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.
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What Are Male Breasts (Gynecomastia) or “Man Boobs”?
Gynecomastia, commonly called “man boobs,” is the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It affects up to 65% of men at some point and is caused by a minor hormonal imbalance during developmental age. The following types are noted:
- Physiological Gynecomastia
- Puberty: Hormonal changes during adolescence can cause breast growth, often disappearing by few months or years
- Older Adults: Age-related decline in testosterone can increase the likelihood of gynecomastia.
- Pathological Gynecomastia
- Linked to medical conditions, certain medications, or other factors disrupting hormone levels.
- Pesudo Gynecomastia
- Linked to obesity with or without hormonal involvment
BEFORE and AFTER 1
Is It Gynecomastia or Chest Fat?
To distinguish between gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement) and chest fat:
- Feel:
- Gynecomastia: Firm or rubbery, often with a lump under the skin.
- Chest Fat: Soft, like fat deposits elsewhere on the body.
- Appearance:
- Gynecomastia: Round, defined, resembling female breasts; may include puffy or enlarged nipples. Drooping may be noted in time
- Chest Fat: Saggy or droopy without a defined shape.
- Weight Changes:
- Gynecomastia: Usually unaffected by weight loss.
- Chest Fat: Reduces with overall fat loss. But not as much as expected.
- Age:
- Gynecomastia: Common during puberty or older age due to hormonal changes.
- Chest Fat: Linked to weight gain at any age.
Ultrasound imaging like an can confirm the cause and guide treatment.
BEFORE and AFTER 2
When to Consider Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Deciding on male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia is a personal choice. Here are some key factors to help you decide:
- Breast Development Has Stabilized: Ensure your breast tissue has stopped changing—this typically happens after puberty or stabilized hormonal changes.
- Emotional or Physical Distress: Consider surgery if gynecomastia affects your self-esteem, social interactions, or limits physical activities.
- Good Overall Health: You should be in good general health and maintain a stable weight before undergoing surgery.
- Realistic Expectations: Understand that surgery can enhance your appearance and confidence, but it may not achieve a perfectly symmetrical chest.
BEFORE and AFTER 3
Should You Wait and See If Male Breasts Disappear?
Whether you can wait for gynecomastia to resolve depends on several factors:
- Age:
- Teenagers: If you’re going through puberty, waiting might be reasonable since hormone fluctuations often cause temporary gynecomastia.
- Adults: Waiting may not help as testosterone levels naturally decline with age.
- Cause: If an underlying medical condition, medication, or substance use is responsible, waiting won’t help unless the cause is addressed.
When to Consider Treatment Instead of Waiting:
- Emotional Impact: If it causes anxiety or affects your social life.
- Physical Discomfort: Pain or tenderness in the chest.
- Health Concerns: Suspected underlying conditions should be addressed promptly.
BEFORE and AFTER 4
Facts About Medical Treatment
- Tablets, Creams, and Injections Don’t Work:
Over-the-counter and online remedies claiming to reduce gynecomastia lack scientific proof and can be harmful. - Rare Cases Where Medicines May Help:
In rare cases where medication may help, only a qualified gynecomastia specialist can determine if it is suitable for you.
Surgical Treatment Is Often the Best Option
BEFORE and AFTER 5
When Can You Start Exercising After Male Breast Surgery?
First Few Days
- Light walking is encouraged to improve blood flow and prevent clots.
Weeks 1–2
- Resume light cardio, such as brisk walking.
- Avoid chest or upper body exercises.
Weeks 3–4
- If cleared by your surgeon, start light lower-body weightlifting.
- Gradually increase cardio intensity.
Weeks 4–6
- Introduce light upper-body strength training with your surgeon’s approval.
- Begin with low weights and fewer repetitions, avoiding heavy chest exercises.
BEFORE and AFTER 6
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.
Dr.G.S.Satish Kumar is a best rated surgeon. He is a Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon practicing at Guntur and has extensive experience. He had his training in Plastic Surgery between 1994 and 1999 at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India. He started his practice on Old Club Road, Guntur at the end of year 1999.
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.
Are there various types of gynecomastia?
Are any tests necessary to diagnose gynecomastia?
What is the ideal age for undergoing gynecomastia surgery?
Can losing weight or exercising help resolve gynecomastia?
Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Is it essential to wear a compression garment following surgery?
How long is the hospital stay after gynecomastia surgery?
What are the potential risks associated with gynecomastia surgery?
Can gynecomastia surgery be performed under local anesthesia?
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