When you’re a man, having large breasts or man boobs is not easy. The most crucial issue is on one’s self-confidence because the condition could be a subject of jokes and curious questions during social interactions. Gynecomastia, the medical term for breast enlargement in men, is harmless in most cases; but it still requires proper management in order to minimize its psychological effects on the affected person.
But first, what causes breast enlargement in men? It is most commonly due to an increased level of estrogen or female hormone in one’s body which overpowers the manifestations of masculine effects of male hormones. This is why some gynecomastia-like symptoms appear during early infancy, puberty and old age. Hormonal imbalance is most likely during these times, and having large man breasts is one of the manifestations. These phases do not need any form of treatment, though, because they will just pass. However, a real case of breast enlargement is not just a phase.
To avoid social discomfort due to having man-boobs, many men with the condition resort to binding. The type of binder to use depends on the degree of breast enlargement and the subjective comfort that the user feels. Wearing a binder would minimize or flatten the chest, but it also has some consequences. Just like medications, this method also has side effects and should be done properly in order to minimize such. The most important thing is feeling comfortable while wearing a certain type of binder.
A bra chest binder is one of the most common compression methods used by men with gynecomastia. Just like a sports-bra but with a tighter fit, this binder could make the chest appear flat if the breast enlargement is not severe. But if the breast size is cup C or bigger, a bra binder could only make the chest pass as a small pair of feminine breasts. A girdle that binds the breasts and the whole abdomen could be another option, but flattening the abdomen would only make the chest more defined and its enlargement more obvious. Layering undershirts and suits to disguise the breasts might work, but it is not ideal for hot places. Finding the right type and method of hiding one’s man-boobs takes time and a lot of trial-and-error, but finding the best fit and flattening effect could do wonders to one’s self-confidence.
Just like wearing a regular bra, a binder should only be used for a certain period of time. It should be taken off in between four to eight hours to give the chest muscles some time to breathe. Compressing them for too long could cause breast deformities and other structural damages to the chest integrity. When binding during a hot day, applying some cornstarch on the chest would be helpful in keeping the sweat from damaging the binder and hurting the skin. The material of the binder could cling tightly to the skin, making it painful to take-off. Most importantly, the binder should not be worn too tightly so as not to compromise one’s breathing. Wearing chest binders too tightly could lead to less oxygenation in the compressed area and eventually cause cell death. Using binders for gynecomastia should be done appropriately in order to avoid more damaging conditions, and to maximize the benefits of its true purpose.
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