Can Man Boobs Go Away? 

Appearance contributes significantly toward self-confidence.¹ Gynecomastia or man boobs is one of the medical conditions that affect a few men. Due to its impact on physical stature, it is necessary to understand its causes and viable solutions. 

What Is Gynecomastia or Man Boobs? 

It is a medical condition that presents with hypertrophy of breast tissue² in men. It commonly affects boys undergoing puberty and older men. It is due to the reduction in testosterone³ and increase in estrogen. 

Types of Gynecomastia 

• Glandular Gynecomastia 

It results from the increase in estrogen which causes a reduction in synthetic forms of testosterone. This influences fat deposition within the breast tissue. 

• Fatty Gynecomastia 

It is caused by obesity. There is more fat accumulation within the pectoral region. 

• Four Grades of Man Boobs 

The grades are determined depending on the severity of the condition. 

• Grade 1: A little growth because of tissue growth that occurs around the nipple 
• Grade 2: Moderate breast enlargement that may be visible through the clothing 
• Grade 3: It is moderate to significant causing the breast to appear prominently 
• Grade 4: The most severe form whereby the breast assumes a feminine morphology

Causes of Gynecomastia or Man Boobs 

1. Hormonal Imbalance<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> 

An increase in estrogen and a reduction in the levels of testosterone favor the deposition of adipose. This may lead to gynecomastia. ⁴

2. Puberty 

Puberty is characterized by hormonal changes. There is an elevation in estrogen and a reduction in testosterone that may cause breast enlargement. 

3. Age 

Older men experience a testosterone decrease and therefore the unopposed action of estrogen may result in man boobs. 

4. Obesity 

Excess fat in the body causes a hormonal imbalance. It also increases the production of leptin. Ultimately, the adipose deposition in the pectoral region may be present clinically as gynecomastia. 

Medications for Man Boobs 

Some drugs may exhibit estrogen activity. 

1. Steroids 

Anabolic steroids are synthetic forms of testosterone that can be broken down into estrogen thus becoming a trigger for man boobs. 

2. Alcohol intake 

Excessive alcohol consumption may result in hepatic impairment. The liver’s capacity to remove estrogen may be affected leading to the accumulation of this hormone which results in gynecomastia. 

Psychological Effects on Patients with Gynecomastia/Man Boobs 

Gynecomastia makes men appear more feminine. This is associated with effects on mental health and self-esteem. According to an article by Ensoul Body Medical Clinic, some of the disorders that may arise include anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction and even eating disorders. 

Treating Man Boobs with CoolSculpting and SculpSure 

Dr. Thean from Ensoul Medical Clinic further said that these two FDA-approved, non-invasive, safe techniques that can be used to treat gynecomastia⁵ are CoolSculpting and SculpSure. 

Cool Sculpting 

It uses Cryolipolysis⁶, a fat-freezing technique that destroys fat cells using subzero temperatures. 

In the targeted area, fat cells crystallize and are excreted by the body’s lymphatic system over the next 3 months. Eventually, your body will eliminate the destroyed fat cells, which will result in a natural-looking fat reduction and body shape. 

SculpSure 

It damages fat cells by heating them up to 42°C to 47°C and they are soon expelled from the body through the body’s natural waste disposal system in 8 to 12 weeks. 

Conclusion 

Due to the psychological effects of gynecomastia and the probability of becoming chronic, it is important to consider noninvasive techniques in its management. 

 

1. Feltz, Deborah L. “Self-confidence and sports performance.” studies 33.41 (2007): 50-66. ↩︎
2. Benditte-Klepetko, Heike, et al. “Hypertrophy of the breast: a problem of beauty or health?.” Journal of Women’s Health 16.7 (2007): 1062-1069. ↩︎
3. Martini, Luciano. “The 5α-reduction of testosterone in the neuroendocrine structures. Biochemical and physiological implications.” Endocrine Reviews 3.1 (1982): 1-25. ↩︎
4. Braunstein, Glenn D. “Gynecomastia.” New England Journal of Medicine 328.7 (1993): 490-495. ↩︎
5. Bembo, Shirley A., and Harold E. Carlson. “Gynecomastia: its features, and when and how to treat it.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 71.6 (2004): 511-517. ↩︎
6. Derrick, Chase D., Sachin M. Shridharani, and Justin M. Broyles. “The safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis: a systematic review of available literature.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal 35.7 (2015): 830-836. ↩︎

Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology