For boys and men alike, male breast development - or gynecomastia - can have a devastating effect on self-esteem. The breast is the absolute epitome of the feminine – of womanhood. Female breasts can hypnotize men’s minds, reduce them to knuckle-dragging beasts, and topple entire civilizations. Man breasts, on the other hand, can feel like a source of shame and confusion. The sufferer can feel isolated and alone. However, they are not.
Over one third of all boys will experience some degree of feminine breast development while trudging through puberty. Though less common, many adults also shoulder the burden of male breasts (pun intended). Gynecomastia’s causes are many, and in order to get rid of man breasts, you’ll need to find that underlying cause. Often, man breasts are attributed to the umbrella “hypogonadism” which is, put simply, a testosterone deficiency. This deficiency can be caused by a plethora of ailments, including a variety of cancers, an overactive thyroid, a slew of hormonal disorders, and certain drugs and medications. As you can see, if you are experiencing male breast development, you need to see a doctor to be on the safe side. Below you’ll find the most common ways to get rid of man breasts.
Ways to Get Rid of Man Breasts
If you are a teenager, do nothing at all. Over a third of all teenage males will experience growth of male breasts during the already-awkward-enough stage of puberty. For some it will last a matter of months and for others it could last up to three years, but in most cases the body will get rid of man breasts on its own as hormone levels stabilize. With squeaky voices, awkward bodies, and embarrassing fun pillows – is there anything the gods despise more than boys going through puberty?
Schedule a doctor’s appointment. Even if you’re told to do nothing, it is important for a doctor to examine you (most likely, your balls and man breasts). Expect the doctor to review your family history, review your current medications (a common cause of man breasts), complete a battery of tests, and possibly prescribe medication. Gynecomastia can be embarrassing, but avoiding the doctor could be deadly. Though rare, male breast development can be a symptom of a serious illness – an illness that needs to be treated if you’re going to get rid of man breast…not to mention live a long life.
Hormone therapy is an effective way to get rid of man breasts. Hypogonadism – a deficiency in testosterone – is the leading cause of male breast development in adults, though it can happen at any age. Hormone therapy can help bring the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio back to normal levels and thus get rid of those man breasts. It has also been effective for some adolescents in preventing delayed puberty and development of male sex characteristics. Don’t rush into this. Hormone therapy comes with risks and benefits, so it should be discussed at length with your doctor, and perhaps more than one doctor.
Have male breast reduction surgery. In most cases, it is possible to get rid of man breasts without surgery, and it should be considered only when all other options have failed. Surgery is always serious; however, male breast reduction techniques have come a long way. New procedures combine small incisions with liposuction for reduced scarring and decreased recovery time. That being said, few surgeons are considered experts at this procedure. You should have the utmost confidence in the surgeon and facility you choose. To learn more about surgery and specialists, look to the bottom.
Hide your man breasts. Whether you are a boy waiting out the storm of puberty or an adult currently weighing treatment options, you can feel secure and self-assured by wearing clothing that reduces the appearance of your man breasts. Dark colors, thick fabrics, layering, and specific patterns can accomplish this. Certain companies, such as Underworks and Scuptees, offer compression garments. These shirts (some call them gynecomastia bras) keep your man breasts in check in much the same way sports bras do for the women we ogle.Specialists and Surgery
Not every doctor is going to be an expert at getting rid of man breasts. It is a telling statistic that in nearly one quarter of all cases of gynecomastia, the root cause is not found. After initial testing, you should insist on being referred to a specialist in hormone disorders or an endocrinologist, unless your doctor just happens to be one (doubtful). Just as seeing the right doctor is crucial, if you choose surgery, seeing the right surgeon is of dire importance. Not all surgeons who will do a gynecomastia reduction surgery are qualified to perform them. First, contact the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (1-800-635-0635) to find one in your area. Research well. Contact your state medical board to see their credentials and whether or not they have had any serious complaints. When you meet them, ask how many gynecomastia reduction surgeries they have performed, how often they perform them, and when they last performed the operation. They should also be able to present you with before and after pictures of their previous work.
