Getting Rid of Man Boobs

While the majority of women want bigger, fuller breasts, let's face it: most men don't. Few men are comfortable with a womanly bosom - unless it belongs to their wife or girlfriend - and passing a a big ole pair of man boobs off as "large pecs" just doesn't cut the mustard.

So if you're among the estimated 20 - 30 percent of men who would like to get a least a little something off their chest, look no further. You don't have to spend the rest of your life wearing layer upon layer of clothing on the beach or taping down your secret assets. There are ways to make your man boobs disappear, forever. Let's just hope you don't miss them when they're gone...

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the medical term for the condition of having man boobs, or male breasts, which is characterized by either excess glandular tissue, fat or a combination of the two. The reasons for this phenomenon, which interestingly can occur in one or both breasts and can even cause milk secretion in newborn boys, are many. They include:
Puberty. Boys in the throes of puberty often have what they fear is a pert pair of man boobs, but what is actually just a normal aspect of male development. So if you're still a teen don't fret: 75 percent of teens with man boobs (boy boobs?) will have flat chests by the time they reach adulthood, and probably won't find themselves furtively shopping for a bra at Wal-Mart in a few years.
Prescribed medications. Side effects of specific drugs, from anti-depressants to even some allergy pills, can sometimes cause male breasts to swell.
Hyperthyroidism, a thyroid condition when too much of certain hormones are produced.
Steroid abuse. Ever wondered why some bodybuilders have what is referred to as "bitch tits"?
Deficiency of testosterone, the male hormone.
Smoking too much marijuana (no, really!).
Gilbert's Syndrome. This is a relatively harmless disorder of the liver and man boobs are just one symptom. You would need to undergo blood testing to determine if you have the condition.
Klinefelter Syndrome. Men with this condition have an extra XXY chromosome, instead of the usual XY. Its characteristics also include infertility, wispy facial hair, small testicles.
Aging. Our age plays a big role in how we look, including drooping and sagging of the skin, which is why about 30 percent of older men have man boobs. Hopefully, by the time you develop age-related male breasts you'll be old enough - or mature enough - not to care. If Jack Nicholson can parade shirtless to the paparazzi, can't you?
Genetics. Ever wondered why your relatives always said you resemble your Great Uncle "Betty" so much?
Kidney failure.

Saying Goodbye to Your Moobs Naturally

There are two medical classifications of man boobs. Breast tissue in men due mostly to obesity, or even being mildly overweight, is termed "pseudogynecomastia", or male lipomastia. This type of gynecomastia can usually be resolved by reducing total body fat and/or doing exercises which target the chest area, aiming to improve the pectoral muscles.

Here are some tried-and-tested natural methods to get rid of man boobs that are a result of pseudogynecomastia:
Eat a diet that is low in sugar and fat.
Steer clear of certain of certain oily fish which contain high levels of estrogen, such as tuna and mackerel (some, people however, say this will have no effect).
Do cardio-aerobic exercises as well as weight-lifting, press-ups, bench lifts etc, which concentrates on the pectoral muscles.
Avoid any supplement containing artificial zinc.
Drink plenty of water, but only mineral water that is free of hormones.

Note: There are many herbal supplements on the market today that promise to target the fatty cells in the male breasts, or what often makes man boobs man boobs. The jury is out about whether they work or not, so buy at your own risk.

Saying Goodbye to Your Moobs Through Surgery

If your man boobs are still perky and proud after following a dedicated exercise plan and a healthy diet, you might want to try surgery. The most widely used surgical intervention for pseudogynecomastia, is liposuction.

This procedure is fairly straightforward. Your surgeon will make several small incisions in your breast and use a thin tube called a cannula to suck away the excess fat, which is removed through a suction-pump type device (if you think it sounds nasty, you're right). Lipo can be done using either a local or general anesthesia, depending on what you and your surgeon together decide. Always use a board-certified surgeon with plenty of experience minimizing male breasts for best results.

However, if your excess breast tissue is composed primarily of glandular tissue, then you have what is called true gynecosmastia. This type of man boobs usually occurs due to excess hormones or genetics. Remember, however, that even true gynecomastia that starts at puberty will probably reverses itself within a few years, so if you're 15 and sporting a pair of knockers that will comfortably fill a DD-cup, wait a few years before you panic.

If your male mammaries are the result of excess glandular tissue and are not going away on their own or through diet and exercise, excision may be your best choice. In this case, the surgeon must remove the glandular tissue by cutting it off, as opposed to through liposuction, because it is too dense and fibrous to be suctioned away as fatty tissue.

Excision is also preferable when there is a lot of excess skin to be removed, in addition to the glandular tissue (in order for the breasts to appear natural, it may be necessary to reposition the nipple, or reduce the areola). Occasionally, however, excision is done alongside liposuction as well. Be prepared for scars, although they usually fade in time.

Learning to Live with Man Boobs

While the vast majority of us are unhappy with something about the way we look, some people find that what they consider to be a physical defect starts to take over their lives, chipping away at their self-esteem and making them unhappy with their existence in general.

If you're finding that turning into a Dolly Parton lookalike is hindering your love life or impeding your job prospects, it may be time to visit a surgeon. Think long and hard before making the step, as it may be worth making an appointment with a therapist first. Some men with man boobs learn to embrace and love them for what they are, as they make them, well, unique. And think of all the tips you could get if you land a job at Hooter's!

Thanks for the mammaries...

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.