Are Man Boobs Wrecking Your Self-Esteem?

People may joke about “man boobs,” but this is a real condition known as gynecomastia, and it can significantly impact a man’s self-confidence.

Matthew J. Lynch, MD, understands how gynecomastia can wreck a man’s self-esteem. He also knows that this condition can be an embarrassing problem that keeps many men from seeking care. However, solutions exist. At his practice in East Windsor, New Jersey, Dr. Lynch has helped many men regain their confidence through breast reduction surgery.

If you have gynecomastia, here’s how Dr. Lynch can help.

Recognizing gynecomastia

If you’re a man with overdeveloped breast tissue, you’re not alone. This is the most common breast disorder affecting men, and it impacts 50-65% of boys and men worldwide. In addition to enlarged breasts, you may also experience:

• Breast tenderness or pain
• Swollen breast tissue
• Nipple sensitivity from clothing
• Nipple discharge
• Breast lumps

It’s important not to ignore these symptoms, because they can also indicate the presence of breast cancer, which is a condition that’s less common in men but still occurs. If you have gynecomastia, your risk of developing breast cancer is slightly higher, so you shouldn’t ignore unusual changes in this area.

Once your doctor determines what’s behind your symptoms, they can explain your treatment options.

Causes of gynecomastia

In many cases, gynecomastia begins during puberty, but it can also impact newborn babies and men over age 50. Several things can cause breast tissue to become enlarged or overdeveloped, and it can affect one or both breasts. 

Common causes of gynecomastia include: 

• Changes in estrogen and testosterone
• Obesity 
• Certain medications
• Medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and liver or kidney disease
• Some cancers, including adrenal, pituitary, lung, or testicular
• Injury or trauma

Most people who experience gynecomastia see their symptoms improve on their own within six months to three years. For others, hormone therapy, medications, or surgery can help.

Surgical solutions for gynecomastia

If you have gynecomastia that doesn’t improve with time, hormone therapy, or medications, Dr. Lynch can treat your condition with surgical solutions, such as breast reduction.

During this procedure, Dr. Lynch makes a tiny incision in the underarm or the lower part of the breast and removes excess tissue. Sometimes, he also performs liposuction to sculpt and contour the chest. Dr. Lynch can even resize and reposition the areola if needed.

The entire procedure takes 1-2 hours. Afterward, you need to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks. However, you should be able to return to work within 10 days and resume regular activities in a month.

Does your breast size make you feel uncomfortable? Surgery can provide solutions even if medications fall short. To learn more, call 609-448-6200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Matthew J. Lynch, MD, today.