Can topical creams that contain DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) cause gynecomastia? Can they cause it to come back after surgery?

The male breast is composed of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. An excess in either type of tissue can cause the chest to take on the look of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can affect #men of all different body types. There are different types of #gynecomastia.Several common factors can cause gynecomastia including excessive levels of #estrogen, natural #hormone changes, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, medications and their associated side effects, and, various health conditions. Also, there are different types of #gynecomastia. Therefore, weight gain, steroid use,recreational drug use and have hormonal conditions can contribute to a return of gynecomastia regardless of previous surgical removal and treatments.

Familial gynecomastia where most of the male breast tissue is removed generally has long lasting results without recurrence as long as your weight remains the same. However, other causes of gynecomastia if still present can cause the residual breast tissue to grow again. For example THC (frequent use of marijuana), certain medications, hormonal imbalance, and other causes can make that happen

I don't really think this answer is known.  However, at least theoretically, it is possible, especially if large applications and prolonged usage is occurring.  If you are uncertain, I'd suggest stopping for a few months and see if you see a difference in your chest contour.  If it is a contributing factor in your situation, you ought to see a difference.  

Hi foreveryoung908,Interesting question, and I am not entirely sure we know the answer.  DMAE creams have been shown to decrease wrinkles in skin, but I am not sold as to why.  The reports are an increase in acetylcholine (thereby "burning subcutaneous fat") and a reduction in arachidonic acid which can cause inflammation and even skin ulceration at high levels.  So they probably are beneficial.  Unfortunately, DMAE cream can also be metabolized to testosterone and estrogen if absorbed in to your body.  Estrogen clearly causes gynecomastia so if you are absorbing a large enough dose then it is possible DMAE can contribute to your problem.  It all depends on how much is getting into your body.  The only way to know for sure is to stop using the cream for several months and see if your gynecomastia begins to recede.  Good luck!

Dear foreveryoung908Thank you for your clinical post. DMAE is used in minute amounts to treat aging
skin. It works by stimulating the
anti-inflammatory pathway and the result of the inflammation leads to collagen
production although some of its effects on wrinkle reduction anti-aging are
disputed. DMAE or Dimethylaminoethanol can
be broken down in the body and can lead to elevated levels of testosterone and
estrogen. Estrogen has been clearly
linked to gynecomastia, but is extremely unlikely that the amount of DMAE may
use in the skin enhancement creams would be enough to cause gynecomastia. I would investigate the primary and secondary
causes of gynecomastia to ensure there aren’t other sources that might be
present after your reduction surgery.
I would also visit your gynecomastia
surgeon as they may in a better position to evaluate your clinical concerns.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below and research the areas on BodyTite and energy assisted liposuction.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto