For many men, masculinity is tied up with physical appearance, and in these men, nothing can shake their self-confidence like gynecomastia. For a man, having what are perceived as “women’s breasts,” and which may even be referred to derogatorily as “man breasts,” “man boobs,” or even “moobs,” can be devastating to self-esteem.
Gynecomastia is more common than one might think. It can be particularly difficult for teenage boys, where it is called pubertal gynecomastia and often fades as one goes through puberty, but can be devastating for men of any age. Unfortunately, many men simply live with gynecomastia, thinking perhaps, that is their fault, either because of their diet, their behavior, or simply that they are “not masculine enough.” At Turner Medical Arts, we understand the journey that men and boys and their parents go through when it comes to gynecomastia and we’re here to help.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in males. It is most commonly caused by male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels. If you or your son have gynecomastia, the first thing that it is important to understand is that it is not your fault. Gynecomastia is simply a matter of genetics, where the body is producing more estrogen than it should for a male.
Even knowing this, living with gynecomastia can be difficult. Sufferers quickly discover that this condition is the first thing others notice about them. They tend to wear loose, baggy clothing and avoid situations where their upper body may be exposed. They may become extremely frustrated when diet and exercise do little to resolve this problem. Gynecomastia can affect all aspects of a person’s life, potentially affecting success and confidence in the personal, romantic, and work arenas.
Saying Goodbye to Gynecomastia
Once you accept that gynecomastia is not your fault and not who you are, you are ready to take steps to correct it. We have both surgical and non-surgical solutions to gynecomastia at Turner Medical Arts. Come to our Santa Barbara Center so we can examine your condition and determine the best solution for you.
At Turner Medical Arts, we have helped countless men say goodbye to gynecomastia. For a complete and confidential consultation on solutions for your gynecomastia, call us at 805-962-1957 or submit our form below to request an appointment for a consultation today.
