What to Do About the Emotional Effects of Gynecomastia

An estimated 65% of men and boys worldwide have gynecomastia. It’s the No. 1 male breast disorder, and it causes breast tissue to overdevelop, which gives the chest a more feminine appearance.

Usually, gynecomastia isn’t a significant health issue. However, it can have a serious impact on your self-esteem and your body image. If you have enlarged breast tissue and you’re struggling to deal with its emotional impact, you’ve come to the right place.

Mark Elliott, MD, FACS, Lee Thornton, MD, FACS, and our team at Meridian Plastic Surgery, located in Meridian, Mississippi, believe that everyone deserves to love their bodies. We work with men of all ages to treat their gynecomastia and give them the body that reflects who they are inside. 

Here’s what to do if you think you have gynecomastia.

Recognize the emotional impact gynecomastia can have

Gynecomastia can impact your mental health, regardless of the severity of your condition. Gynecomastia affects every boy and man differently, and it’s been linked to conditions like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Disordered eating
• Embarrassment
• Low self-esteem

Seeing a body in the mirror that’s different from the one you desire is difficult, but it’s essential to explore those feelings of discomfort. Allowing yourself to identify the cause of your dissatisfaction is the first step to finding treatment and feeling better about yourself.

Understand that gynecomastia can be temporary

Gynecomastia is often caused by hormonal imbalance, although other factors, like lifestyle, body weight, and drug use, can also play a role. Testosterone is primarily responsible for male characteristics, and estrogen controls female characteristics, but both hormones are found in men and women.

If your body’s testosterone level decreases compared to its estrogen level, gynecomastia may result. The hormonal imbalance is common in infancy, puberty, and older adults, and it can resolve on its own with time.

Gynecomastia in infant boys is usually caused by their mother’s estrogen levels and typically goes away within 2-3 weeks of birth. During puberty, a boy’s hormones change dramatically, and these fluctuations can also cause gynecomastia. In these cases, gynecomastia usually goes away on its own in six months to two years.

After age 50, gynecomastia becomes increasingly common. Testosterone levels decline with age, and many common medications can also lead to the growth of breast tissue. While some men may find that gynecomastia disappears on its own, it may persist for several years.

Consider treatment for prolonged gynecomastia

When ongoing gynecomastia interferes with your happiness, it’s time to seek professional care. Persistent gynecomastia can be frustrating and embarrassing, but our team offers a range of treatment options to help restore your confidence.

Dr. Elliot and Dr. Thornton start with a physical exam and a thorough review of your medical history and current medications. We may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or stopping certain medications, to help reduce breast size naturally.

As a leading plastic surgery practice in Meridian, Mississippi, we offer several different treatments for gynecomastia. These include liposuction to remove excess fat in your chest or breast surgery to remove excess tissue and reshape your chest.

You don’t have to live with the effects of gynecomastia. Learn about your treatment options at Meridian Plastic Surgery. Call our compassionate team at 601-693-7742 or book a consultation online now.