One of the often-overlooked aspects of pectus excavatum is the occurrence of man boobs or gynecomastia, especially after surgery.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into why this happens, how to identify it, and, most importantly, how to prevent it.

As you may already know, pectus excavatum, commonly known as sunken chest, significantly affects teenagers and young adults.

This often leads to body image issues and social anxiety, particularly during adolescence, a critical period for our self-esteem and confidence building.

Man Boobs Ocurrence After Surgery

Pre-Existing Concavity

Pectus excavatum is characterized by a sunken sternum. If you have excess breast fat in addition to pectus, it will appear much more noticeable than in a flat chested person.

Even after gynecomastia surgery, your concave-looking chest will make you think you still have a lot of breast fat, when it is the concavity that makes this appearance.

The combination of pectus and boob fat can be a double curse for self-esteem.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes during adolescence can be a rollercoaster ride. These changes can sometimes lead to man boobs.

Interestingly, pectus excavatum surgery can also affect hormone levels.

For instance, a study showed that hormonal imbalances could lead to man boobs in pectus patients.

Crater Deformities

Another factor to consider is crater deformities. These are small concave areas that sometimes occur after surgery due to excessive tissue removal, leaving indentations.

This highlights the importance of choosing an experienced surgeon who can sculpt a smooth layer of fat during the surgery.

Scar Tissue and Healing

Post-surgery, scar tissue formation can influence chest contour line and breast tissue. I've come across real-life examples of patients experiencing scar-related man boobs.

Weight Oscillations

Weight gain or loss post-surgically can significantly affect chest appearance. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential.

A study on body measurement changes in adults with pectus excavatum after the Nuss procedure showed that these changes were particularly noticeable in young males and patients with more severe deformities.

The study found significant increases in body height, weight, and BMI after pectus bar removal.

How to Identify

Look for visual signs such as enlarged breasts and nipple changes. Self-examination techniques can be helpful here. Awareness is key.

Symptoms

• Swollen breast tissue.
• Breast tenderness.
• Pain along with swelling.
• Psychological impact

The emotional distress and body image issues that come with man boobs can be overwhelming.

Seeking professional advice can be important in these cases.

When to Seek Medical Help

• If you notice any lumps in your breast tissue, consult a physician immediately for examination.
• Seek medical attention if you experience nipple changes (e.g., inversion), loss of body hair, or lumps in the testicles.
• Distress due to gynecomastia calls for a physician’s evaluation for proper diagnosis and support.

4 Tips for Managing It

Pectus excavatum along with man boobs, causes challenges to self-esteem. Here are four solutions:

Exercise Routine

Focus on chest-targeting exercises like bench presses and push-ups to enhance chest contours. Cardio workouts aid overall fat reduction.

Dietary Guidelines

Keep a balanced diet rich in lean protein, fruits, and vegetables while staying hydrated.

Self-Care Practice

Practice good posture to improve chest appearance. Follow scar care routines recommended by your surgeon post-surgically.

Early Action

Regular check-ups and seeking professional guidance ensure early intervention and personalized strategies for effective management.

Prevention Strategies

Lifestyle Modifications

Preventing man boobs involves several lifestyle modifications. Diet and exercise play a significant role.

Balancing muscle development through weight training can help. Weight management is also crucial in preventing recurrence.

Early Intervention

Monitoring changes post-surgery and seeking medical guidance promptly can make a world of difference.

Parents of children with pectus should take preventive measures early on to prevent future issues.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Also known as male breast reduction, aims to reduce breast tissue size in men. It involves liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both.

People choose this surgery to improve self-image, enhance appearance, and alleviate discomfort associated with enlarged male breasts. 

Conclusion

Awareness and initiation are crucial in managing man boobs in pectus patients.

Individualized care and expert guidance are essential. If you experience man boobs after pectus surgery, do not hesitate to seek professional advice.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. I am here to support you every step of the way. For more information and resources, feel free to contact me. Thanks for reading!