What is gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is a common condition that causes enlargement of male breast tissue. It can affect one side of the chest or both and varies significantly in severity from person to person.
Importantly, true gynaecomastia is not simply excess fat. The condition involves enlarged glandular breast tissue, often caused by hormonal imbalances between testosterone and oestrogen.
This is different from pseudogynaecomastia, which refers to fat deposits in the chest area without glandular enlargement. Some men experience a combination of both.
In everyday language, patients may describe the condition as:
- “man boobs”
- “gyno”
- enlarged chest tissue
- puffy nipples
- excess chest fullness
While these phrases are commonly searched online, the emotional impact behind them is often more significant than people realise.
Many men feel embarrassed discussing the condition, even with close friends or partners. It can affect confidence in social situations, intimacy, holidays, exercise, and clothing choices. Some patients become highly self-conscious in changing rooms or avoid going shirtless altogether.
Although gynaecomastia itself is usually not medically dangerous, persistent cases that do not improve naturally can be difficult to address through diet and exercise alone, particularly when glandular tissue is involved.
This is where surgical treatment may be considered.
What causes gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia can develop for several different reasons, and in many cases, there is more than one contributing factor.
One of the most common causes is hormonal fluctuation. During puberty, temporary hormone imbalances can lead to enlarged breast tissue in teenage boys. For some, this settles naturally within months or years. For others, the tissue remains into adulthood.
Hormonal changes later in life can also contribute to gynaecomastia, particularly as testosterone levels decline with age.
Other potential causes include:
- weight gain
- certain prescription medications
- anabolic steroid use
- recreational drugs
- excessive alcohol consumption
- some underlying medical conditions
Even men who are fit and physically active can develop gynaecomastia. In fact, one of the most frustrating aspects of the condition is that chest fullness often remains despite weight loss or regular training.
While exercise may reduce surrounding fat, it cannot remove dense glandular tissue or significantly improve puffy nipple projection when true gynaecomastia is present.
Before recommending surgery, the team at 101 Harley Street will assess the likely cause of the condition and determine whether surgical treatment is appropriate.
