Why Do Men Choose Gynecomastia Surgery?

The condition known as gynecomastia causes men to gain the look of breasts on their chest, typically because of the development of glandular tissue and fatty deposits. Since a traditionally masculine chest is flat, breast development is not typically a welcome change for male patients. Fortunately, there is a solution to the problem of male breast development: gynecomastia surgery. New Jersey’s Dr. Carlos Burnett works with men with the condition who want to do something about their contours.

Here are five reasons patients say they decided to get the surgery

Lack of Confidence

Plastic surgery has long been a more commonly chosen option for women, but men can also be quite concerned about their physical appearance. Since a man’s chest is most often defined by its generally flat contours and pectoral muscles, variations due to the development of breast tissue can cause quite a blow to a man’s self-image.

For men who have developed breast tissue, it is not uncommon for a drop in confidence to follow. Even though gynecomastia is fairly common and has a wide range of potential causes, many men dealing with the condition find that they are embarrassed and unwilling to remove their shirt in both public and private settings.

Back Pain

Women may be used to the constant pull of gravity on their breasts, but even ladies with overly large breasts can complain that excessive volume is sometimes a literal pain. Men are no different. With little or no experience having breasts of their own, guys may find that the constant strain of chest weight begins to bother them. The pull can impact the neck, shoulders, and back, all of which can become increasingly sore over time. Compensating for the weight can also cause other muscles elsewhere on the body to protest.

Poor Posture

The same chest volume that can contribute to back pain can also literally get men down by causing them to hunch or sit uncomfortably, whether to hide their chest contours or deal with the weight. As breast tissue grows a man’s posture can suffer. Poor self-image can further contribute to this, making men more prone to slump in chairs and slouch while walking. On a related note, the development of breast tissue can also impact how a man sleeps, since his chest no longer lays flat against the mattress or other surface.

Sports Issues

Sports can be demanding—even recreational leagues and casual pick-up games at the park. Dealing with breast tissue that rubs against the inside of the shirt and causes chafing, that wobbles and sways when running or jogging, and that essentially stands out for teammates and fellow athletes to see can be disheartening for men. Gynecomastia can basically squash motivation for physical activity, which can actually make the problem even worse. An increasingly sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, and growing pockets of fat can cause the look of breasts on the chest to become even more pronounced.

Fitting Clothes

Menswear is—not surprisingly—designed for men. That means shirts that guys wear are typically not intended to accommodate breasts beneath the fabric. Full chest contours can result in shirts fitting poorly, revealing a silhouette more common to the female figure or causing the shirt to bunch, pull up, or otherwise suffer from “wardrobe malfunctions” throughout the day. Some men choose to wear overly baggy clothes to hide their chest, avoiding clothing they would otherwise prefer to wear—and look good in.

Gynecomastia surgery can help with all of the problems listed above. Removing the glandular tissue and excess fat cells can relieve neck, back, and shoulder tension, help men to stand up straighter, rekindle an interest in sports and other physical activities, help clothes to fit better, and restore a positive self-image and an overall sense of confidence.

For more information about male breast reduction for gynecomastia in New Jersey, call Burnett Plastic Surgery at 908.233.0200 or send a message online.