Gynecomastia
Schedule your appointment for Gynecomastia. Trust in specialized care for diagnosis, management, and support.
928+ Best Gynecomastia
Pristyn Care Clinic, Chennai, Chennai
Pristyn Care Clinic, South Kolkata
Pristyn Care Clinic
Pristyn Care Clinic
Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal
Dr. Kinjal Bhayani
About Gynecomastia
Also called man boobs and enlarged breasts in males, gynecomastia is a common condition that can affect infants, teenagers, and adults alike. In gynecomastia, males develop hormonal imbalances, which lead to the growth of the breast glandular tissues. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts. If the growth happens only on one side, the condition is called unilateral gynecomastia. If the growth is on both sides, the condition is called bilateral gynecomastia.
When unilateral or bilateral gynecomastia develops, the individual’s chest starts to look like female breasts. As the condition progresses further, the growth becomes visible through clothes and also starts to cause emotional and mental stress.
Typically, gynecomastia is not a major health problem, but it can be difficult for men to cope with it. Sometimes, it can cause pain, discomfort, and nipple sensitivity, and the man may feel embarrassed.
Diagnosis of Gynecomastia
As gynecomastia can be triggered by a variety of factors, its diagnosis involves taking a detailed medical history of the patient to identify the potential cause of the tissue growth. A physical exam of the chest is also done. The doctor palpates the chest to evaluate the tissue growth and analyze if the patient has true gynecomastia or pseudo-gynecomastia. In true gynecomastia, mostly breast glandular tissues are present in the chest, whereas, in pseudo-gynecomastia, mostly fat tissues are present.
Further testing is recommended to determine the grade of gynecomastia and the ideal treatment approach. The common tests done for gynecomastia patients are listed below:
Depending on the results of these tests, the doctor creates a customized treatment plan for the patient.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
The most suitable method of gynecomastia treatment is determined by its cause. The cause of gynecomastia is usually different in males during infancy, puberty, and adulthood. In infancy, the males have higher levels of estrogen due to the mother’s estrogen, and the growth usually disappears within 2-4 weeks.
During puberty, gynecomastia is triggered by hormonal fluctuations and often resolves within 6 months to 2 years without intervention. However, in adults, enlarged male breasts develop due to an underlying condition.
In puberty and adulthood, gynecomastia may or may not go away on its own and may persist for years. The need for treatment is determined by the severity of the condition, and the options include the following:
Surgery is generally not the first choice for gynecomastia. It is only recommended when patients have tried medical management but failed to get the desired results.
When is Gynecomastia Surgery Needed?
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is an elective procedure. Males choose to get surgery to get rid of the female-like chest and restore the masculine features.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction surgery, has numerous advantages for patients dealing with enlarged breasts. Some key benefits include the following:
Thus, gynecomastia surgery has both psychological and physical benefits for the patients.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Gynecomastia Surgery?
If you wish to undergo gynecomastia surgery, it’s important to understand that even though the surgery is elective, plastic surgeons use well-defined criteria to determine a patient’s eligibility for the procedure.
A male is considered an ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery if he meets the following conditions:
Once the doctor confirms that you meet the standard eligibility criteria, the surgery can be planned as required.
How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
The basic guidelines that the doctor will advise you to follow when you are planning to undergo gynecomastia surgery involve the following points.
Even before the surgery, you will have to make some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking completely. There can be risks like pneumonia, heart attack, and a slower healing process if you continue smoking. So, instead of sticking to your old unhealthy habits, make smart lifestyle choices to keep yourself healthy after getting in shape after gynecomastia surgery.
What Happens During Gynecomastia Surgery?
To prepare you for gynecomastia surgery, the nurses will insert an IV line and sterile the surgery site. The procedure is carried out in the following steps:
Gynecomastia surgery usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes to complete and is performed on an outpatient basis. It means that you will get discharged on the same day of surgery. Before discharge, detailed post-op care instructions and a follow-up guide will also be provided to you.
What Happens After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Immediately after gynecomastia surgery, you will be transferred to an observation room, where your vital signs will be monitored for a few hours. After that, you will be transferred to the private/sharing/general ward while your discharge papers are prepared.
As you wake up and the effects of anesthesia wear off, you can expect to feel slightly disoriented, confused, nauseated, itchy, or have muscle pain. You will also feel pain and discomfort in the treated area, which will be managed through pain medications. A compression vest is also given to the patient to support the chest muscles and reduce swelling. A drainage tube will also be placed beneath the chest.
Gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Thus, you will be discharged on the same day of surgery. Before discharge, the doctor or his/her team will provide detailed post-op care instructions and a follow-up schedule.
Typically, 2-3 follow-up appointments are needed after gynecomastia surgery. The first follow-up is done within 7 to 10 days, where the sutures are removed, the medication dosages are adjusted, and the doctor looks for potential signs of complications. The next follow-up is done after 2 weeks to monitor the recovery and update the patient accordingly. The third and last follow-up is done within 4 to 6 weeks. This follow-up schedule may vary for patients depending on their healing abilities.
Aftercare and Recovery from Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction Surgery)
For every patient, the gynecomastia surgery recovery timeline varies. In general, most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks. But your recovery and gynecomastia surgery success rate will depend on how well you take care of your overall health during the recovery period.
Generally, 1 week after gynecomastia surgery, the side effects, including swelling, redness, bruising, etc., will start to disappear, and you will notice improvement in the chest shape and contour. By the 2nd week, you will be able to move around more comfortably, but you still need to take several precautions. Once the sutures are removed, and the wound starts to heal, you will be able to start work and resume most activities.
Here are some aftercare tips to help you during gynecomastia surgery recovery:
Following the doctor’s instructions is crucial to ensure that your recovery is smooth and the outcome of the surgery is as desired.
How do you find the best gynecomastia doctor?
You should always prefer consulting a plastic or cosmetic surgeon for gynecomastia treatment instead of a general surgeon. They take a more personalized and minimally invasive approach to treat gynecomastia and ensure the surgery’s outcome is aesthetically pleasing.
To find the best plastic or cosmetic surgeon (also called gynecomastia doctor), you should follow the steps below:
Choosing the doctor is one of the most important decisions that you will have to make in regard to gynecomastia treatment. So, make sure that you don’t rush the decision and pick a surgeon who makes you feel confident about undergoing male breast reduction surgery.
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
Gynecomastia surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,00,000. This is an estimated price range, and the actual cost of treatment primarily depends on the severity of the condition. If the patient has grade 1 gynecomastia, the surgery will cost around Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 60,000. As the condition progresses to grades 2, 3, and 4, the cost of treatment increases.
The cost of gynecomastia treatment depends on the following factors:
One thing that should also be noted is that gynecomastia treatment costs can be covered under insurance only in specific circumstances. If you are undergoing surgery for cosmetic reasons, the health insurance provider will not approve your claim request to cover the cost. If you are considering surgery for medical reasons, you need to provide clinical documents signed by a certified doctor to get the treatment covered by insurance. To clearly understand the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy regarding gynecomastia surgery cost coverage, it’ll be best to talk to the insurance provider.
Stages & Signs of Healing
As the body starts to heal after gynecomastia surgery, you can notice the following things:
These things indicate that the body is healing properly and you can get back to your normal life.
Precaution After Gynecomastia Surgery
Some precautions to be taken after gynecomastia surgery include the following:
Until the recovery is complete, you’ll be advised to stay in touch with the doctor and ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns. The doctor and his/her team will help you as required to ensure your recovery is smooth.
Risks and Side Effects Involved in Gynaecomastia Surgery
Typically, gynecomastia surgery is safe when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. However, the side effects of surgery are consistent and experienced by all patients to different extents. Some common risks and side effects of gynecomastia treatment are:
These side effects often resolve on their own but may persist for a longer time. If you fail to comply with the doctor’s instructions, some complications may also arise, such as
Generally, the risks and complications associated with gynecomastia surgery can be mitigated with proper care.
Lifestyle Changes After Gynecomastia Surgery
Making lifestyle changes after gynecomastia treatment is crucial for patients, especially during the recovery period. After recovery is complete, these changes will further improve the overall health of the patient, physical and mental, and also be helpful in preventing recurrence. Some lifestyle changes that you’ll have to make are listed below:
Complete healing and the final results usually take time. So, be patient and listen to the doctor’s advice. Adhere to these instructions to get the best outcome.
Non-surgical Treatment for Gynecomastia
There are several alternative treatments available that claim to treat gynecomastia, but there is no scientific evidence available to support these claims. Some of the popular gynecomastia treatment methods are explained below.
Ayurveda treatment for gynecomastia is usually personalized according to the individual’s requirements. If you consult an Ayurvedic doctor, they may recommend a different approach for you than others.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy aims to treat the underlying causes of gynecomastia and improve hormonal balance. Some common homeopathic remedies that may be considered include the following:
You should remember that homeopathy is not an exact science, and these remedies should only be tried after consulting a doctor.
Home Remedies
There are no specific home remedies that can address the root causes or provide a cure, but some lifestyle changes and strategies may help manage the condition or alleviate discomfort:
It should be kept in mind that these measures will not resolve the condition or reverse the growth. But they can act as a preventive measure to halt the progression of the condition.
Medications
Several medications are prescribed by the doctor to address the underlying cause of hormonal imbalance that ultimately leads to enlarged breast development in males. However, there is no specific USFDA-approved medicine for gynecomastia that can treat the condition.
Some common medicines that may be prescribed in certain cases are:
The above-listed medicines should not be taken without a prescription as they can have side effects.
Best Gynecomastia
Doctor's Name | Clinic Fees | Lybrate Ratings |
---|---|---|
Pradeep Aggarwal | ₹ 1,000 | 92 |
Kinjal Bhayani | ₹ 200 | 92 |
Gynecomastia
Average Ratings
(1130 ratings and reviews)
Patient reviews for Gynecomastia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scarring a given after gynecomastia surgery? Does gyno surgery leave scars?
Yes, scarring is inevitable after gynecomastia surgery. However, the incisions are made inconspicuously to ensure that the scarring is not clearly visible. And with proper care, the scars often tend to fade over time and become almost unnoticeable. The chances of scarring are minimal with male breast reduction surgery as it is a less invasive approach that ensures there is no aesthetic downside to the surgery.
How soon can you work after gynecomastia surgery?
Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks after undergoing gynecomastia surgery. However, this is only permissible if your work involves a sitting job with no manual work. If your work involves strenuous physical activities, the doctor will advise waiting longer before resuming work and other activities.
Is male gynecomastia surgery safe?
Yes, gynecomastia surgery is a safe procedure when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic or cosmetic surgeon. There are some risks and potential complications associated with all surgeries. An experienced surgeon can identify them and take the necessary measures to mitigate them and ensure a safe procedure and successful outcome.
What is the best age for gynecomastia surgery?
There is no best age for gynecomastia surgery. In general, patients under the age of 18 years are not recommended for gynecomastia surgery as their body is still in the developing stage. It’s always best to get the surgery done after 18 to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Can gyno come back after surgery?
The fat and glandular tissues that are removed during gynecomastia surgery do not come back. However, some tissues are left behind, which can grow or expand if the individual fails to comply with the doctor’s instructions. For instance, if an individual starts using recreational drugs or specific medicines, the existing fat tissues may grow and recreate the appearance of a female-like chest.
How long is gyno surgery recovery?
The recovery after gyno surgery can take around 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, patients may need up to 6 weeks to resume all activities without any pain or discomfort. Throughout the recovery period, the patient needs to take several precautions and follow the doctor’s instructions to prevent complications.
Can I go to the gym after gynecomastia surgery?
Most patients are advised to wait for at least 10 days before starting light exercises or returning to the gym. Even after that, the doctor strictly advises to avoid strenuous activities. Due to this, even after you start going to the gym in the 2nd week of your recovery, you will still have to avoid chest exercises, heavy lifting, and several other exercises for at least 4 weeks or so.
What to expect after 1 week of gyno surgery?
The first week after gyno surgery is the most difficult period. You can expect to feel soreness, pain, and mild to moderate discomfort due to immobility. Most of the surgery's side effects, including swelling, bruising, redness, pain, etc., can be managed with medicines. But you may still feel tightness and tenderness in the chest.
How long do I need to wear the gynecomastia compression garment?
The compression vest needs to be worn at all times in the first week after gynecomastia treatment. After that, the duration can be gradually reduced. Doctors usually advise patients to continue wearing the compression garment for 4 weeks until the recovery is complete.