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GYNECOMASTIA: TRUTHS VS. MYTHS

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Photo by: Artem Podrez

With so much information circulating the Internet about gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts), it can be difficult to distinguish truth from myth. To better educate his patients, cosmetic surgeon Mark X. Lowney separates the facts from the fiction here. 

Only overweight men develop large breasts.

This is untrue. Enlarged breasts can affect men of all shapes and sizes. Body weight is not the cause of gynecomastia; rather, it is hormonal fluctuations and other factors (e.g., the use of certain medications) that cause the development of excessive breast tissue.

Beer gives you man boobs.

The idea that beer can contribute to excessive breast tissue is also fictitious. Dr. Lowney cleared up this myth, which garnered attention in the media, last year. Some media sources had reported, erroneously, that man boobs could be caused by the hops in India Pale Ales. This is not the case, nor does drinking too much beer cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia can be treated through diet and exercise.

This is partially true. Male breasts can be composed of excess fat tissue, excess glandular tissue, or a combination of both. Exercise and diet may reduce the amount of fat tissue on the breasts and around the rest of the body, but won’t have an effect on glandular tissue (and it can be difficult to know what kind of tissue you have). Surgical excision is the only solution to excess glandular tissue.

Surgery leaves noticeable scarring.

Contrary to common belief, the scarring from gynecomastia surgery is not extensive. Dr. Lowney uses advanced techniques to reduce the extent of post-operative scarring. For example, he places the incisions meticulously in a well-thought-out pattern so that scarring is well concealed in the natural folds and creases of the skin.

Gynecomastia is a life-changing experience.

This is absolutely true! Dr. Lowney has worked with many men that suffered chronic anxiety and depression due to poor body image from enlarged breasts. Male breast reduction surgery gave them a more attractive chest appearance, improved self-esteem, and a better quality of life.

If your life is negatively affected by excessively large breasts, Dr. Lowney can help. Call our cosmetic surgery practice today at (877) 577-5476.

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