RECORD numbers of men are having cosmetic surgery on their "manboobs" in an attempt to shed the condition that often attracts more derision than sympathy.
Private treatment to reduce the excess fat on male chests almost doubled in Scotland last year from 22 to 40 operations despite an average cost of around £4,000.
Figures for this year from one clinic, Transform, show that the trend remains upwards
in 2009, despite the credit crunch and recession, with a further 18 operations in the first four months of 2009.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has also confirmed that more reductions are taking place for what is known medically as gynaecomastia, with a 44 per cent rise in the UK in 2008.
As the nation collectively gains weight, around 40 per cent of men in Britain are estimated to have some degree of gynaecomastia. The treatment has now become the fifth most popular cosmetic procedure for men after rhinoplasty (nose jobs), eyelid surgery, ear corrections and liposuction.
The treatment is not currently available on the NHS unless the patient is judged to have severe psychological distress.
Shami Thomas, a spokeswoman for Transform, which has private clinics in Glasgow and Edinburgh, said: "We have had a steady rise in numbers in Scotland despite the current recession. The problem has always existed but it is only very recently that people have started talking about it and realising that they can do something about it.
"Those who have undergone the treatment say it has completely transformed their lives."
Although scientists are not certain, some believe gynaecomastia is increasing because of rising levels of the female hormone oestrogen in the environment, which is ingested through food and drink. Some cases however are due to a continuing hormonal imbalance which leads to the formation of surplus breast tissue.
The full article contains 310 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
