6 Common Gynecomastia Myths Busted!
Gynecomastia, aka man boobs, has now become one of the most prevalent problems amongst young men. They are scared to take out their shirt in open or participate confidently in outdoor activities.
Jeers from friends also bog them down and they are much more affected psychologically because of it.
But did you know that a simple surgery can alleviate all those fears and help in restoring self-confidence in patients suffering from Gynecomastia. Let’s find out some more interesting facts.
Myth 1: Gynecomastia is always Linked to Excess Fat
One of the reasons of heavy chest or moobs can be excess fat but usually it is accompanied with hard glandular tissue also. A true gynecomastia has components of both fat and gland. It can be due to hormonal imbalance or due to any other reasons. A simple test to know whether it is gynecomastia is to press the tummy fat in one palm and chest fat in another. Usually in cases of gynecomastia you will find chest fat to be harder in consistency than tummy fat.
Myth 2: Lifestyle Choices Have Nothing to Do with Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a health issue and is directly related to lifestyle choices. A chronic alcohol drinker will have higher chances of developing gynecomastia. Alcohol interferes with the normal metabolism of liver that controls the ratio of testosterone/estrogen. Any imbalance in this ratio can lead to increase in estrogen and thus promoting heavy chest.
Myth 3: Steroids Can Be Used to Treat Gynecomastia
Many men especially body builders think that if they balance estrogen by taking more anabolic steroids with testosterone, it will reverse the gynecomastia. Unfortunately, these efforts always go counterproductive as steroids increase the effect of gynecomastia as it promotes formation of glandular tissue which is harder and cannot be reversed by anything but surgery.
Myth 4: With Enough Exercise, the Condition Will Subside
Exercise certainly helps in maintaining chest shape by defining muscle groups like pectorals. In cases where there is only fat deposition in chest, exercise can help in achieving contoured shape. But in cases of gynecomastia, overactivity of pectorals causes the gland to project more and thus highlighting the gynecomastia. It is important to understand that this condition cannot be burnt of either by cardio or weight training.
Also Read : What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Myth 5: Gynecomastia Always Returns
A common myth amongst many young men is that even after surgery, gynecomastia can return. This is a fear which is justified if you don’t take out the complete gland. A skilled plastic surgeon always ensures complete gland is taken out and there is no recurrence.
Myth 6: Gynecomastia Can Be Performed by All Doctors
Gynecomastia surgery although seems easy requires high degree of skill set. A well trained cosmetic and plastic surgeon ensures that results are natural and there is no recurrence. Always remember that it is a customized procedure and should always be done by trained hands and standard clinics for best results.