Why the increased popularity of male breast reductions?
Interestingly, according to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, 40 percent of the patients having breast reduction surgeries in the U.S. are now men. For centuries, men with an abnormally large amount of breast tissue have been self-conscious. Why the recent push to do something about the problem?
Reasons for the Increase
There are many reasons for the surge. For one thing, plastic surgery has become much more acceptable to the general public, men as well as women, partly due to the increased focus on health and well-being. The more active people are, the more they expose their bodies, both on the field and in the gym. This promotes a certain amount of focus on, and embarrassment about, problem areas of the body. Not to mention that we inhabit a culture full of “selfies” that encourages physical assessment by one’s peers and perhaps by the worldwide web.
Another reason for the increase in male breast reduction surgeries is increasing gender equality. As has been stated often “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” In this case the gander (the male of the species) is as entitled to make himself as attractive as his female counterpart.
Still another reason for the increases in breast reduction surgery for men is that plastic surgery procedures, including this one, have become more and more refined over the years. The operation has become less difficult for both surgeon and patient, with very little risk involved and no noticeable scars.
Reasons for Breast Enlargement in Men
Swelling of breast tissue in boys or men, a condition known as gynecomastia, is not a new issue. “Man boobs” or “moobs” have been fodder for taunting long before these terms were used. Whether meant to stigmatize or not, such comments have emotionally scarred many individuals. Feeling themselves accused of being effeminate, boys and men have suffered loss of self-esteem for something that, until recently, they felt they could not change.
Gynecomastia may be caused by:
- Being overweight
- Losing a lot of weight
- Hormonal imbalance as a result of medications for prostate cancer
- Hormonal imbalance as a result of steroid use
Some research has found a link between marijuana use and male breast enlargement, though further studies have to be done. Although gynecomastia can be distressing to the males affected, it is typically only a cosmetic problem, not an indication of disease.
If you are a male suffering embarrassment because of enlarged breast tissue, you should be proactive and consult with a skilled plastic surgeon. A simple surgical procedure could change your self-perception and the way you project yourself to others. It could change your life.