Enlarged breasts in men can be uncomfortable due to their prominent look. It can break the confidence of the person, so many opt to undergo cosmetic surgery to remove the excess fat around the breasts. But, normally, men do have a small amount of fat around the chest, so how do you differentiate whether it is a natural fat deposit or gynecomastia? In this article, we will discover how men get enlarged breasts and the symptoms of it so that you can see the doctor when it is needed.
Understanding Gynecomastia
The imbalance of the hormones testosterone and estrogen is the main cause of these enlarged breasts in men. The condition of gynecomastia is not serious, but it does affect the confidence of males, and sometimes it causes uneasiness due to tightness in tissue and pain around the breasts.
When Does Gynecomastia Develop?
It can be seen in males of any age. Even in newborn baby boys, the excess estrogen from the mother can cause a bit of a swollen breast, which is commonly known as breast buds. These breast buds disappear naturally in a few weeks.
As the child grows and reaches puberty, young men also go through the small stage of gynecomastia, which disappears within a year. However, in adulthood, due to hormonal imbalance, it could be seen as very common with a permanent presence. With the changes in lifestyle, it could be addressed well without the need for surgery.
What Are The Causes of Gynecomastia?
As mentioned earlier, the main culprit of gynecomastia is hormonal imbalances of testosterone and estrogen. However, there could be other reasons as well. Such as:
- Aging.
- Medication side effects.
- Use of steroids for bodybuilding.
- Malnutrition and starvation.
- Any medical condition, like kidney or liver failure.
It is also important to note that the condition of gynecomastia is not associated with obesity. It can happen to any male due to genetics or the above-mentioned reasons.
How Can You Tell If You Have Gynecomastia?
If you are unsure whether a swollen breast could be gynecomastia, then considering the following points may help:
- If you are experiencing pain in the breast. It is common among teenagers.
- The breast tissue feels swollen.
- Nipples are sensitive when rubbed against clothes.
As these could not be serious issues, however, there are times when visiting a doctor is a must. Such as:
- Increased swelling.
- Severe pain.
- Discharge of a fluid from nipples.
- A hard lump around the breast.
- Dimpled skin on the breast.
Bottom Line
Differentiating between gynecomastia and natural fat could be challenging. While natural fat spreads throughout the breast, gynecomastia will make it more round with swollen nipples. The breasts look more tender and can hurt sometimes. Visiting a doctor at the right time can decrease the uncomfortable symptoms.
Dr. Jonov is a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgeries of the face, breast, and body at Seattle Plastic Surgery.
