Male Breast Enlargement (Gynecomastia)

You're not the only one

Gynecomastia is enlarged breast tissue in men. It can look like puffy nipples, a rounded chest, or fullness that seems worse in fitted shirts. It can affect one side or both, and a lot of men put off dealing with it for years because it's an awkward thing to bring up.

What's behind it

Most cases come down to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. It often starts in puberty and simply never resolves. Weight gain, certain medications, anabolic steroids, aging, and some health conditions can also cause it. Sometimes the fullness is mostly fat rather than gland tissue, which looks similar but responds differently to treatment. Since an underlying medical cause is possible, it's smart to get checked out first.

How it's treated

Dr. Kim performs gynecomastia surgery himself, and the approach depends on what's causing the fullness. Liposuction takes care of the fatty part. Firmer gland tissue behind the nipple is removed through a small incision, usually along the edge of the areola where it's hard to spot once healed. The goal is a flat, natural-looking chest.

Good candidates are healthy, at a stable weight, and have had the fullness for a while without improvement. If a medication or supplement is contributing, that's part of the conversation too. Consultations are private, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about.