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"Man boobs" - Gynecomastia

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I had gynecomastia, but thankfully had surgery (private) to deal with it two years ago, it got my life back on track. I cannot push you enough to get this surgery.

Before my private surgery, I did get an op on the NHS, but they only did liposuction, the surgeon didn't want to do any excisions because I was only 17 at the time. This did not cure the condition at all. Gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue on the breast, only a combination of removing this tissue and lipo will deal with the condition.

Private surgery (there's some great surgeons in the UK, strongly recommend Karidis in London), can get your chest right, they are expensive, but totally worth it.

My advice is to work, work, work, save up the money. Maybe get relatives to chip in.

Importantly, DON'T get depressed. Think about it, there's actually a way to cure this problem, many others with far more serious conditions don't have that luxury. End of the day, you can get this op done, even if it takes some time to save up. Concentrate on that instead of wasting time feeling down. That won't solve your problem.
(edited 13 years ago)
Reply 21
Original post by Powerlifter
Are you suggesting gyno is not adipose tissue then? This is a form of fat, just like the female breast


Gynecomastia is gland growth, that is why it is firm, unlike fat. It may well be made from fat cells, however it's composition is not the same a normal body fat. And it cannot be reduced with exercise, it cannot be burned.
Original post by U.S Lecce
Gynecomastia is gland growth, that is why it is firm, unlike fat. It may well be made from fat cells, however it's composition is not the same a normal body fat. And it cannot be reduced with exercise, it cannot be burned.


Normal bodyfat? There are several varieties, which one do you clasify as normal?

Any form of adipose tissue can be used for energy. Much in the same was as a female brest can be reduced in size.
Reply 23
Original post by U.S Lecce
Gyno is breast tissue not fat, you can't reduce it with exercise, you can only reduce the surrounding fat.

There is no need to start nolvadex. Unless you are on the juice, most cases of gyno come about because of a one off raise in oestrogen levels in the body, usually during the early stages of puberty (like op's case). Usually the breast growth reduces on it's own, however sometimes if there has been a significant growth, the breast tissue will not subside. Althought it is highly unlikely they will grow even more.

OP if you've had it for more than 3 years it is unlikely they will reduce and surgery is really the only option. You can try and reduce your body fat, however you will not reduce the tissue.

If you don't want to take out a loan, keep pestering your gp about it, and ask to be reffered to another hospital. Sometimes it is possible to have a review on the nhs. Also showing that this is causing you distress may encourage them to give you the op. Please take my advice because I know this works. My cousin had a really bad case of gyno and was in the same position as you. The nhs kept telling him he couldn't get the op but he persevered and pestered them about and eventually they decided that the condition was lowering his quality of life and he was given the go ahead.

In the meantime, keep your chin up. Your gyno probably seems a lot worse to you then it does to other people. Try not to be too selfconcious about it. I know it's easier said than done, but at least try.


Thanks a lot for that comment, really cheered me up. I know exercise won't do anything because I lost a lot of weight when I was 16 as I became very self aware and if anything it made the problem even worse. This is partly the reason why I gained all the weight I had lost AND the excess 15kg. My doctor sent me to quite a few hospitals and they told me outright that they won't do it. One doctor told me that the operation was too high risk and in NHS they can't take that risk. And he also told me informally that if he was me he'd save the money and get it done privately because NHS are useless in these types of operations and if I did manage to get them to do it they'll probably make my condition even worse and more noticeable.

Original post by Anonymous
I completely understand your situation. I have gynocomastia and I thought it was something that would go after my teens but I'm 22 now and it still affects my life.

In some cases (like mine), excercising more makes me more aware of my moobs. My body gets leaner but my moobs stay.

That's strange that the NHS won't pay for your surgery. I told my GP about how the condition ruins my life and he immediately recommended me for surgery. I'm now waiting for the date. Did you tell your GP about the psychological impact? Maybe try another doctor?

I don't know if you've looked into it already but compression vests are very good. They won't get rid of your moobs but you'll be able to wear a tight T-shirt without anyone knowing that you have Gynocomastia. You may have to lose weight before you use one but I'm not sure.

I'll be happy to answer any questions that you've got.


I've tried pretty much everything, mate. Compression vests won't work because as I said my problem is a lot worse than it would be normally for some reason so if I do wear those vests I end up having trouble breathing and just generally look like a weirdo.

Thanks for the reply though I hope everything works out well for you.


Original post by Powerlifter
Firstly excercise more, gyno is a form of fat - if you reduce your fat you will reduce the apperance of the breast tissue.

Secondly you could commence a course of Nolvadex, this essentially blocks the Oestrogen receptors under the nipple and can help prevent a further build up of unwanted breast tissue.

If this is a truly bad case then the operation may bea nessesity, however if you can 'cut up' as it were and reduce them as far as possible.

PM me with any further questions
Reply 24
Powerlifter I wrote a big paragraph in my earlier post about your comment but it didn't show up and I can't edit Anon posts for some reason... and I really cba to type all that again. :/

I'll look up the Nolvadex right now and pm you if I think it could help. Thank you.

Original post by Make it so.
I had gynecomastia, but thankfully had surgery (private) to deal with it two years ago, it got my life back on track. I cannot push you enough to get this surgery.

Before my private surgery, I did get an op on the NHS, but they only did liposuction, the surgeon didn't want to do any excisions because I was only 17 at the time. This did not cure the condition at all. Gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue on the breast, only a combination of removing this tissue and lipo will deal with the condition.

Private surgery (there's some great surgeons in the UK, strongly recommend Karidis in London), can get your chest right, they are expensive, but totally worth it.

My advice is to work, work, work, save up the money. Maybe get relatives to chip in.

Importantly, DON'T get depressed. Think about it, there's actually a way to cure this problem, many others with far more serious conditions don't have that luxury. End of the day, you can get this op done, even if it takes some time to save up. Concentrate on that instead of wasting time feeling down. That won't solve your problem.


@@@ I met Dr Karidis and he was the one who told me that he's never seen anything like my condition before! He's also the one who wants £5k for the operation.

I'm glad everything worked out for you mate. Did you end up getting the operation from Karidis? and how do you feel about your condition now? is it completely normal and how you'd like it?
Reply 25
Original post by Powerlifter
Normal bodyfat? There are several varieties, which one do you clasify as normal?

Any form of adipose tissue can be used for energy. Much in the same was as a female brest can be reduced in size.


Female breasts can reduce in size because the fat in the breast is bruned, but the actual breast tissue cannot be reduced, the same goes for gyno. Like i said in my original post, you are able to reduce the surrounding fat, but the breast tissue will still be there! Gyno is a growth of cells that make up a gland that is why it is firm. No amount of exercise will reduce the size of the gland. Reducing the amount of fat around the tissue may make the moobs seem smaller, but the tissue will remain there.

I'm not wrong here, do a quick google search and it will tell you the same thing. Reducing the surrounding fat of the gland may make the appearance of the moobs smaller. But the actual breast tissue will remain the same size. And if the tissue is quite large all this will do is make the moobs sag, which looks even worse.
(edited 13 years ago)
Reply 26
Original post by Anonymous
Anon/delete please

Hi TSR,

I'm 19 and about to go university this September. I have had Gynecomastia since I was about 13 and the problem got worst after I turned 15. Since 13, I haven't worn a t-shirt and haven't done ANYTHING that required me taking my shirt, and my vest and another shirt I wear underneath, off. I'm a good looking guy and have had a few girls asking me out but I've always had to say no because I know that I won't be able to be myself when I'm with them and will be too worried that they might notice my condition.

This isn't even about girls or relationships. I just want to go out in summer not having to wear a jacket. I don't want to wear 3 layers of clothing every time I go out. I want to be able to wear normal clothes without people looking at me.

I've looked up surgery as an option and have even gone to see a doctor and he told me my condition is the worst he's seen in more than 300 operations that he's done. NHS won't cover the cost of the operation and because of how much tissue I have in there the operation is complicated and it will cost me about £5000 to get my life back. Because of this condition I have been severely depressed and have put on 15 kg over the past few years and I can't do any sports to mantain my fitness and to burn that weight because I know people will laugh at me. I spoke to my gp and she said that there is no way NHS will pay for my operation.

I have honestly become tired of life. I know that unless I have this operation and then carry on to lose the excess 15 kg weight I will get depressed. I just don't know how to get the £5000 for this operation. The A levels I do are very hard and in my free time I have to keep up with the rest of my class because I'm not as intellegent as them. I just want a normal life so bad... I'm shaking while typing this.



Hey dude, I had the same problem when I was about 14. I first went to doctors and she said it was normal etc. It got worse and I went back when I was 15 and the doctor couldn't believe what she had seen it was so bad - she apologised for not taking me seriously first time and sent me to a specialist.
After seeing many doctors/physchiatrists etc, I was eventually able to get it on the N.H.S. It being a double mestectomy, because they feared if they took some of it out it would just grow back.

Awful time in my life so I can totally sympathise with you. I would try another GP to get this on the N.H.S as it is clearly affecting you.
If not why not explain to parents and ask for a loan from them (if possible). I'm sure if they have the money they would be happy to help.

If you have any questions about the procedure or whatever, give me a message/quote me - I'd be more than happy to help :smile:
Original post by U.S Lecce
Female breasts can reduce in size because the fat in the breast is bruned, but the actual breast tissue cannot be reduced, the same goes for gyno. Like i said in my original post, you are able to reduce the surrounding fat, but the breast tissue will still be there! Gyno is a growth of cells that make up a gland that is why it is firm. No amount of exercise will reduce the size of the gland. Reducing the amount of fat around the tissue may make the moobs seem smaller, but the tissue will remain there.

I'm not wrong here, do a quick google search and it will tell you the same thing. Reducing the surrounding fat of the gland may make the appearance of the moobs smaller. But the actual breast tissue will remain the same size. And if the tissue is quite large all this will do is make the moobs sag, which looks even worse.


Try doing a proper google search not a quick one - there are several hormonal tratements that assist in causing a break up in cells combining to form Gyno. Infact in one study in Finland Nolvadex is used on a subject group of 12 men aged 20-25 who suffered from teen hormonal based gyno.
In addition to a specified diet, excercise and admininstration of Nolvadex and in eleven out of the tweleve the actual number of cells forming the gyno was broken down and dissipated as either energy or excretion.

While surgery is the quickest and most efficient way of removing the growth, it isvery possible to reduce and in some cases completely remove the gyno through much much cheaper and safer methods.
Reply 28
Original post by Powerlifter
Try doing a proper google search not a quick one - there are several hormonal tratements that assist in causing a break up in cells combining to form Gyno. Infact in one study in Finland Nolvadex is used on a subject group of 12 men aged 20-25 who suffered from teen hormonal based gyno.
In addition to a specified diet, excercise and admininstration of Nolvadex and in eleven out of the tweleve the actual number of cells forming the gyno was broken down and dissipated as either energy or excretion.

While surgery is the quickest and most efficient way of removing the growth, it isvery possible to reduce and in some cases completely remove the gyno through much much cheaper and safer methods.


Well I didn't realise you could use nolvadex to reduce gyno, i thought it only prevented it.

Either way my point was exercise (without the help of nolvadex) wouldn't reduce the gyno tissue. Also it's unlikely op would be prescribed this. I'd assume if op was going to get treatment it would be through surgery anyway.
Original post by Anonymous


@@@ I met Dr Karidis and he was the one who told me that he's never seen anything like my condition before! He's also the one who wants £5k for the operation.

I'm glad everything worked out for you mate. Did you end up getting the operation from Karidis? and how do you feel about your condition now? is it completely normal and how you'd like it?


Yeah, he sorted mine out. Cost me around £4.5k. Your unlikely to find a surgeon as good as him. He's very experienced at these procedures.

My chest is 100% fine. Completely normal. No more oversensitivity. Can't even see any scar tissue.

I'm two years on, but the condition was pretty much gone straight after the op. Some swelling, etc, in the weeks after, but with the vest and medication they give you it's all good. A month or so on (once you've done changing dressings, swelling, bruising gone) and your pretty much fine, though the final results will take between a year or so.

Still at least straight after the op, I was able to wear a t-shirt in windy weather and not feel self-conscious. :biggrin:

Yeah, can't recommend Karidis enough. It's a lot of money to be sure, but worth every penny.
Reply 30
Original post by Anonymous
Anon/delete please

Hi TSR,

I'm 19 and about to go university this September. I have had Gynecomastia since I was about 13 and the problem got worst after I turned 15. Since 13, I haven't worn a t-shirt and haven't done ANYTHING that required me taking my shirt, and my vest and another shirt I wear underneath, off. I'm a good looking guy and have had a few girls asking me out but I've always had to say no because I know that I won't be able to be myself when I'm with them and will be too worried that they might notice my condition.

This isn't even about girls or relationships. I just want to go out in summer not having to wear a jacket. I don't want to wear 3 layers of clothing every time I go out. I want to be able to wear normal clothes without people looking at me.

I've looked up surgery as an option and have even gone to see a doctor and he told me my condition is the worst he's seen in more than 300 operations that he's done. NHS won't cover the cost of the operation and because of how much tissue I have in there the operation is complicated and it will cost me about £5000 to get my life back. Because of this condition I have been severely depressed and have put on 15 kg over the past few years and I can't do any sports to mantain my fitness and to burn that weight because I know people will laugh at me. I spoke to my gp and she said that there is no way NHS will pay for my operation.

I have honestly become tired of life. I know that unless I have this operation and then carry on to lose the excess 15 kg weight I will get depressed. I just don't know how to get the £5000 for this operation. The A levels I do are very hard and in my free time I have to keep up with the rest of my class because I'm not as intellegent as them. I just want a normal life so bad... I'm shaking while typing this.


NHS will cover it, you need to find a new doctor or go tell a psychiatrist that you are extremely depressed over it. They will cover it if its the source of your psychological problems. They will expect you to lose the 15kg though possibly before the operation.
Reply 31
Original post by Powerlifter
Try doing a proper google search not a quick one - there are several hormonal tratements that assist in causing a break up in cells combining to form Gyno. Infact in one study in Finland Nolvadex is used on a subject group of 12 men aged 20-25 who suffered from teen hormonal based gyno.
In addition to a specified diet, excercise and admininstration of Nolvadex and in eleven out of the tweleve the actual number of cells forming the gyno was broken down and dissipated as either energy or excretion.

While surgery is the quickest and most efficient way of removing the growth, it isvery possible to reduce and in some cases completely remove the gyno through much much cheaper and safer methods.


there's a more expensive drug on the market now called letrozole which is actually more effective with gynecomastia.
Original post by Make it so.
I had gynecomastia, but thankfully had surgery (private) to deal with it two years ago, it got my life back on track. I cannot push you enough to get this surgery.

Before my private surgery, I did get an op on the NHS, but they only did liposuction, the surgeon didn't want to do any excisions because I was only 17 at the time. This did not cure the condition at all. Gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue on the breast, only a combination of removing this tissue and lipo will deal with the condition.

Private surgery (there's some great surgeons in the UK, strongly recommend Karidis in London), can get your chest right, they are expensive, but totally worth it.

My advice is to work, work, work, save up the money. Maybe get relatives to chip in.

Importantly, DON'T get depressed. Think about it, there's actually a way to cure this problem, many others with far more serious conditions don't have that luxury. End of the day, you can get this op done, even if it takes some time to save up. Concentrate on that instead of wasting time feeling down. That won't solve your problem.


if you have health insurance, will they help in anyway with the surgery costs?

i am also in the same situation OP

i am 19 years old and at university

i use a compression vest, its helping me at the moment, but i know its temporary and i need to sort this problem out

the thing with me is, is that im also overweight and so i need to lose this weight before i even tell my GP or anyone!

so im trying to do that first, and the compression vest is helping me with that

im wondering if having health insurance means the insurers will pay for surgery?
Reply 33
Ive got a little bit of this OP, its really tough - really knocks your self confidence. My only advice is to start saving really, £5k is a years worth of part time work (9/12 hours a week or so), and maybe see if your parents can help you out?
Original post by Make it so.
I had gynecomastia, but thankfully had surgery (private) to deal with it two years ago, it got my life back on track. I cannot push you enough to get this surgery.

Before my private surgery, I did get an op on the NHS, but they only did liposuction, the surgeon didn't want to do any excisions because I was only 17 at the time. This did not cure the condition at all. Gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue on the breast, only a combination of removing this tissue and lipo will deal with the condition.

Private surgery (there's some great surgeons in the UK, strongly recommend Karidis in London), can get your chest right, they are expensive, but totally worth it.

My advice is to work, work, work, save up the money. Maybe get relatives to chip in.

Importantly, DON'T get depressed. Think about it, there's actually a way to cure this problem, many others with far more serious conditions don't have that luxury. End of the day, you can get this op done, even if it takes some time to save up. Concentrate on that instead of wasting time feeling down. That won't solve your problem.


Are you 100% sure it can only be removed by surgery? ive had moobs for ages, and it always seemed worse than similar big people or even bigger people. im not sure whether its simply fat or Gynecomastia, but ive been working out for some time and it seemed to make little difference. how much did it cost for private? do you think the NHS would be able to help me or will i get rejected to? (im 19)
Reply 35
I'm a trans guy so had serious man boobs issue. Long story but I had to pay £5500 to go private for surgery. I started saving at 15 and had it at 19 and never had a full time job during that time but I've always worked. It takes time but you really can save for surgery if you have to. It means you need to be really committed to it and willing to give up other things for it. You need to get good at budgetting, open a savings account (something like an ISA where you need to give months notice to touch it is best so you can't get at it easily) and make a rule of every time you have X amount in your bank account then Y amount of it goes into your saving account.

But firstly I think you need to fight the NHS to get it funded. Has a funding application actually been put to them? If not find a GP who is willing to do it. If they knock it back then you need to request their reasons in writing. Once you have those reasons then you can tackle them to challenge it.


In the mean time have you ever had a compression vest? I'd mostly recommend this- the ultimate chest binder tank or the tri top below it. They are a bit hot and if you wear them 24/7 then they can do your back in. So I'd recommend not wearing it all day every day. But in terms of looking flat chested in a tshirt it's the best way to go. They cost a little but I had one of the ultimate chest binder ones that lasted me about two and a half years and I was wearing it pretty much ever day.

I've wrote a guide to layering to make your chest look flat too. If that's any interest to you then PM me and I'll send you it
Reply 36
Original post by Anonymous
Are you 100% sure it can only be removed by surgery? ive had moobs for ages, and it always seemed worse than similar big people or even bigger people. im not sure whether its simply fat or Gynecomastia, but ive been working out for some time and it seemed to make little difference. how much did it cost for private? do you think the NHS would be able to help me or will i get rejected to? (im 19)


Don't bother with NHS. I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and everything went exactly as planned as I stated in the op.

Yes the only way to remove it is surgery. Go to Gynecomastia.org and research as much as possible while saving up around £4.3k for the best surgeon in the country imo(dr karidis) and get this thing over with. Best decision I've ever made.

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