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Plastic Surgery for Man Boobs On The Increase

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The BBC news has reported that breast reduction surgery is gaining popularity amongst men with gynaecomastia ("man boobs" or "moobs").

The condition is estimated to affect between a third and half of all men, especially teenagers and younger men. True gynaecomastia is linked to hormonal changes, certain medications and some diseases. This is where real breast tissue is present. "Pseudo" gynaecomastia is due to being overweight, and is caused by an accumulation of fat. (See Gynecomastia, a prevalent embarrassment for more details.)

Doctor Raj Ragoowansi (a plastic surgeon) told the BBC news that he had seen a big increase in the number of male patients for breast reduction surgery. But do you really need an expensive operation to deal with your man boobs?

The BBC's health "Ask the Doctors" section suggests not:

A straightforward operation can be done to remove the breast tissue, but this is very rarely necessary.

  • If you are in your teens and have gynaecomastia, there's probably nothing to worry about: once you're through puberty, the "man boobs" will probably disappear.
  • If you're overweight, making lifestyle changes to slim down could be all that's needed.
  • If despite losing weight, you still have woman-like breasts, talk to your doctor. In many cases, medicine is all that is needed to reverse the condition.
Some drugs, such as cannabis and anabolic steroids can cause breast development, and if you use these and have gynaecomastia, it's definitely a good idea to stop.

Gynaecomastia is a very common condition, so don't be embarrassed about consulting your doctor if you think you're suffering from it.

More like this in Health · Dec 18, 2008
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13 Comments

Barry on 12/18/08

Oh goodie I get to be the first to say it: The Man-ssiere!!

Or the Bro. But Bro is too ethnic. I prefer Man-ssiere.

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Israel on 12/19/08

the Bro was on Seinfeld...

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Cari on 12/18/08

I remember attending a talk once where the speaker said that you could tell how stressed a guy was buy the size of his breasts. The more stressed the bigger they get (apparently). But man - I have to admit, I can't wait for men to have to buy and wear bras!!!!

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DR on 12/18/08

There is some research (very sketchy stuff) that links the sites where you store your fat to the levels of various hormones.

Insulin - love handle & belly fat
Estrogen - Triceps or granny arm

Charles Poliquin is a big believer in this research

Nice Seinfeld - Manssiere reference BTW

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Chuck on 12/18/08

Remember Meatloaf in the movie "Fight Club" had moobs as a result of having testicular cancer. His moobs were massive, poor guy. In his movie case, I wonder if hormone pills would have reduced the size. It looked down right uncomfortable.

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Spectra on 12/18/08

Taking anabolic steroids can also cause gynaecomastia, so that's another reason NOT to take them. I've heard that it's usually caused by a combination of being overweight and having excess estrogens in your body (and since estrogen is fat-soluble, I would imagine that many obese men do have elevated estrogen levels). I wonder how effective the surgery is though. What if you gain weight back? Does it go back to the chest area, or does it deposit in some other spot on the body?

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Dr. J on 12/18/08

I've heard of "bodybuilders" taking Tamoxifin for this! Talk about going down a sick path!

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Miroslav Nikolov on 12/18/08

I am against such a manipulation. It is really caused by hormonal disorders, which is proven by scientists and bodybuilders as DR. J said.

Too many steroids can cause gynecomastia, so bodybuilders have to take more steroids to prevent side effects of the first, which is a bad circle.

Its bad for a man to has gynecomastia when he is suppose to has strong chest, but every problem has a solution, which sometimes is very simple.

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Herbalife Las Vegas on 12/18/08

Great article!! I agree lifestyle changes could make a huge difference. Sometimes its just age and hormones and it will go about, I didn't know that, great info.

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chahald on 12/19/08

I actually had this surgery done when I was much younger (in my teens), and I know a couple others who have had it done as well. Maybe mine would have went away if I had waited, who knows.

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Dr Jack on 12/20/08

You forgot Liver disease it's the main cause for men gynaecomastia

Surgery is really helpful

Weight Loss surgery (Bariatric Surgery)

Also check this ! don't be afraid of complications

Bariatric Surgery late complications

Dr Jack
123-weightloss Blog

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alyce on 02/ 5/09

I am thinking what plastic surgery really is?
We always think that it was about breast implants, liposuction and etc . . . .
But why? To makes us beautiful and attractive to the eyes of the other people, especially the women. Right? But why it is there are so many people undergo to surgery wherein they are already attractive and beautiful. Instead of prioritizing our personal wanted, why we don’t help those children that have a cleft lip. It is the separation of the lip or roof of the mouth. There are so many children who need our help. There are so many Plastic surgery foundation and charities that accept voluntary help for those children that have this kind of condition.

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