Gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue in men, is more common than one might think. This female-like breast appearance can occur as a result of weight gain, hormonal changes during the teen years or as a side effect to certain medications. Enlarged breasts in men often lead to embarrassment and avoidance of certain social situations such as swimming of the beach.
For years, men turned to baggy shirts or compression garments to hide their enlarged breasts, but with increased cases of gynecomastia and the acceptance of male cosmetic surgery, male breast reduction is becoming more and more common. Gynecomastia surgery can help to restore a more masculine contour to the breast area, giving men the masculine look they desire.
Increased Cases of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia diagnoses are on the rise. While enlarged breasts can be the result of a number of different factors, with the increasing prevalence of obesity, male breast enlargement has been on the rise as well.
Increased Pressure on Appearance
In a social media obsessed culture, men have become more self-conscious about their appearance. Despite efforts in the gym to reduce their chest size, many men still battle with enlarged breasts and turn to breast reduction surgery. This procedure helps give them the results they are looking for and boost their self-esteem.
Acceptance of Surgical Options
Women have turned to cosmetic surgery for years to help improve their appearance, but it is only recently that men have joined the movement. In 2016, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released their statistics and men accounted for more than 40 percent of breast reduction surgeries, showing a 35 percent increase since 2000. As more and more men opt for surgical procedures, their friends and family see the results and, in many cases, consider gynecomastia surgery for themselves.
No matter the reason, breast reduction surgery provides men with the option to achieve what the gym can’t always do which is give men back the masculine look they desire as well as their self-confidence.
Author: Dr. Eric Chang
Few plastic surgeons offer Dr. Eric Chang’s rare blend of impressive credentials and genuine compassion. After becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, he returned to his home state and established Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practices between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
