How To Get Rid Of Man Boobs

At least 30 percent of guys will grow what we know as "man boobs" at some point during their life.

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Boobs are strange. We're all obsessed with how big or small they are, and how they appear to those we are getting intimate with. And it seems that is not limited to women.

"Man breasts is known in the medical community as Gynecomastia," says Dr. John Paul Tutela, a celebrity plastic surgeon based in New York and New Jersey. 

At least 30 percent of guys will grow what we know as "man boobs" at some point during their life, according to a study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. But what is it? And why does it happen? And if it does happen, can they learn how to get rid of man boobs?

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There a variety of reasons that male breast enlargement (gynecomastia) occurs.

"These include hormonal changes at puberty, but there are also a variety of medications that are the culprit. These include certain antibiotics, certain heart medications, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and certain heartburn treatment medications. There are cancers of the testicles that can cause overgrowth as well," says Dr. Norman Rowe, a board-certified plastic surgeon. 

So, here's what you can do about it.

1. Get your hormones checked.

Dr. Tutela says there are many causes for Gynecomastia, and if they have developed over a short period of time you should definitely see your doctor for a work up to make sure you don’t have an underlying hormonal imbalance. The doctor can do blood tests to see if there's a health reason this is happening.

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In fact, hormones can be the cause of this condition in an age way younger than we'd expect.

"Up to 70 percent of teenage boys will experience gynecomastia during puberty as a result of fluctuating hormones, while newborn boys may exhibit swollen breasts due to the temporary presence of maternal hormones. Approximately 25 percent of men over age 50 will experience enlarged breasts as subcutaneous fatty tissue level increase and testosterone levels decrease with age," says Dr. David A. Greuner, Cardiovascular Surgeon and Surgical Director at NYC Surgical Associates.

2. Check your medicine.

Have your doctor go over medicines you are taking to make sure that none of these are messing with your hormones and causing the man boobs to happen.

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3. Change your diet.

Not all guys who get man breasts are overweight, but many are. And that weight being carried in their chest is a huge confidence issue for guys, says a study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

What can you do? Watch what you eat and get to a healthy weight. This will help to minimize your chest area as well.

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4. Consider liposuction.

Typically, once more serious reasons for Gynecomastia are ruled out, surgery can be planned for by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.


RELATED: FYI, Guys: Drinking This Kind Of Beer Will Give You Man-Boobs


"The exact type of surgery varies depending on each patient's unique characteristics," says Dr. Tutela. "If the skin is tight and there is only excess fatty tissue in the chest, liposuction alone might be successful. For this to work, the skin has to have enough snap back to retract against the chest wall. Sometimes more fibrous fatty tissue is present and would need to be excised through a small incision."

5. Look at skin excision as an option.

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If the skin is loose or if there is also a lot of sagging to the breast skin, a skin excision would have to be added to get the appropriate shape.

"Skin excision would then add larger scars to the chest. Under severe circumstances, the nipple and areola would be cut off during the skin excision and placed back on the chest like a skin graft. Sometimes when this technique is utilized, permanent discoloration can be seen in the nipples. Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to get the appropriate plan and treatment," Dr. Tutela advises.

6. Exercise more.

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Exercise can also be a great way to eliminate or minimize man breasts. Such as the uneven push-up.

"This strengthening exercise works multiple muscle groups and is easy to accomplish at home or in the gym. Not only will this workout give your chest a lift, but it helps you maintain strength for performing everyday tasks. Get into a traditional push-up position with one hand on a step, medicine ball or kettlebell (laid down on its side) to create an uneven dynamic. This workout creates lean muscle mass and can be done 3-5 times a week," says fitness expert Nadia Murdock.

7. Get more sleep.

Insomnia is linked to low testosterone levels, and low testosterone is linked to the development of man boobs! So be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.


RELATED: Guys Reveal Which Body Parts They're MOST Insecure About During Sex

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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.