Overview
Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of breast gland tissues in males. The condition causes breast enlargement in one or both breasts. It is a benign condition and mostly occurs in the preteen or teenage when a boy is undergoing puberty due to hormonal imbalances. It also occurs in newborns and older men.
Typically, hormonal imbalance due to low testosterone levels and high estrogen levels in males triggers the growth of male breast tissues. Being overweight or buildup of soft fat tissue in the chest can also cause the enlargement of breasts. This condition is called pseudogynecomastia and is separate from gynecomastia.
Certain medications like antidepressants, medications for treating prostate cancer, chemotherapy, alcohol, or illicit drug abuse can trigger the condition. Other diseases like testicular cancer, thyroid disorders, liver or kidney diseases, obesity, trauma, or injury can also cause gynecomastia.
Do I need to undergo surgery for gynecomastia?
In many cases, gynecomastia resolves within a few months or two to three years without treatment.
If the condition is due to treatment for a disease or other medications, it will be temporary and the breast tissue will shrink once the treatment is complete or after you stop the specific medications.
For some teenagers, it may be due to a natural hormonal change during puberty and the condition will resolve within one to two years.
Treatment is needed if the condition does not go away with time and is causing breast tenderness, pain, or embarrassment.
Some patients may not want to undergo medical treatment or surgery. In that case, certain lifestyle changes and diet regulations can help reduce the condition.
Simple tips to improve your look with gynecomastia:
Clothing
Wear layered tops or tight-fitting tops or shirts to get a more toned body shape. Compression t-shirts can also aid in hiding enlarged breasts. If you are feeling uncomfortable wear suits, cardigans, or jackets for coverage.
Lifestyle habits
Certain lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and a healthy, low-cholesterol diet can reduce overall fat in the body. Avoid stress and alcohol consumption and take at least 7 hours of sleep to rejuvenate the body and mind. Aerobic exercises also help in toning the body and contribute to overall fitness.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet should include proper nutrition and should induce testosterone levels in the blood.
What are the possible treatments for gynecomastia?
After the condition is diagnosed, your treatment will depend on the following factors:
- Your age
- History of medical conditions
- Overall health
- The underlying cause of the condition
- Your preference
Non-surgical treatments
Certain medications that are used to treat breast cancer like tamoxifen or raloxifene may be used for treating gynecomastia in adults.
Doctors may switch certain medications or adjust the dose if they suspect that it is causing gynecomastia.
Testosterone replacement therapy is used to boost testosterone levels. The therapy is available in the form of patches, injections, and gels.
Treatment for underlying causes like hyperthyroidism or malnutrition may result in gynecomastia can improve the condition.
Surgical options
If medications are not working, surgical removal of breast tissues is the only treatment option.
Mastectomy
In this procedure, some amount of breast gland tissues are removed using small incisions.
Liposuction
The procedure removes chest tissue leaving the breast tissues intact.
Double incision mastectomy with free nipple graft
An incision is created to meticulously remove the unwanted fatty and glandular tissues to give a flatter contour of the breast. In nipple grafting, the nipple is removed and resized and then placed back to complement the masculine look. It is a more invasive procedure.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
