How to Get Rid of Man Boobs
Having noticeable breasts can be embarrassing, but it doesn't have to be permanent.
Up next in All About Breasts (11 videos)
Whether you're dealing with big breasts, a flat chest, or man boobs, we've got the answers to all your burning breast questions in these videos.
You Will Need
- A medical checkup
- Hormone therapy
- Liposuction or breast reduction surgery
- A diet (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Know what it is
Understand your condition. It’s called gynecomastia, and is usually due to either an excess of the female hormone estrogen or low levels of the male hormone testosterone. It can occur in babies, teen boys, and adult men.
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Step 2
Realize it may be temporary
If you are a teen, realize that your breast enlargement is probably the temporary result of raging hormones, and will clear up on its own after puberty. Gynecomastia in babies usually resolves itself on its own, too.
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In a few cases, prepubescent development of gynecomastia has been linked to regular use of lavender or tea tree oil, found in some lotions.
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Step 3
Go on a diet
Go on a diet if you need to. Obesity can cause male breast enlargement.
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Step 4
See a doctor
See an endocrinologist, who can determine if your breasts are the result of a serious medical condition, like kidney failure, liver disease, or testicular tumors. Enlarged breasts can also be a side effect of many medications.
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Men who abuse illegal steroids are at risk of breast enlargement, and long-term use of marijuana may be linked to gynecomastia.
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Step 5
Try hormone therapy
Ask your doctor if hormone therapy might be right for you. Some cases of gynecomastia are successfully treated with testosterone patches or a breast cancer drug that inhibits estrogen.
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Step 6
Consider liposuction
Consult with a cosmetic surgeon about removing the extra fatty tissue with liposuction.
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Step 7
Have surgery
If your condition is severe, consider breast-reduction surgery. Most insurance providers won't cover the procedure, but some patients have successfully won appeals.
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In 2008, 18,000 men had breast reductions, making the procedure more popular than male butt, calf, and cheek implants combined.
