Why are male boobs getting more common?

According to new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more men are going under the knife – specifically for body-related cosmetic surgery such as liposuction and tummy tucks.

As a matter of fact, the same report shows that the number of male breast reduction surgeries has increased by around 30 percent over the past five years!

We break down the reasons for the rise of male boobs – otherwise known as “moobs”, or gynecomastia – and give you the lowdown on the solutions available.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is frequent during three phases in the age distribution curve: the neonatal period, pubertal period and adulthood. Affecting nearly 70 percent of adolescent boys and 65 percent of middle-aged and older men, gynecomastia is a common medical condition referring to the occurrence of enlarged glandular tissues.

Adult men who are typically diagnosed with gynecomastia may experience swollen enlarged male breasts, chest tenderness, a firm mound of tissue beneath the nipples (in one or both breasts).

What are the causes?

According to Dr Ivan Puah of Amaris B. Clinic, gynecomastia is a result of hormonal imbalance in men. Accredited by the Ministry of Health Singapore to perform liposuction, Dr Puah has also been treating and managing patients suffering from this medical condition. Triggered by different factors, male breast tissue can develop and enlarge when the testosterone level decrease and estrogen level increases. Age and weight are also commonly linked to gynecomastia.

Another cause is the use of medication, which results in 10 to 25 percent of such cases. This is seen in bodybuilders, where anabolic steroids are commonly used to improve athletic performance and build muscles. This results in a chemical reaction where the anabolic steroids convert to estrogen-like (female-like) compounds.

Anabolic steroids may also reduce the average testosterone production, leading to hormonal imbalances that can stimulate the development of female-like breast tissue. Continuous use will cause glandular tissue to develop, and unfortunately, once this tissue is formed, it is irreversible even if the steroids are stopped completely.

Will exercise cut it?

Unfortunately, getting rid of gynecomastia just by working out is impossible. Often, no exercise or healthy eating can eradicate excess glandular tissue. In fact, many men have reported that as they lose weight, the condition looks worse because the fatty tissue around the gland shrinks, and the gland subsequently stands out more, making the flab more prominent than before.

Is there a solution?

The predominant way to treat gynecomastia is through gynecomastia surgery. Depending on the patient's clinical condition, the doctor will perform glandular tissue excision and liposuction to completely remove the enlarged glandular tissue and excess fat. The aim is to permanently remove the tissue and sculpt the chest area for a more defined physique.

Performed under local anaesthesia in under two hours, patients can return home and resume normal activities within two to three days. Post-treatment, the area may feel sore, but most patients can manage the discomfort level. A compression garment is advised to be used for the next four to six weeks, and patients are to avoid all forms of heavy lifting, gym works such as bench presses, push-ups and water activities that may hinder the recovery process.