By Plastic Surgeon Dr Dirk Kremer.

The term “man boobs” is something you’ve probably heard before. Most people are already familiar with what man boobs look like, but not many people are educated about the reasons why they develop on men and how they can be treated. Here at Harley St Aesthetics, we’re seeing a growing number of men wanting to find a way to put an end to the condition. For this reason, we thought we’d outline the issues surrounding man boobs, what causes them and how they can be treated.

Man boobs, medically known as gynecomastia, is the term often used to describe male breasts that are larger than what traditional beauty standards would dictate, and though it may seem like a light-hearted way to describe the condition, for some men it’s no joke.

It’s uncommon for men to have enlarged breasts, but certainly not unheard of. It can affect men at any stage of their life, and though gynecomastia is not a serious medical condition, it can cause men a great deal of anxiety and embarrassment. Sometimes the condition can be treated with a change of lifestyle, but for some men the only option is to undergo a cosmetic procedure that surgically removes excess fatty tissue.

Below are the most common causes for men experiencing gynecomastia:

Four common causes of gynecomastia

Hormonal imbalance

This is the most common cause, and it occurs when there’s an imbalance in the ratio of testosterone to oestrogen in males. When the testosterone levels become low in relation to the oestrogen levels, problems can arise. When this is the case, the only option to rid the body of the enlarged breast tissues is through cosmetic surgery.

Being overweight

An increase in body fat can disrupt body hormones, as fat tissues produce a hormone called leptin that has a reproductive role. High levels of the leptin hormone can lead to a decrease in testosterone production, and the oestrogen levels can take over which can often lead to the development of breast tissue in men. The condition can be easily reversed by following an effective weight loss plan. It’s also worth noting that excessive chest fat can often appear as man boobs without the male suffering from gynecomastia. Again, weight loss will easily improve the appearance in this case.

Treatment with hormones

Some men receive treatment with hormones due to their benefits, such as testosterone boosters for an improved sex drive, extra muscle mass, happier mood and more. Sometimes, the side effects can involve temporary breast tissue growth due to the body converting some of the testosterone into oestrogen. The good news is that these changes are temporary, and things will return to normal.

Steroid use

Some men use steroids to give their muscles and strength a boost. Unfortunately, steroids have been linked with some serious health issues, and they also act as synthetic testosterone which affects the natural hormonal balance in the body. This can often lead to unwanted results such as the development of man boobs.

How can you get rid of man boobs?

If the problem is genetic and doesn’t improve with a healthy diet and exercise, then your only option is to undergo gynecomastia surgery. An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to easily correct gynecomastia, which will help to restore your confidence and improve your physical appearance to something you’re far happier with.

If it’s down to having a high percentage of body fat, then there is a good chance the appearance can be significantly improved by simply following a healthy diet and exercising regularly to shift the excess weight.

If you’re suffering with gynecomastia and feel as though cosmetic surgery is the correct route to help improve your physical appearance and self-confidence, then don’t hesitate to book yourself a consultation with me today. You can book by calling 0845 519 7232, e-mailing info@harleystreetaesthetics.com or by completing the online contact form.