As a man, it’s always expected that you have a flat, chiseled chest and a moderately fit body. But, what if you can’t help that your chest is puffier than your friends’? Gynecomastia is a very real and common condition that causes men to have enlarged breasts. Let’s go over everything you need to know about what gynecomastia is, how it comes about, and how you can treat it to get the body you deserve.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes men to have an excess of fat and breast tissue in the chest in addition to the enlargement of glands within the breasts. Gynecomastia causes the appearance of male breasts also commonly referred to as “man boobs.” While this is a common condition, many patients don’t know the underlying cause of their gynecomastia until seeing a doctor for treatment.
Stages of Gynecomastia
In 1973, a group of doctors found there are four different stages of gynecomastia that occur.
- Grade I. At this stage, you may notice a small enlargement of the breasts without skin excess.
- Grade II-a. This stage is characterized by a moderate enlargement of the breasts, but still without any skin excess.
- Grade II-b. At this stage, you may find a moderate enlargement of the breasts and minor amounts of excess skin.
- Grade III. The most severe stage, Grade III gynecomastia is marked by the enlargement of breasts with excess skin, mimicking the appearance of female breasts.
Some patients may find that their gynecomastia starts at Grade I and does not progress at all, while others may find that their gynecomastia worsens into Grade II-a or Grade II-b over time.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Unfortunately, there is no single cause of gynecomastia. Common causes of gynecomastia in men include:
- Changes in hormonal levels through puberty and andropause
- Overuse of anabolic steroids
- Abuse of alcohol and marijuana
- Side effects from prescription medication
- Genetics
- An underlying illness like hypothyroidism
- Obesity
No matter what causes your gynecomastia, it is likely that it will not be reversed on its own. This is where Dr. Harold Beam and his expert team of medical professionals can step in and help.
Treating Gynecomastia
When it comes to treating gynecomastia for the long term, Dr. Beam and his medical team typically recommend male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery. During this procedure, small and discrete incisions will be made on the outer chest near the underarms. Through these incisions, Dr. Beam will be able to remove excess breast tissue and fat contributing to your puffy chest. Once complete, patients will have a flatter and more defined chest than before.
The results of gynecomastia surgery have the potential to be permanent, but can still be reversed with excessive weight gain. It’s important to lead a healthy and active lifestyle following your gynecomastia surgery to benefit from your results in the long run. Patients who receive gynecomastia surgery are thrilled with their outcomes and are more confident in their appearance.
To learn more about your gynecomastia and how it can be treated, contact us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.
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