Introduction to Why Do I Have Puffy Nipples as a Man?
Puffy nipples as a man? Male nipples are supposed to be round, small, and hardly noticeable, even when soft. Why, then, are your nipples so darned puffy? Have you ever asked yourself that question? If so, you are not alone. Some men form nipples that are inflamed or puffy. There are numerous causes for this.
The primary cause for puffy nipples in men is a hormonal imbalance in the body. When estrogen overtakes testosterone in the body, due to minor or major fluctuations, puffy nipples can result. Having excess body fat can exacerbate the condition, as can select exercises.
If you hate your puffy areola and want to learn how to get rid of big puffy nipples once and for all, you have come to the right place. The following will keep you informed about why your nipples look the way they do and the best treatment we currently have for puffy nipples in men.
Are Puffy Nipples Serious?
While puffy nipples can look odd and become uncomfortable at times, the condition is rarely severe enough to warrant immediate medical attention. The best long-term treatment for the condition is to engage in the proper types of exercise and to make dietary changes that will contribute to a healthy body weight. These alterations of lifestyle may not always be effective. In some cases, the swelling will not go away without permanent treatment, which usually requires gynecomastia surgery.
What Causes Puffy Nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples in men have several causes.
Hormonal Imbalance
Teen boys go through hormonal imbalances during that major life period we call puberty. During this time, the body is flooded with testosterone, which contributes to a lower pitched voice, greater amounts of body hair, and the growth of muscle mass. In some boys, the hormones can fluctuate unexpectedly, which can lead to conditions like puffy nipples. Certain diseases, medications, and lifestyle choices like marijuana use can also contribute to the condition.
Steroid Use
Another lifestyle habit that can make the body grow puffy nipples is engaging in excessive steroid use. You may be familiar with the tendency of some bodybuilders to form male breasts. This is known as gynecomastia. Puffy nipples is one sign of male gyno, which can come from the use of steroids.
Certain Exercises
Men can develop puffy nipples after jogging or running for extended periods of time. You may wonder how running for long distances can make the nipples appear swollen or puffy. When nipples rub against fabric, such as the shirt you are wearing, you can form what is known as “jogger’s nipple,” which can be painful and unsightly.
Too Much Body Fat
Getting heavier than your ideal weight can give you that puffy man-chest look. If you develop excess fat in your breasts, your nipples can appear larger than normal. Being overweight can also contribute to more estrogen in the body, which contributes to gynecomastia and puffy nipple male teen.
Reducing the amount of body fat you carry can return your hormones to normal levels. This can sometimes be enough to reduce breast and nipple swelling.
What Exercises Can Reduce Puffy Nipples as a Man?
Along with losing weight, certain chest exercises can reduce nipple puffiness in men.
Barbell Bench Press
With this exercise, you lay on a bench or on the floor and press a pair of dumbbells from your chest outward until your arms are straight overhead. Then, lower the weight back down.
Forward Dips
This exercise can be performed on dip bars at the gym or between two chairs. Lift yourself up by the bars or chair backs and slowly lower your body until your knees almost touch the floor, then raise yourself back up.
Pushups
Most people perform pushups the wrong way. Make sure your back remains flat and that you lower your body all the way until your nose nearly touches the floor, then raise yourself back up.
You can include these exercises in your regular workout routine. Using more than one chest exercise will target multiple muscles. If you are new to weight lifting, work up to one to three sets of eight to twelve repetitions using light weights. With time, you should strive to gradually increase the number of sets you perform. You can also increase the amount of weight you lift and decrease the number of sets.
What Aerobic Exercises Are Effective for Puffy Nipples in Men?
In addition to muscle building, add some oxygen-rich exercises to your workout routines. Examples include jogging, running, cycling, and swimming. Jumping rope is another exercise you can perform, which will help with coordination and endurance.
But wait, you might be thinking, can’t jogging and running make the nipples appear puffier? This is true. To prevent chafing when jogging or running long distances, consider using nipple covers, which can be purchased online.
How Much Aerobic Exercise is Healthy for Puffy Nipples as a Man?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, adults (including men with puffy nipples) should strive to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Strength training two or more days per week will round off a super healthy routine.
That amount of aerobic activity can be divided into twenty minutes of cardiovascular exercise before and after your weight lifting routine. You can complete forty-five to sixty minutes of cardio on the days between your muscle-building workouts.
How to Get Rid of Puffy Nipples with Dietary Choices?
Carrying too much body fat can make your puffy nipples appear more pronounced. To lower body fat, it becomes necessary to follow a healthy dietary program. Stay away from bad diets. Trying to eat things you wouldn’t normally eat in the short term can only contribute to weight gain the moment you go back to eating normal foods. It is far better to make lifestyle changes over the long term that can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Healthy Fruits and Vegetables
Stock your fridge with leafy greens, green beans, broccoli, and asparagus. You can eat these veggies by themselves, or you can hunt for tasty recipes online (as long as the recipes are not loaded with sauces and fattening condiments). As for fruits, stick with berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), apples, pears, and other delicious fruits. Not only are they packed with vitamins, but they can help stave off a sweet tooth instead of reaching for candy or soda.
High Fiber Foods
Fill your fridge and pantry with bran, nuts, seeds, and whole grain wheat options. These make you feel full faster during meals and contribute to healthy digestion.
Eat Fewer Processed Foods and Sugary Options
The best policy is out of sight, out of mind. Get rid of anything in your house that is overly processed. Usually, anything that comes in a box is usually processed. You can also tell processed from unprocessed foods from the mile-long ingredients lists. Replace sugary sodas with diet options and refrain from eating cake, pie, or anything that can give you a sugar rush and subsequent crash.
Limit Carbs and Alcohol
Along with processed and sugary options, limit your intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, and pastries. Alcohol is filled with calories and should be avoided at all costs. When you drink alcohol, your body will work to rid your body of the amount you drank before it gets to work burning fat.
Stay Away from Estrogen-Rich Foods
If you suspect that a hormonal imbalance is to blame for your puffy nipples, you might want to avoid the foods that can increase estrogen levels in the body. These include soy products, pinto beans, lima beans, clover sprouts, split peas, and alfalfa.
Stock Up on Testosterone Boosting Foods
Foods that contribute to greater amounts of testosterone include ginger, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and olive oil.
What Supplements Can You Take for Puffy Nipples Treatment?
Once you have your exercise and diet routines in order, you can add to your lifestyle changes by taking certain herbal supplements.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a root plant that contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which can improve testosterone levels in men. Adding curcumin to your diet can boost the male hormone and sperm production, in addition to reducing the effects of puffy nipples.
Ginger
This flowering root contains a number of antioxidants, including zingerone, gingerols, and flavonoids. Taking ginger can protect your reproductive organs, reduce inflammation in the body, and balance your blood sugar levels. Taking the supplement over time can also reduce the effects of puffy nipples.
Fenugreek
This culinary herb is rich in fiber and contains the vitamins A, B-6, B-12, and D, in addition to minerals like iron. Taking Fenugreek can boost testosterone and sperm count, as well as improve mood and mental alertness. The supplement may also help with inflamed nipples.
Always consult your doctor before taking supplements to properly weigh the potential risks and benefits.
When is Surgery Required for Puffy Nipple as a Man?
If performing exercises, changing your diet, and taking supplements fail to reduce the appearance of puffy nipples, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures to treat gynecomastia and puffy nipples include the following.
Liposuction: This cosmetic procedure removes body fat using a thin rod called a cannula, which is connected to a high-pressure vacuum.
Tissue Excision: This technique involves the removal of glandular breast tissue and excess skin, which are typically present with gynecomastia. The surgeon can also reduce the size and puffiness of the nipples during the same procedure. Puffy nipple surgery can return symmetry to the chest and contribute to a more normalized appearance.
What is Gynecomastia?
Why are my Nipples Puffy?
If you suffer from puffy nipples, you could also have gynecomastia. This condition is characterized by enlarged breast tissue that affects around 65% of all men. Male gyno can affect infants, teen boys, and older men.
The cause of gynecomastia is usually elevated estrogen levels caused by genetics, prescription medication, underlying disease (liver or kidney), as well as age. Testosterone deficiency, hypogonadism, testicular tumors, breast cancer, and spinal cord conditions can also exacerbate the appearance of male breasts.
How Does Gynecomastia Affect the Male Body?
In addition to the appearance of female-like breasts, gynecomastia can cause swelling or tenderness of the breast or nipple. In some cases, there may also be unusual nipple discharge from one or both breasts.
How is Gynecomastia Treated?
The treatment for gynecomastia depends on what caused the condition. The first step gynecomastia doctors might recommend is to manage any existing medical conditions that can lead to excess estrogen, such as liver disease. Medications that are used to treat cancer can help to reduce the symptoms of gynecomastia. Testosterone replacement therapy can also boost testosterone levels and help to reduce swelling in the breasts and nipples.
Get an Official Diagnosis for Gynecomastia and Male Puffy Nipples
If you notice that your breast tissue and nipples appear larger than normal, it may be time to see a doctor. This condition is not always cosmetic. The appearance of swollen breasts and nipples can sometimes be serious. Early detection of conditions such as male breast cancer can improve treatment outcomes. To obtain peace of mind, and learn about your options for treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki at the Gynecomastia Center of Los Angeles.
Gynecomastia surgeon can determine the type of male gyno you suffer from, the cause of your swollen breasts and puffy nipples, and inform you of your treatment options, such as gynecomastia surgery.
Ready to learn more about gynecomastia surgery in & near Los Angeles? Get started by calling the office from anywhere throughout Southern California.
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How to Hide Puffy Nipples in Men
Dr.Babak Moeinolmolki
LA Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Moein is board-certified by the American Board of General Surgery.