Why Do Men Develop Enlarged Breasts? Common Gynecomastia Causes Explained

A man's chest with enlarged breasts due to gynecomastia Enlarged breasts in men can feel uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. But gynecomastia, the medical term for this condition, is more common than most people realize. It can affect boys going through puberty, adult men, and even older men. 

Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli are board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive chest procedures. Treatment may involve excision of glandular tissue, liposuction to remove excess fat, or a combination of both, depending on your needs. You can explore your options to flatten your chest in a private consultation at American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill, New Jersey.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the development of excess breast tissue in men. This is different from fat alone. It may appear on one or both sides of the chest and can feel firm, tender, or swollen. In some cases, the chest may appear puffy or uneven. Gynecomastia is not harmful on its own, but it can affect confidence, especially when it doesn’t go away over time.

It’s important to note that gynecomastia is different from pseudogynecomastia, which is related to fat buildup from weight gain. A proper evaluation can help determine which one you’re dealing with.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

A number of factors can lead to gynecomastia. In most cases, it comes down to a shift in the balance between estrogen and testosterone levels. Estrogen, while typically thought of as a female hormone, is naturally present in small amounts in men. When estrogen levels are too high or testosterone levels drop, breast tissue can grow.

Common causes of gynecomastia include:

  • Hormonal changes during puberty
  • Aging and natural testosterone decline
  • Certain medications, such as anti-androgens, antidepressants, and some heart or ulcer medications
  • Anabolic steroids or recreational drugs
  • Health conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or thyroid
  • Significant weight gain or obesity

In many cases, there’s more than one factor involved, and a full medical evaluation is helpful in finding the root cause.

Talk to a Specialist

Changes in the chest that don’t go away on their own can affect your confidence over time. Liposuction or excision surgery can remove the excess fat and tissue to give you a more masculine chest.

To explore your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli at American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill, NJ. Call 856-362-8898 to get started.

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