If you have trouble finding a garment labeled for gynecomastia, go with a surgical compression vest, which people wear after chest operations to help incision sites heal. If you plan on swimming, check your product’s label to make sure it can get wet. Most compression garments can be worn in saltwater. However, chlorine can damage elastic fabric, so don’t wear a compression vest in a chlorinated pool.
Find shapewear and performance apparel online, at athletic supply stores, or in the menswear section of most major department stores. Like compression garments, shapewear and performance apparel are usually made of materials that shouldn’t be exposed to chlorinated water.
Many fashion brands manufacture swim shirts, and rash guards are available at any store that sells sportswear. You can also find either garment online. If a swim shirt alone doesn’t conceal your chest, you could a wear one over a compression or performance vest. Remember that a garment with cooling strips can help keep you from getting too hot.
White can make your upper body look broader, and a sharp contrast between your shirt and trunks will draw attention to your upper body. Vertical stripes and patterns are slimming and can draw the eye away from body shape. A button-up offers more structure than a tee, so it’s less likely to cling to your chest. [6] X Research source If anyone asks, you could say that you’re wearing a shirt to protect your skin from the sun.
If you haven’t already, see your doctor to determine if your chest size is due to gland enlargement. Try not to be embarrassed; your doctor is there to help you, not to judge you.
Prescription drugs that can cause gynecomastia include corticosteroids, hormone cancer therapies, and some heart and anti-anxiety medications. If necessary, ask your doctor if they can recommend an alternative with fewer side effects. If you use recreational drugs or anabolic steroids, ask your doctor for advice about quitting.
Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have a history of medical issues.
If you decide that breast reduction surgery is right for you, your doctor or surgeon can recommend the best procedure. Be sure to ask them about the potential risks and complications of any surgical procedure. Liposuction is fairly non-invasive, and recovery time is usually just a few days. However, it only removes fatty tissue, not the mammary glands. A mammectomy, or removal of mammary gland tissue, is the best option for larger chest sizes. Your chest will be sore and swollen for a few weeks after a mammectomy, and you’ll need to limit your activities for at least a month. While scars from the procedure are permanent, they usually fade over time.
The effects of gynecomastia on self-esteem aren’t easy to overcome, and it’s normal to feel like you’ll never be able to go shirtless in public. [11] X Research source As difficult as it is, do your best to accept your body, and try not to let other people’s perceptions define you. If you don’t want to go shirtless, focus on wearing a swim shirt or other concealing garment at the beach without worrying what people think.
Try listening to music, looking at beautiful natural scenery, or smelling your favorite scent. Think about how wonderful it is that your body allows you to experience such enjoyable sensations. Pay attention to the things your body does to keep you alive. Listen to your heartbeat, and appreciate how hard your heart works every second of the day. Think about how great it is that so many parts of your body do their job automatically without your conscious thought. Try saying or thinking a positive mantra, such as, “I’m happy to be alive. My body is wonderful for keeping me alive, and I’m grateful for it. ”
If you’re comfortable, try taking off your shirt, and let the sensations of the warm sun or soothing water replace your fear and anxiety. Tell yourself, “There are so many great things I’ll miss out on if I dwell on what other people think. I deserve to feel comfortable and to enjoy this day, and it doesn’t matter if my body isn’t perfect. I refuse to punish myself anymore. ”
If you don’t plan on ever taking off your shirt in public, try wearing a swim shirt around your family first to get used to it.
