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Gynecomastia in Your 40s: What to Know

November 30, 2022

Gynecomastia is the name for enlarged male breasts. Although it’s normal to experience gynecomastia around puberty or your teens and 20s, it’s also possible for gynecomastia to occur in middle age. For patients in their 40s, gynecomastia can even seem to appear out of nowhere. You may find yourself avoiding your favorite white t-shirts and opting instead for looser, thicker materials to hide your chest. You may even begin avoiding situations where it’s normal to take your shirt off. Here’s what to know about getting gynecomastia in your 40s and how Dr. Joseph Cruise can help you achieve your ideal masculine look.

What Causes Gynecomastia in Your 40s?

There are a variety of causes of gynecomastia, but there are some likely culprits depending on your age. For men in their 40s, their bodies begin to change by gaining weight and fluctuating hormone levels. They may also find themselves less active from day to day. Men in their 40s can also experience stretched skin as a result of weight fluctuations, a symptom commonly considered to be gynecomastia.

For most men in their 40s, certain medications can cause gynecomastia. Some of these include steroids, anti-androgen medications, or anti-depressants. Others can include cardiac, anti-ulcer, or epilepsy medications. If you begin to have more serious health concerns emerge in your middle age, it could be that any coinciding medications might be causing gynecomastia.

Is Gynecomastia Male Breast Cancer?

Gynecomastia is not a form of cancer – however, men can still develop rare lumps in their breast tissue that are typically benign. Male breast cancer most often occurs in men over 40, meaning that any unexplained growth in your breasts can be cause for concern. Additionally, men in their 40s can still be at risk for testicular cancer, a symptom of which can be enlarged breasts. For this reason, it’s always best to consult your board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you explore all possible causes based on your age group, medical history, and lifestyle.

Can Gynecomastia Be Treated Non-Surgically?

This answer can vary based on factors like your goals and unique causes. If your gynecomastia is caused by medications, you may be able to consult your regular physician to discuss alternatives. However, in most cases, men find the best results from gynecomastia surgery. That’s because men in their 40s tend to have Type 4 gynecomastia where stretched skin needs to be surgically removed.

With gynecomastia surgery in Newport Beach, you get the expertise of Dr. Cruise, one of the country’s foremost experts on the types of gynecomastia and their specific treatment. Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed using a local anesthetic, meaning reduced downtime and recovery so you can return to your regular schedule faster. Ultimately, Dr. Cruise can help you explore your best options for feeling more confident in your body.

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The best way to learn more about gynecomastia in your 40s is by meeting with our board-certified plastic surgeon. To get started, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

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Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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