Top 5 Dumb Things to Do for Man Boobs

We understand the sense of desperation some guys feel about their man boobs. After thirty-five plus years of meeting men and teens with gynecomastia in our consultation room, we know that many have tried binding, layering and avoiding social activities attempting to hide their condition.
All that is understandable, but some guys take things even further and go to great lengths to deal with their moobs. Here are the top five not-so-smart man boob “strategies” we urge patients to avoid.

1) Messing with hormones

Most cases of moobs have their origins in some kind of hormone imbalance; therefore it can seem like a good idea to increase testosterone to reduce breast growth. In reality, this is a very bad idea. For one thing, excess levels of testosterone can actually be converted by the body into estrogen and increase breast growth. For another, if a guy’s body senses extra amounts of testosterone, it may decrease natural production.
The hormone system is complex, and it’s never a good plan to interfere. If patients doubt that their hormones are working as they should, we refer them to an endocrinologist.

2) Gaining weight

Some guys with gynecomastia, particularly teens, gain weight on purpose thinking their breasts will seem less prominent. Unfortunately, the result is almost always the opposite.
Just as women tend to gain weight in particular areas like hips and thighs, men tend to gain around their torso (including their breasts). Therefore, as the pounds accumulate, moobs tend to grow. Not only that, but fat cells have their own little environment including hormone production, and that can trigger the growth of additional breast tissue. For the sake of good health and avoiding frustration, gaining weight should be crossed off the list of options.

3) Trying over the counter “remedies”

We hate to see websites that prey on people who are determined to find a way to get rid of moobs, but they are out there by the dozens. Pills are the most common “remedy” on the market—we assure every guy we talk to that they just don’t work. The only thing these formulas reduce is the bank account. And while getting in better shape is a good idea for most people, diet and exercise plans that promise to banish moobs aren’t effective either.

4) Listening to everything and everyone online

We are regular visitors to and advisors on gynecomastia.org, a site that includes a forum for guys to talk about all things man boobs. And talk they do! We have shared a lot with and learned a lot from these men, and we advise lots of man boob sufferers to check out the site.
Like on any web-based forum, the views expressed by gynecomastia.org members range from one extreme to the other. Some guys have learned to live with enlarged breasts and even embrace them. Some can’t wait to have male breast reduction surgery. We celebrate those on both ends of the spectrum, but encourage each guy we meet to make his own decision. No one should try to convince another to follow his strategy or make someone feel bad for his choices.

5) Choosing any surgeon

After researching, thinking about options and perhaps talking with loved ones, many men decide that gynecomastia surgery is the right move. Closely following this decision should be a search for the right doctor.
Many guys know that they should seek a board certified plastic surgeon to do the job, but some don’t realize that great results require more. Understanding the physical dynamics of breast gland, fat and skin takes a great deal of experience, and re-sculpting masculine contours is not easy. We urge men with gynecomastia across the country to find a plastic surgeon with hundreds of successful cases to show and happy patients to reference.
We have a special interest in helping teens and men with gynecomastia—Boca Raton area residents and people who live elsewhere. If you have questions or need input, give us a call at 561-367-9101.