A masculine, toned chest is a goal for most men, but some cannot achieve it for genetic or hormonal reasons. This condition is technically referred to as gynecomastia and affects an estimated 25% of adult men, usually those over the age of 50. In the past, most men just lived with the condition, but today increasing numbers of men are turning to surgical breast reduction.

Hormonal imbalances

A hormonal imbalance is often the cause of gynecomastia. Boys may develop excess breast tissue during puberty due to such an imbalance, but the majority of gynecomastia patients are between the ages of 50 and 69. Among this age group, as many as 25% of men deal with the condition.

Sometimes, changing to a different medication or treating an underlying hormonal imbalance, such as hyperthyroidism, will allow the gynecomastia to resolve naturally. However, in many cases, there is no simple fix and surgery is the only way to restore a manly contour to the chest.

Ridicule and not liking how you look

The primary motivation for driving men to seek breast reduction surgery is being unhappy about their appearance. In addition, men, especially younger men, find themselves being ridiculed about their “man-boobs.”

Gynecomastia doesn’t cause any health issues, although some men report their breasts hurt from time to time. There is no medical need to treat it, although there are valid mental and self-esteem reasons for doing so. Many men report being ashamed and anxious about their breasts even if they aren’t being subjected to ongoing ridicule. Other men report having dating difficulties after they develop gynecomastia. They look in the mirror or down at their chest and don’t like what they see.

Advances in technology

Another factor driving the uptick of breast reduction surgery is advances in technology that make the procedure much less invasive, with a faster, less painful recovery period. The majority of men who patronize the Brandon Plastic Surgery clinic can simply undergo a minimally invasive liposuction procedure and be back at work two days later.

Acceptance of cosmetic surgery

Men have begun to request cosmetic surgery much more often than in the past. In the past, it was thought of as something only women did, but increasing numbers of men are getting liposuction, nose jobs, facelifts, pectoral implants, and of course breast reduction surgery, in their quest to look and feel good about themselves. This indicates a positive trend among men, who are starting to focus on taking care of their emotional, mental, and physical health.