Many men around the world have to contend with the development of enlarged male breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia. Although the medical risks associated with gynecomastia are rare and low, this condition can negatively impact men’s lives and overall self-esteem. Many men think that exercise and diet can help them achieve the contoured masculine chest they desire, but the solution isn’t always so simple. In fact, enlarged breast tissue isn’t always caused by a lack of a balanced diet and exercise, which means that even a healthy lifestyle cannot reverse it. For some men, male breast reduction surgery is the only way to address this condition.
At Livingston Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, Dr. Livingston is a double board-certified Houston plastic surgeon who has helped countless men understand their gynecomastia so that his patients can experience their life with the self-confidence they deserve. But what exactly happens when gynecomastia is left untreated? Dr. Livingston wants to help men understand the condition, know that they are not alone, and know what can be done if they want to treat it, and most important, what happens if gynecomastia is not treated.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast tissue in boys’ and men’s chests, giving the appearance of female breasts and an inability to achieve contoured pectoral muscles. It’s commonly caused by hormone imbalances during puberty and low testosterone in older men. Medications, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, and some recreational drugs can also contribute to the development of male breast tissue.
How Can Gynecomastia Be Treated?
You can make some lifestyle changes to help reduce the appearance of male breasts, but in some cases, lifestyle changes are not enough. These lifestyle changes can improve other aspects of your physique and benefit your general and mental health. The best practices to help reduce excess male breast tissue include:
- Exercise— Exercise burns stored calories in the body that may contribute to breast tissue accumulation. When you exercise regularly, focusing on cardiovascular activities, you can see significant improvements in fatty deposits all over your body. Devoting 30 minutes a day to exercise is usually adequate for most people.
- Diet— What you eat in a day can also impact your weight and breast size. For example, if your current diet is composed of highly processed foods, sugars, fats, and carbohydrates, this can significantly contribute to where and how you gain weight. By changing your diet to include plenty of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, you may be able to reduce the amount of fatty deposits in your chest.
- Gynecomastia Surgery—A male breast reduction, or gynecomastia surgery, removes excess tissue and skin from the chest to sculpt it into a more masculine appearance. Dr. Livingston uses liposuction to remove the fatty deposits while excising additional skin.
What Are the Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery in Houston, TX?
Gynecomastia surgery offers patients several benefits that can improve their physical and mental health. Some of the common benefits of this procedure include:
- A more masculine figure
- Improved mental health and self-confidence
- Physical activities made easier and more accessible
- Less sensitivity and discomfort in the area
- Clothing fits better
Is Male Breast Reduction Right For Me?
Choosing to undergo any type of aesthetic surgery is a deeply personal decision. If this condition hinders your life and you’re searching for a permanent solution, male breast reduction surgery could be the perfect solution to improve your overall quality of life.
Candidates for gynecomastia surgery should have good overall mental and physical health and be actively caring for their bodies. You should be at a stable weight for your height and physique and have no underlying health issues that could negatively impact your procedure or health. During your consultation with Dr. Livingston, mention any medications or supplements you currently take. Additionally, if you are currently smoking, vaping, or using any kind of nicotine or recreational drugs, you’ll need to quit for six months before and after your procedure. However, it would be beneficial for you to quit indefinitely as some of these habits can cause gynecomastia to reoccur in some patients and can further disrupt your health. If you are having trouble quitting and need support, please speak candidly with your provider.
What Are the Psychological Effects of Gynecomastia?
Whether you are an adolescent or an adult, gynecomastia can create long-lasting and damaging psychological effects such as anxiety and depression. Many young boys and men have suffered intense bullying because of their condition, which can cause emotional isolation, feelings of loneliness, and the development of harmful habits that allow them to cope with stress and feelings of inadequacy or alienation.
Male breast reduction offers patients a way to regain control of how they feel and see their body, which will significantly improve the psychological effects of gynecomastia.
What Happens If Gynecomastia Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, gynecomastia can cause the tissue to expand over time, making it more noticeable. Over time, this can cause sensitivity to the chest and discomfort when touched or during movement.
Choosing The Right Gynecomastia Surgeon
When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your gynecomastia surgery, you’ll want to thoroughly review their credentials, how long they’ve been in the industry, before and after photos, and patient reviews. This information will give you an idea of your surgeon’s knowledge and specialties and ensure that their abilities will achieve the outcome that you desire.
Dr. Christopher K. Livingston is a board-certified Houston plastic surgeon who is dedicated to helping his patients love their bodies. His extensive knowledge in male breast reduction surgery has made him one of the best and most sought-after plastic surgeons in Houston, TX. Patients benefit from his dedication to providing a pressure-free experience, getting to know each patient individually, and using evidence-based plastic surgery procedures to provide stunning results.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery at Livingston Plastic Surgery
To learn more about male breast reduction surgery in Houston, TX with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher K. Livingston, schedule your personalized consultation by calling (281) 501-1812 or completing our online consultation form.
