goes away naturally as their hormones stabilise — this usually takes between six months and two years.
Older men can also experience gynecomastia as testosterone levels decrease over time. There is also a tendency for older men to have more body fat, which can trigger a further imbalance of hormones.
Medications and Supplements
Various medications that interfere with hormone levels can result in the development of excess breast tissue. These include anti-ulcer drugs, steroids and medications used to treat heart disease. Illegal drugs such as cannabis and anabolic steroids can also lead to hormonal imbalance resulting in gynecomastia.
Health Conditions
There are several health conditions that can contribute to gynecomastia:
Testosterone Deficiency
Males who do not produce enough testosterone to counteract the effects of oestrogen on breast development can experience the growth of excess breast tissue. Some rare conditions that reduce testosterone production, such as Klinefelter syndrome and pituitary insufficiency, can also lead to enlarged male breasts.
Cancer
In rare cases, tumours affecting the testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands can interfere with normal hormone production, leading to excess breast tissue developing.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of the hormone thyroxine. This can cause hormones to become imbalanced, resulting in gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Symptoms
Most men do not report symptoms of gynecomastia besides the presence of excess breast tissue. However, some patients may experience additional symptoms, including:
- Pain, particularly in adolescent boys
- Swollen breast tissue
- Tenderness of the breasts
- Excess nipple sensitivity
If you are experiencing these symptoms and they have become a concern, make sure to speak to a physician to ascertain the cause of the issue.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Worth It?
Patient satisfaction for male breast reduction is high precisely because its impact can be so transformative. On an aesthetic level, the surgery is able to tighten up the overall appearance of the chest by removing your ‘man boobs’, which can give an overall lift to your confidence. The surgery can also work to resolve associated pain and tenderness, as well as any postural issues stemming from the excess breast tissue.
In the hands of the right plastic surgeons, gynecomastia reductions can bring significant enhancements to an individual’s health and appearance, so make sure to retain the services of an experienced, board-certified practitioner.
Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today
Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Omar Tillo, specialises in male body contouring and has mastered the clinical expertise necessary to carry out gynecomastia reduction to the highest standard.
To enjoy the benefits of a flatter, more contoured chest, book a consultation today at the CREO Clinic.