Here is a breakdown of the different grades, how gyno affects your self-esteem, and what can be done to get you ready for your NS journey in full confidence.
January 23, 2026
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We all think that when it comes to breasts, they're a concern pertaining only to the fairer gender.
However, men do encounter "breast issues", which is why it's called the man boobs.
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes physical pain and discomfort. It affects men socially and psychologically, but is treatable with gynecomastia (male breast reduction) surgery.
Here are some common questions about gynecomastia and male breast reduction surgery.
Can Beer Cause Gynecomastia?
Hoppy beers like IPA (Indian Pale Ale) contain phytoestrogen, a plant-based estrogen hormone.
The common myth is that drinking too much of them will cause estrogen levels to skyrocket. The truth is, the phytoestrogen levels are too low to create any hormone imbalance.
Nonetheless, the consumption of beer or any alcohol in excess can be detrimental to your overall health and, thus, should be avoided.
Does Soy Cause Gynecomastia?
This is a popular Singaporean and even Asian myth.
Soy contains isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens which may MILDLY mimic the hormone estrogen.
The effects of soy isoflavones on estrogen levels are complex, but soy is generally safe to be consumed in moderation.
Can Gynecomastia Affect Asian Men of Any Age?
Yes, it can affect babies, teenagers, and adults in Singapore and around the world, regardless of ethnicity.
Although it is not unusual for the condition to regress over time, this is unfortunately not always the case for some.
Gynecomastia in infants
More than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother's estrogen. Generally, the swollen breast tissue resolves within 2 to 3 weeks after birth.
Gynecomastia during puberty
Gynecomastia caused by hormone changes during puberty is relatively standard. In most cases, the swollen breast tissue will resolve without treatment within 6 months to 2 years.
Gynecomastia in adults
Researchers estimate that the prevalence among men ages 50 to 80 is between 24% and 65%, with at least 1 in 4 men in this age group affected. However, most men with the condition experience no symptoms.
Can Ageing Cause Gynecomastia In Men?
Nearly 65% of men between 27 and 92 years old had some kind of gynecomastia.
Adult gynecomastia is usually associated with increasing age due to progressive testicular hypofunction and increased weight and body fat.
According to statistics, male menopause or andropause happens when testosterone production drops in men aged 50 or older.
As the levels of testosterone drop, it causes a hormonal imbalance, which may eventually lead to the development of gynecomastia.
Which Type Of Prescribed Medications Can Cause Man Boobs?
According to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), several medications can cause man boobs. These include:
- Anti-androgens: To treat an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer and other conditions. Examples include flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir).
- Anabolic steroids and androgens: To treat hormone deficiencies, delayed puberty, or muscle loss from another disease.
- AIDS medications: The estrogen-like properties of some HIV medications can cause gynecomastia, especially Efavirenz (Sustiva).
- ADHD medications: These contain amphetamines, such as Adderall.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Such as diazepam (Valium)
- Ulcer medications: Such as the over-the-counter drug cimetidine (Tagamet HB).
- Heart medications: Such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.
- Stomach-emptying medications: Such as metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Recreational drugs, illicit drugs and alcohol
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Chemotherapy to treat cancer
- Antibiotics
What health conditions can lead to gynecomastia?
According to Johns Hopkins, some diseases and medical conditions may result in the development of man boobs, such as:
- Liver diseases
- Kidney disease
- Lung cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Tumours of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland
- Some conditions that a baby is born with (congenital disorders)
- Thyroid disorders
- Injury or trauma
- Obesity
Can gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) permanently get rid of man boobs in Singapore?
Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is a clinically proven method to resolve the issue of gynecomastia.
Non-invasive treatments like fat freezing or low-energy laser CAN NEVER eliminate this medical condition, as it requires surgical removal of the affected male breast tissues.
Can I use insurance or Medisave for my gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) in Singapore?
To know if your condition is claimable by insurance or Medisave, you must first ascertain that your enlarged male breast is medically necessary to remove it.
We encourage you to consult with Dr Ivan Puah, who can identify the root cause of your condition.
During the consultation, please share your complete medical history with the doctor. A detailed physical examination and appropriate diagnostic tests will also be carried out for a thorough assessment.
Can liposuction be used to treat gynecomastia?
Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a body contouring and fat removal surgery to correct disproportionate body shape and remove stubborn, exercise- and diet-resistant excess fat.
It helps treat pseudogynecomastia or mixed gynecomastia (where fat is also involved in addition to glandular tissue).
How big/long are the surgical incisions created for gynecomastia treatment?
Gynecomastia surgery carried out by Dr Ivan Puah involves endoscopic-line incisions, no larger than 4mm, strategically placed in the targeted area.
Will the skin sag after gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction)?
Dr Ivan Puah's experience shows that skin in small to moderate-sized gynecomastia cases tends to shrink back after healing.
His 360° GTD® (Glandular Tissue Dissection) technique in male breast reduction surgery efficiently removes enlarged glandular tissue while inducing skin tightening.
You must wear a compression vest 24/7 for six to eight weeks to reduce post-surgery tissue swelling. By doing so, it also encourages skin retraction.
However, the degree of skin laxity differs between individuals who have experienced significant chest tissue sagging due to excessive weight loss (or bariatric surgery) or lifestyle changes, and those with loose skin concerns due to gynecomastia.
Can gynecomastia recur after the surgery?
Gynecomastia may recur, but it is very uncommon.
A 2017 study published in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal reported that a mere 12.5% of people who had gynecomastia surgery experienced recurrence more than 10 years later.
In other words, almost 90% of patients won't see their condition return.
Ageing, hormonal changes, alcohol, opioids, anabolic steroids, and certain medications and drugs are usually associated with the onset of gynecomastia.
Can a cold compress relieve the discomfort?
If you are experiencing soreness and pain, using a cold compress is only a temporary measure. It may alleviate some discomfort, but it will NOT make your chest look smaller or reduce the size of enlarged male breasts.
