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Schedule A ConsultationGynecomastia, often described as male breast enlargement or puffy nipples, is more common than most men realize. It can affect one or both sides of the chest, creating physical and emotional discomfort. But why does gynecomastia occur in the first place? Understanding the causes of gynecomastia is the first step in taking control of the condition—and finding the right treatment option.
The most frequent cause of gynecomastia is a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. While both hormones are present in males and females, even a slight increase in estrogen or a drop in testosterone can stimulate the growth of breast tissue in men.
This hormonal shift can happen naturally during different life stages:
Certain medications are known to cause gynecomastia as a side effect. These include:
Additionally, alcohol, marijuana, and other recreational drugs can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to breast tissue development.
While true gynecomastia is caused by glandular breast tissue growth, excess fat in the chest can mimic its appearance. This condition is known as pseudogynecomastia. Although it looks similar, pseudogynecomastia is primarily fat—not glandular tissue—and may respond to weight loss or lifestyle changes.
However, many men with gynecomastia have a combination of both fat and glandular tissue, requiring a more advanced surgical approach to fully resolve.
The causes of Gynecomastia can also be linked to underlying health issues, including:
If your gynecomastia seems sudden or severe, a full medical evaluation is recommended.
In some cases, gynecomastia does not resolve naturally—even after addressing lifestyle or medication changes. That’s where gynecomastia surgery becomes the gold standard. At our practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise specializes in advanced surgical techniques tailored to the specific type of gynecomastia you may have.
We serve men throughout Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Southern California who are ready to take the next step.
If you’re tired of hiding your chest or dealing with the emotional toll of puffy nipples and breast enlargement, help is available. Schedule a consultation today and find out if you’re a candidate for male breast reduction surgery. The first step is understanding the causes of gynecomastia, and we’re here to guide you through it.
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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