Does Gynecomastia Go Away?
Having “man boobs” can lead to severe self-consciousness, social anxiety, pain and irritation in men of all ages. Gynecomastia is a condition that makes boys and men develop feminine breasts typically around the areola or, in its advanced grade, “man boobs” that affect one or both breasts. Most people assume gynecomastia only affects overweight or obese individuals, but that isn’t so. Gynecomastia can affect anyone—fat, thin, tall, short, it doesn’t matter. Man boobs affect approximately 30% of boys and teenagers, and they’re especially likely to occur during the adolescent years when the human body goes through significant hormonal changes.
People with gynecomastia often ask if it goes away automatically. This article answers that question and helps you determine if you need treatment.
Do I have gynecomastia?
Before we proceed further, you should first determine if you truly have gynecomastia. People often misattribute the simple presence of fat tissue with gynecomastia when, in actuality, gynecomastia is related to the excessive production of estrogen or limited production of testosterone in the male body. Following are some of the physical characteristics of gynecomastia:
- Pronounced and defined breasts rather than simply fat tissue distributed evenly across the chest
- Conical shape, with the distribution focused on one area, usually around the areolas
- Firm and point forward rather than sagging downward
- A defined shape and boundary of firm lumps or overdeveloped tissues under the nipples
- Breasts feel tender compared to the rest of the body
Does gynecomastia go away naturally?
If you have gynecomastia, you may be wondering if they can go away naturally. If you’re in your teenage years, there’s a chance your gynecomastia may resolve itself without external intervention. However, the presence of man boobs in your adulthood is a strong indicator of serious hormonal imbalances in your body. As such, adult men with gynecomastia can’t simply wait for their man boobs to go away or eliminate them through exercise and diets — you need to visit a doctor and explore your treatment options.
What can I do about gynecomastia?
Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective known treatment for gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts. Whether you suffer from “man boobs” or simple fatty tissue in the chest, a reputable cosmetic surgeon has treatment options. Dr. Brian Heil specializes in gynecomastia treatments that help you achieve a firm and masculine chest, restoring your self- and sexual-confidence. He carefully examines the condition you present with to determine if you indeed have gynecomastia, then curates a tailored treatment plan for your specific needs.
Liposuction is the most effective treatment for men with gynecomastia or excessive fats in their chests. During the liposuction procedure, the surgeon creates a small incision in the chest area to insert a small cannula that suctions the fat tissue out of your body. Once the fat tissue is removed, you’ll notice immediate improvements with a flatter and tighter chest. The procedure is simple and requires minimal downtime, allowing you to resume most daily activities in as little as 2 to 3 days.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), Gynecomastia Surgery Guide
If you’re ready to tackle gynecomastia, schedule an appointment with Dr. Heil to discuss your treatment options.
