About Gynecomastia
Male Breast Surgery / Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is a common condition that affects 60-70% of males at some point during their teenage years. The term “gynecomastia” comes from the Greek words meaning “women-like breasts.” In most cases, these breast enlargements are small and tend to resolve on their own within a few years, usually without causing any issues. Male breast enlargement occurs either due to the overgrowth of breast tissue, fat accumulation, or a combination of both.
Gynecomastia is classified into four different grades:
- Grade 1: Involves enlargement and pointiness of the nipple, typically seen in men with a normal body weight (BMI). This occurs due to the growth of glandular tissue beneath the nipple. A simple gland excision procedure under local anesthesia can restore a normal chest appearance.
- Grade 2: Both glandular tissue and fat spread across the chest, covering the pectoral muscle and obscuring its natural contours. This is the most common form of gynecomastia.
- Grade 3: The chest takes on the appearance of a fully developed female breast, making it difficult to conceal even under clothing.
- Grade 4: The chest resembles a sagging female breast, often seen in obese men or those who have undergone significant weight loss or bariatric surgery.
In most cases, gynecomastia has no known cause and is not linked to any underlying health problems. There is no effective medical treatment for gynecomastia, and exercises or weight loss do not resolve the condition. Surgery is considered the best option for treatment. The types of surgeries performed to correct gynecomastia include gynecomastia surgery, chest liposuction, and gland excision.
You may be a candidate for male breast reduction surgery if gynecomastia becomes a source of discomfort:
- Your breasts or pointy nipples are noticeable through clothing.
- You feel embarrassed wearing gym attire, swimming trunks, or going shirtless.
- The condition causes emotional distress.
At Dr. G.S. Satish Kumar’s Advanced Surgical & Plastic Surgery in Guntur, high-definition gynecomastia surgery is performed with safety and comfort in mind. Our expert team of plastic surgeons not only ensures a flat, scarless chest but also creates a natural-looking result. We guarantee complete empathy, utmost care, and total privacy throughout and after the procedure.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from the procedure:
Anaesthesia: General/Local tumescent
Duration of Surgery: 1-2 hour
Hospital Stay: Daycare, discharged same evening
How is it done at Dr. G.S. Satish Kumar’s Advanced Surgical & Plastic Surgery in Guntur?
Gynecomastia or Male Breast Reduction surgery is typically combined with chest liposuction to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing contour. A tumescent solution is first injected into the breast, followed by liposuction to remove the fatty tissue. This involves suctioning out fat in liquid form through small, hidden incisions using hollow metal tubes. However, liposuction alone is often insufficient to fully treat gynecomastia because hardened glandular and fibrous tissues cannot be removed through suction. Therefore, after liposuction, any remaining tissue is excised through a semicircular incision along the lower margin of the areola (the darker area around the nipple). This ensures complete removal of the excess tissue, allowing the skin to flatten against the muscle. The stitches used are self-absorbable. In Grade I and II gynecomastia, the excess skin usually shrinks, but for larger Grade III cases, additional incisions may be required to remove excess fat or skin. After the procedure, a compressive vest is worn 24 hours a day for a month. Recovery time varies depending on individual healing.
Recovery Timeline for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What leads to male breast development (man boobs)?
Both male and female fetuses develop breast buds in the uterus. In females, breast glands grow due to the influence of female hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. In males, the breast gland remains underdeveloped because they produce male hormones and very few female hormones. During puberty, if the delicate balance of male and female hormones is disrupted, the male breast gland can enlarge and resemble a female breast. Often, blood hormone levels do not indicate an imbalance; instead, the breast glands may be overly sensitive to normal hormone levels. This is why most men with gynecomastia do not exhibit other signs of feminization and are generally healthy, with the condition being primarily a cosmetic concern.