It's more common than you think, but rarely discussed: men with women-like breasts. Fortunately, there is a surgery available that thousands of men are having to look more masculine.

Before breast reduction surgery, Ian Whitman was too embarrassed to wear a form-fitting shirt.

"I had very large, a very large developed chest, but not muscular. It was more soft and full," explained Whitman.

Whitman had "gynecomastia" which, literally translated, means "woman-like breasts."

"It was noticeable, and especially from the side and I'd have to wear large clothes to cover it up," said Whitman.

Whitman's plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Gutstein, says more and more men are turning to breast reduction surgery.

"Since the techniques are improved, the downtime is reduced and the scarring is exceedingly, you know, vastly less than in previous years," said Gutstein.

Doctors use liposuction to remove fatty tissue, and surgically cut out excess glandular tissue through two small incisions near the nipple.

"When it's repaired, it's essentially invisible," said Gutstein.

As with any surgery, there are risks. Some men take it a step further to look even more masculine, opting for an implant that pumps up the appearance of the chest.

"A chest augmentation could be done at the same time using a silicone implant that's placed behind his chest muscle," explained Gutstein.

Whitman says breast reduction has done more for him than improve his body.

"It allows me to take better care of myself. I feel more inclined to work out and eat better and maintain my health," said Whitman.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, gynecomastia affects 40 to 60 percent of men. There's no known cause, however, hormones, steroids, weight loss and congenital problems have been linked to the condition.

For more information, log on to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons or The American Academy of Family Physicians.