Gynecomastia in bodybuilders

Gynecomastia can be a challenging condition for bodybuilders and high-performance athletes.Bodybuilders with gynecomastia often put tremendous effort into bodybuilding success, only to have it overshadowed by gyno symptoms. In striving for the absolute best in masculine physique, bodybuilders become very lean and typically develop large pectoral muscles. The excess breast tissue in the chest means large pectoral muscles sometimes push out the breast tissue making it look even more prominent. High performance athletes, bodybuilders and former bodybuilders alike report that taking their shirts off is a source of embarrassment. This extra breast tissue can be frustrating and can take away from an otherwise toned and muscular physique, causing discouragement and embarrassment. Some patients report not placing at competitions because of the gynecomastia tissue.

Your chest can be corrected with bodybuilder gynecomastia surgery at Boston Gynecomastia Specialists with minimally invasive drainless , PEXsculpt procedure. Scarring is often a sensitive issue for bodybuilders who have to show their chest in competitions and are evaluated by judges. Dr. Ishoo’s technique uniquely minimizes visible scarring with his scar camouflage and minimally invasive technique, minimizing the risk of deformities.

To learn more, contact the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists today to schedule your in-person consultation.

Gynecomastia Development in Bodybuilders

Bodybuilder gynecomastia refers to a condition in which male bodybuilders develop breast tissue due to an imbalance of hormones in the body. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, the use of certain medications, and certain medical conditions. In the case of bodybuilders and certain high performance atheletes, the condition is often caused by the use of anabolic steroids, which can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body and lead to an increase in estrogen levels.

Estrogen is a hormone that is naturally present in both men and women, but it is typically present at much higher levels in women. In men, androgens usually keep the levels of Estrogen in check. However, the use of anabolic steroids can cause an increase in the levels of estrogen in the body, which can lead to the development of breast tissue.

The condition can cause physical discomfort, embarrassment, and a decrease in self-esteem for affected individuals. Treatment options for bodybuilder gynecomastia include lifestyle changes, such as reducing or discontinuing the use of anabolic steroids, and surgical procedures, such as liposuction or mastectomy, to remove the breast tissue.

Causes of Gynecomastia in Bodybuilders

The causes of gynecomastia in bodybuilders and athletes can be complex and multi-factorial. Hormonal imbalances, genetics, and the use of certain medications and anabolic steroids can all contribute to the development of gynecomastia. For many patients, gynecomastia is genetically inherited and can also run in families.

The majority of Bodybuilder gynecomastia cases are caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body, primarily an increase in estrogen levels. This hormonal imbalance can be caused by several factors, including:

  1. Anabolic steroid use: The use of anabolic steroids, which are synthetic versions of the male androgens, can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, leading to an increase in oestrogen levels and the development of breast tissue.
  2. Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption can lead to a decrease in androgen levels and an increase in estrogen levels, which can contribute to the development of bodybuilder gynecomastia.
  3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney failure, and hypogonadism, can also disrupt the balance of hormones in the body and lead to the development of bodybuilder gynecomastia.
  4. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, and anti-ulcer medications, can also lead to an increase in estrogen levels and the development of bodybuilder gynecomastia.

Unfortunately, discontinuation of the medication that caused the abnormal  breast gland growth will not resolve the gynecomastia. Ultimately, the most effective and definitive treatment is surgical excision of the glands.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

Bodybuilder gynecomastia is a condition in which male bodybuilders develop breast tissue due to an imbalance of hormones in the body. The following are the most common symptoms of bodybuilder gynecomastia:

  1. Enlargement of breast tissue: The most noticeable symptom of bodybuilder gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue, which can be painful and cause physical discomfort.
  2. Tenderness and sensitivity: The breast tissue may also be tender and sensitive to the touch, especially during exercise or physical activity.
  3. Nipple discharge: In some cases, bodybuilder gynecomastia can cause nipple discharge, which may be clear or milky in appearance.
  4. Changes in skin texture: The skin over the affected area may become thicker or more firm and may be accompanied by changes in skin texture.
  5. Psychological effects: Bodybuilder gynecomastia can also have significant psychological effects, including decreased self-esteem, embarrassment, and anxiety.

Treatment options for bodybuilder gynecomastia include lifestyle changes, such as reducing or discontinuing the use of anabolic steroids, and surgical procedures, such as liposuction or surgical gland removal, to remove the excess breast tissue. It is important to understand that the best treatment for bodybuilder gynecomastia will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your personal preferences, and your overall health and medical history.

Treatment Options of Gynecomastia

Bodybuilder gynecomastia has increased in prevalence over the last decade, and this is thought to be due to rising levels of anabolic steroid use. The following are some common treatments for bodybuilder gynecomastia:

  1. Lifestyle changes: In some cases, bodybuilder gynecomastia may be treated by making changes to your lifestyle, such as reducing or discontinuing the use of anabolic steroids, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
  2. Medications: In some cases, bodybuilder gynecomastia may be treated with medications, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators, which can help to regulate the balance of hormones in the body.
  3. Surgery: In more severe cases, bodybuilder gynecomastia may be treated with gynecomastia surgery, such as liposuction or mastectomy, to remove the breast tissue.

The best treatment for bodybuilder gynecomastia will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your personal preferences, and your overall health and medical history. It is also important to understand that while surgical treatments can be effective in treating bodybuilder gynecomastia, they are not without risks, and you should carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of any surgical procedure before making a decision.

body builder gynecomastia surgery result

Male Breast Reduction in Bodybuilders

Male breast reduction surgery for Boston bodybuilders is very similar to the standard procedure described elsewhere on this website. There are some significant differences, however.

The difference begins with the actual breast tissue itself. Steroid-induced gynecomastia is solid, white, hard and extremely fibrotic tissue, as compared to pubertal gynecomastia in which there is somewhat softer, thickened breast tissue under the nipple which then fans out and is interspersed with fat as it extends outward. There is very little peripheral fat in bodybuilders.

Male breast reduction is performed under local anesthetic to help patients feel more comfortable during the procedure without any pain. After the anesthetic has been administered and takes effect, Dr. Edwin Ishoo will begin making the necessary corrections. For bodybuilders, this surgery can be done by direct excision of the breast tissue, using Subcutaneous Mastectomy through a small periareolar incision or with minimally invasive PEXsculpt procedure, which is usually sufficient to achieve a flat nipple-areola complex as the solid glandular tissue is removed in pieces through this small incision.

Liposuction is only rarely necessary, however, Dr. Ishoo may use VASER lipoplasty to redistribute chest fat to reduce the risk for indentation at site of the gland removal. Dr. Ishoo will often also use a special liposuction cannula (without the suction) to help re-distribute the skin across the chest. Drains are frequently used to promote faster healing, encourage the skin to attach to the underlying muscle and prevent build-up of fluids. The net effect after healing is that of a very thin and uniform layer of skin and fat which is now draped over the large pec muscle, thereby providing the desired “cut” appearance.

A compression garment is provided and should be worn 24/7 for several weeks. A return to strenuous exercise should be deferred for several weeks as well, to allow for appropriate healing.

Good Candidates For Male Breast Reduction

Good candidates for male breast reduction are men who aren’t happy with the appearance of their chest due to excess glandular tissue. Patients considering the surgery should be in good general health and have realistic expectations. Dr. Ishoo will perform an examination of your body and discuss your medical history to determine if male breast reduction is right for you.

Before surgery is considered, Dr. Ishoo recommends to bodybuilders that they stop any and all anabolic steroids, omega supplements, protein shakes, and any pain medication use due to the risk of increased bleeding. A complete package of prohibited substances will be provided by Dr. Ishoo.

Post-Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery

After gynecomastia surgery, bodybuilders should expect a recovery course focused on rest, light activity like walking in the initial weeks, and a gradual return to weight training after at least 4-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the surgery and their body’s healing process; avoiding strenuous upper body exercises that put pressure on the incisions is crucial during the early stages to prevent complications and promote proper healing. 

Key points about recovery for bodybuilders after gynecomastia surgery:

  • Initial Rest: The first few days are critical for rest, with light walking to encourage circulation and manage pain with ice packs.
  • Compression Garment: Wearing a compression garment consistently is essential to reduce swelling and support the healing process.
  • Limited Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, intense chest exercises, and any activity that puts significant strain on the chest area for at least 4-6 weeks, after which you can resume strenuous exercise, including the chest. Many patients feel completely back to normal at the end of the first week, with slight swelling, which should subside in another few weeks. You will be able to see the full results of your gynecomastia surgery: a smooth, flat chest that appears more masculine and defined in 3-6 months.
  • Gradual Return to Exercise: Once the Dr. Ishoo approves, start with light cardio exercises like walking or stationary biking, gradually progressing to upper body exercises with lighter weights. most patients can gradually resume non-strenuous activities within a few days. Under the guidance of Dr. Ishoo, you can gradually reintroduce your regular exercise routine, ensuring a safe and effective transition back to their fitness regimen.
  • Focus on Technique: When returning to chest exercises, prioritize proper form to avoid further strain on the healing incisions.
  • Follow Dr. Ishoo’s instructions: Regularly follow up with Dr. Ishoo to monitor healing and get guidance on when to reintroduce specific exercises.

Check out some more before and after gyno surgery photos to see what the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists can do for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to diagnosis, treatment options and recovery process for bodybuilder gynecomastia surgery, you may have many questions to be answered. Below are some of the most frequently asked ones:

The causes of gynecomastia in bodybuilders and athletes can be complex and multi-factorial. Hormonal imbalances, genetics, and the use of certain medications and anabolic steroids can all contribute to the development of gynecomastia. For many patients, gynecomastia is genetically inherited and can also run in families.

  • Anabolic steroids are processed by the body and converted into estrogen causing an estrogen-testosterone imbalance. Estrogen hormone imbalance causes gland tissue to grow.
  • Anabolic steroids also negatively decrease the body’s normal production of testosterone leading to further estogen-testosterone imbalance and breast gland growth.
  • Enlarged breast tissue does not return to normal even if you stop taking steroids. This results in “man boobs” or true gynecomastia.
  1. Soy Protein: Soy protein isolate contains phytoestrogens which are plant compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen leading to breast tissue growth.
  2. DHEA: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone supplement that can also increase the levels of estrogen, leading to gynecomastia or breast tissue growth.
  3. Androstenedione: Androstenedione is a prohormone that can be converted into testosterone or estrogen in the body which can lead to breast tissue growth in men.
  4. Anabolic Steroids: Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone that are often used by bodybuilders and athletes to increase muscle mass and performance. Steroids can lead to increased estrogen levels and gynecomastia.
  5. Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is synthetic testosterone to treat low testosterone levels. While it can be effective in treating low testosterone, it can increase estrogen levels leading to gynecomastia in some men.
  6. Creatine: Some studies have suggested that it may increase the risk of gynecomastia by causing changes in hormone levels.

Gynecomastia in patients who have used steroids or gynecomastia-inducing supplements is usually hard, white, and has a “rock-like” feel. Patients who have gynecomastia that forms at puberty is usually less hard and more pliable. In both pubertal gynecomastia and steroid-induced gynecomastia there is often fat trapped between gynecomastia tissue.

It is commonly seen in bodybuilders who have used anabolic steroids but can also develop in those who have never used steroids. Often gynecomastia runs in families and some people are genetically sensitive to developing gynecomastia. Many patients report developing “gyno” after having only been exposed to gynecomastia-causing medications or supplements for a short time.

  • Neither prescription nor over-the-counter medications can treat true gynecomastia. Taking estrogen blockers is often not helpful and will not reverse the gynecomastia.
  • The only real solution for enlarged glandular breasts is surgical removal and cutting out the glands which is called subcutaneous mastectomy. Any other proposed surgical technique or solution will not be successful.

Good candidates for male breast reduction are men who aren’t happy with the appearance of their chest due to excess glandular tissue. Patients considering the surgery should be in good general health and have realistic expectations. Dr. Ishoo will perform an examination of your body and discuss your medical history to determine if male breast reduction is right for you.

Before surgery is considered, Dr. Ishoo recommends to bodybuilders that they stop any and all anabolic steroids, omega supplements, protein shakes, and any pain medication use due to the risk of increased bleeding. A complete package of prohibited substances will be provided by Dr. Ishoo.

The surgery is very similar, involving liposuction and excision of the glandular gyno tissue which can be done with the minimally invasive drainless, PEXsculpt, procedure which is scarless with more rapid rate of recovery and lower risk of complications and post-operative deformities.

While changes in exercise routines and hormone management may help in some cases, surgical intervention is often necessary for a more immediate and complete resolution of gynecomastia in bodybuilders.

Most bodybuilders have a low body fat ratio, and their man boobs will be 99% breast gland tissue. Therefore, liposuction to remove fat will not be necessary to give a normal masculine chest. If liposuction is needed after breast gland removal, Dr. Ishoo will perform advanced liposuction to sculpt the chest.

Bodybuilders are typically in great shape and their skin is tight and has good elasticity. Once the breast gland tissue is removed, the skin will contract, shrink and lie smoothly on their chest. Thus, skin removal is usually not necessary.
Occasionally, a small amount of skin will be removed at the areolar cut before closing the incision to give a better result.

Bodybuilders do not need to worry about visible scars from their surgery as:

  • The incisions or cuts are closed with dissolvable sutures giving you the best scar possible
  • The cut around the areolar/nipple is at the edge of the pigmented areolar skin and your normal skin and heals almost “invisible”
  • The small ¼ inch cuts for your drains are in the side of your chest or armpit area and heal beautifully

Bodybuilders usually recover rapidly. A healthy body typically heals quickly, and bodybuilders tend to be in excellent nutritional shape. However, it is important to follow your post-operative instructions. It is extremely important not to do too much too soon. Strenuous workouts before your body has fully recovered may trigger swelling and inflammation, slowing the healing process.

You should hold off on tough workouts for at least 4 weeks to give your body a chance to heal and recover. We will provide you with a compression garment which you should wear 24/7 for the first few weeks. This will help your chest heal.

Bodybuilders may have unique health considerations. Dr. Ishoo will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure your safety and minimize potential risks associated with both the surgery and your bodybuilding lifestyle.

During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Ishoo will let you know which exercises you can return to.

  • During the first 2 weeks, you are walking, using the treadmill and lifting light weights that do not involve chest muscles.
  • At 3-6 weeks, you are allowed to begin working your chest to shape it and tighten up the skin. Bench press, inclines, pectoral flys and push ups are recommended. You can increase your workouts in your abdominal area and legs.

Subcutaneous mastectomy is a surgical technique to remove the breast gland. An incision or cut is made along the bottom edge of the areola from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock.

  • Through this incision, the breast gland is completely removed.
  • The amount or weight of gland tissue varies from patient to patient. It may be the size of a marble, silver dollar coin, donut or even larger.
  • Puffy nipples will be corrected with the removal of the gland tissue behind the nipple.
  • The diameter of the areola will shrink and become smaller.
  • The incision or cut usually heals well and will be almost “invisible” as the scar is at the edge of the pigmented areola and the normal skin.

PEXsculpt  is an approach Dr. Ishoo developed more than 15 years ago as he was beginning to see more and more bodybuilders with puffy nipples, in whom he was attempting to minimize scarring, areolar depression and recovery time. It is a hybrid technique that includes both lipoplasty or liposuction for sculpting of the chest and the use of a microdebrider which he had previously used for endonasal polyp removal surgery for removal of the fibrous breast glands through the same small incision in the axilla or a small 5 mm incision which is hidden within the areolar skin. The benefits of this approach is that is is nearly scarless, provides for sharp excision and piece meal removal of the firm breast gland, and better symmetry as we are able to visualize the chest during the procedure unlike the distortion with the open procedure. Thus, reducing the incidence of over-resection or remnant breast disc.  This technique has yielded excellent results and very high satisfaction rate in our fit athletes and bodybuilders with gynecomastia.

Male Breast Reduction is a cosmetic procedure that varies from patient to patient depending on their individual needs. The cost, which includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthetic, facility fee and compression garments starts at $5,500; however, the cost of the surgery for each individual depends on the degree of correction required to achieve the desired results and the overall complexity of the surgery. Dr. Ishoo will perform an analysis of your body at the time of consultation to determine the best surgical plan and discuss the associated cost during your consultation.

 

  • You will see the result right away as the breast gland tissue has been removed
  • With continued workouts, you will be able to shape and define the lower border of your pectoral muscle
  • It may take up to 6 months to see the final result once you start your workouts

The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to create a more natural and masculine chest contour. Dr. Ishoo will make every effort to preserve muscle definition and provide a balanced appearance.

Results are generally long-lasting, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding substances that may contribute to gynecomastia are essential for optimal outcomes.

Contact Boston Gynecomastia Specialists

Boston Gynecomastia Specialists is a premier Center of Gynecomastia Treatment in Boston, and Dr. Ishoo treats many bodybuilders affected by gynecomastia using innovative, precision surgical techniques and advanced technologies, in our safe, accessible, and private office located in Cambridge, MA.

If you believe you may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery or if you’re itnerested in learning more about male breast reduction for bodynuilders, don’t hesitate to contact the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists to schedule an informative consultation today. Dr. Ishoo is a skilled, board-certified surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He will help guide you through the entire surgical process and address any questions or concerns you have along the way. Call us today at 888-320-3222 or complete our intake form below to schedule an in-person consultation.

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The Boston Gynecomastia Specialists is the premier Greater Boston Gynecomastia Center of Excellence. Our primary focus is on providing outstanding care throughout every step of your journey, from the first consultation to your full recovery. We recognize and appreciate the confidence you have in us and are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the utmost level of patient care. Led by Dr. Edwin Ishoo, a highly skilled, board-certified surgeon with expertise and over 30 years’ experience in Male Breast Reduction, our dedicated team is fully committed to ensuring the best possible surgical outcomes tailored for each individual. Recognizing that every man is unique, we personalize our approach to meet your specific condition, needs and expectations. We welcome you to take that first step to achieving the transformation you have been imagining and contact the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists, the leading Gynecomastia Center in Boston, to meet with Dr. Ishoo for your personalized, in-person consultation and have your questions answered. Let us take the gynecomastia concern off your chest in a day and off your mind forever!

Boston Gynecomastia Specialists
1260 Cambridge st
Cambridge, MA 02139
(888) 380-3222