Posted August 15, 2026 in Gynecomastia
Hormones can play a surprisingly big role in the appearance of your chest. Gynecomastia, or an increase in male breast gland tissue, can develop when the balance between testosterone and estrogen shifts. It can affect one or both sides of the chest and may occur even when you’re otherwise fit and active.
At Dr. Scott Green in Sacramento, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Green brings decades of surgical experience to gynecomastia surgery. He has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 2002 and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
How Do Hormones Cause Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can develop when the effects of estrogen become greater relative to testosterone. Several factors can contribute to this hormonal shift:
- Puberty: Natural hormone changes during puberty can temporarily increase breast gland tissue.
- Aging: Hormone levels can change with age, which may contribute to gynecomastia in adult men.
- Low testosterone: Lower testosterone levels can change the balance between testosterone and estrogen.
- Certain medical conditions: Thyroid problems and liver or kidney disease may contribute to breast tissue growth.
- Medications and other substances: Certain medications, anabolic steroids, alcohol, and other substances can affect hormone activity and contribute to gynecomastia.
Will Fixing a Hormonal Imbalance Get Rid of Gynecomastia?
It depends on how long the enlarged breast tissue has been present and what is causing it. Treating an underlying medical or hormonal issue may help in some situations. However, established glandular tissue may remain even after you manage the original cause.
This is also why losing weight doesn’t always create the chest contour you want. Weight loss can reduce excess fat, but it may have little effect on glandular breast tissue.
When Can Gynecomastia Surgery Help?
When enlarged breast tissue persists, gynecomastia surgery can reshape the chest by removing:
- Excess fat: Liposuction can remove localized fatty tissue.
- Glandular tissue: Excision can remove excess breast gland tissue.
- Both types of tissue: Dr. Green may combine liposuction and excision when needed.
Explore Your Gynecomastia Treatment Options in Sacramento, CA
You deserve clear answers about what’s causing your chest concerns and what can be done. Meet with Dr. Scott Green to discuss gynecomastia surgery and find out what may work for you.
To schedule a consultation in Sacramento, CA, call 916-471-2551.