Adult gynecomastia develops any time after a man’s early twenties and is often caused by unresolved gynecomastia formed during adolescence. Gynecomastia is caused by male breast enlargement or increased growth of male breast tissue and can cause a variety of adverse physical and mental symptoms.

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Causes of Adult Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is not caused by weight or the buildup of fat. It is the development of glandular breast tissue that often causes breast pain in one or both breasts and cannot be treated with diet and exercise alone.

Although gynecomastia often begins during a man’s late teens or early twenties, it is possible to develop this condition later. 1 in 4 adult men develop gynecomastia and breast enlargement usually peaks between the ages of 50-80 years old. About 25% of adult gynecomastia cases are the result of unresolved adolescent gynecomastia but there are many other possible causes, including:

  • Drug-induced: 10-25%
  • Malnutrition: 8%
  • Low testosterone (primary hypogonadism): 8%
  • Testicular tumor: 3%
  • Low sperm count (secondary hypogonadism): 2%
  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid):1.5%
  • Unknown Causes: 25%

Andropause

Low-T or low testosterone is a common cause of gynecomastia. More specifically, low-T brings on andropause, which is similar to menopause for women. This condition causes estrogen levels to increase and testosterone to decrease, which leads to breast tissue growth. Other signs of low-T include low sex drive, decreased semen volume, hair loss, fatigue, increased body fat, mood changes, and a decrease in bone mass (osteoporosis).

Other medical issues caused by unbalanced hormone levels might be hormonally active tumors or problems with the pituitary gland or adrenal glands. If these health concerns are related to your gynecomastia, treating them may resolve your symptoms.

Drug-Induced Gynecomastia

Steroid use among bodybuilders is an especially common drug-related cause of gynecomastia, but other drugs may also be responsible for your enlarged breasts:

  • Blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitor medications
  • Diuretics like Spironolactone/Aldactone
  • Antibiotics like isoniazid, metronidazole, and ketoconazole
  • Ulcer medications like Tagamet, Zantac, and Prilosec
  • Androgen deprivation therapy to treat prostate cancer
  • Diazepam/Valium
  • Heart medication like Digitoxin
  • Skincare products containing tea tree and lavender oils
  • High active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV
  • Drug abuse from marijuana, alcohol, heroin, or anabolic steroids
World-recognized, leader in gynecomastia surgery.

Meet DR. DELGADO

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Delgado is an award-winning gynecomastia surgeon with 30+ years of experience treating some of the most complicated cases of male breast growth around the world. He is also the owner and operator of Gynecomastia.org, the largest gynecomastia forum in the world that has the goals of educating, supporting, and offering guidance to those men and families affected. Dr. Delgado is an expert in the field and donates his time toward both the treatment of gynecomastia and the advocacy of education in the surgical community.

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Treatment Options for Adult Gynecomastia

Adult gynecomastia usually presents itself as a more advanced development of breast tissue and/or excess skin and often requires gynecomastia surgery. In some cases, liposuction without surgical excision of the glandular tissue may be enough to treat your symptoms. However, more invasive methods like male breast reduction surgery may be necessary if there is a significant amount of excess breast tissue.

Dr. Delgado will assess your needs, the quality of your skin, and the progression of your breast development to determine the best treatment plan. Although certain medications that block estrogen receptors or estrogen production are currently being investigated, gynecomastia surgery is the only clinically proven method to treat gynecomastia. Dr. Delgado offers a variety of surgical techniques based on the severity of each patient’s swollen breast tissue and their cosmetic goals.

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“Moobs”, Also Known as Gynecomastia or Male Breast Reduction

There a lot of slang terms for males with large breasts.  Moobs, man boobs, man breasts, man chi chis — none of these names are complimentary, and can often wound gynecomastia sufferers.  Fortunately, “gynecomastia surgery” offers a solution.  Dr. Miguel Delgado, Jr., M.D., is a plastic surgeon and gynecomastia specialist…

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726+ Reviews

I highly recommend Dr. Delgado if you are considering gynecomastia surgery!

– Michael Cruz

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I had the procedure completed about 2 months ago and I am very pleased with the outcome. My chest finally looks the way I’ve wanted it to look for years. The muscle definition is finally there and I can wear tighter fitting shirts and workout gear without the discomfort of feeling self conscious about my chest.

726+ Reviews

I highly recommend Dr. Delgado if you are considering gynecomastia surgery!

– Michael Cruz

I had the procedure completed about 2 months ago and I am very pleased with the outcome. My chest finally looks the way I’ve wanted it to look for years. The muscle definition is finally there and I can wear tighter fitting shirts and workout gear without the discomfort of feeling self conscious about my chest.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have recently developed gynecomastia or have unresolved symptoms from adolescence, schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado to regain a masculine chest you can feel confident about. You can meet with Dr. Delgado at his California offices or schedule a free virtual consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if gynecomastia is not treated?

If gynecomastia is left untreated, the individual will continue to live with enlarged male breasts.

How can I reduce gynecomastia quickly?

While some methods such as diet, exercise, and medication management may work for some to reduce their gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery is the only effective solution to treating true gynecomastia.

Can you train gynecomastia away?

In cases of true gynecomastia, chest exercises and other exercises will not resolve the problem. Surgery will be needed to correct the issue.

When should I be concerned about gynecomastia?

While gynecomastia is not usually a serious problem medically, it can cause men and boys to feel embarrassed and self-conscious. If your gynecomastia is impacting your self-esteem, it may be time to look into treatment.

Is gynecomastia a serious problem?

Gynecomastia is not usually a serious problem medically. It is not a life-threatening condition but can have a significant impact on a man’s self-esteem.

What are the risks of gynecomastia?

Having gynecomastia can impact your self-worth and self-esteem, which can lead to depression or anxiety. If you are bothered by your chest, please contact our office for a consultation.

Can gynecomastia be life-threatening?

No, gynecomastia is not a life-threatening condition.

Is gynecomastia a risky surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is generally safe. However, like all surgeries, complications are possible. In order to reduce the risk of complications, be sure to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Delgado to perform your procedure.

Can gynecomastia grow back after surgery?

In some rare cases, gynecomastia can return following surgery.

What causes adult gynecomastia?

Adult gynecomastia is often caused by a dip in testosterone production as men age. It can also be the byproduct of untreated adolescent gynecomastia.

MIGUEL DELGADO, M.D.

Dr. Delgado, MD is a world-recognized plastic surgeon and specialist in the treatment of male breast enlargement, also called gynecomastia. He has developed new techniques and owns and operates gynecomastia.org, which has become the largest gynecomastia forum in the world. Dr. Delgado holds the two most coveted credentials; the certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

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