In Baltimore, board-certified plastic surgeon Ronald H. Schuster, MD, has nearly three decades of experience treating gynecomastia and performing male breast reduction surgery. As the Immediate Past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwest Hospital Center and a Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor, Dr. Schuster is known for techniques that create a flatter, more masculine chest while minimizing visible scarring whenever possible.
Gynecomastia During Puberty
Puberty is one of the most common times for enlarged male breast tissue to occur. Rapid hormonal changes can temporarily disrupt the balance between estrogen and testosterone, causing glandular tissue beneath the nipple area to grow.
While many adolescent cases improve as hormone levels stabilize, lingering glandular tissue can remain into adulthood and typically does not respond to diet or exercise.
The emotional impact can be significant. Many young men become self-conscious about participating in sports, wearing fitted clothing, or spending time at the pool or beach.
Why Some Men Experience It in Adulthood
Chest enlargement is not limited to the teen years. Adults may notice changes related to weight gain, certain medications, anabolic steroids, or hormonal imbalances. While there are many medications that are associated with gynecomastia, the most pertinent modern medications used today include:
Anti-androgens and Prostate treatment – Finesteride
GI acid reducers – Proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole) and Cimetidine
Psych meds – Antidepressants (SSRIs) and anti psychotics
Heart and Blood Pressure meds – Digoxin (rarely used today) Nifedipine, Verapamil
Not all chest enlargement has the same cause. True gynecomastia involves excess glandular breast tissue, while pseudogynecomastia is primarily related to excess fat in the chest area. This distinction is important because fat may improve with weight loss, while glandular tissue often requires a different solution.
Why It Can Occur Later in Life
Men who never dealt with this condition when they were younger can still experience it as they age. Natural hormonal shifts, reduced skin elasticity, and changes in body fat distribution can contribute to a fuller chest appearance.
In some cases, underlying medical conditions may play a role, including thyroid disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, or hormone-related tumors. When chest enlargement develops before puberty or later in adulthood, a medical evaluation may be recommended to identify contributing factors.
When It May Be Time to Explore Treatment
Many men spend years hiding their chest at the gym, pool, beach, or in everyday clothing. When these concerns continue despite weight loss and exercise, treatment may be worth exploring.
Over nearly 30 years in practice, Dr. Schuster has refined his male breast reduction techniques to create masculine chest contours with minimal visible scarring. Treatment is customized based on the amount of fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin present.
To learn more about gynecomastia treatment in Baltimore, call Ronald H. Schuster, MD, at 410-902-9800 to schedule a consultation.
