What is gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is a condition where the breast tissue in men or boys over develop making them look like female breasts. This is a benign condition. In some they may grow unevenly making them look awkward. Gynaecomastia is more often seen in preteen or teenage boys while they are going through hormonal changes (during or after puberty).
Is gynaecomastia genetic?
While there are other conditions that can result in enlargement of male breasts, genetics also play a role.
What causes gynaecomastia?
- Genetic conditions or disorders that may be passed down
- Medications used to treat other medical conditions
- Use of supplementary diets without following the given protocol
How to make gynaecomastia go away?
- Diet and workout – Non fatty diet with lots of protein and regular workout focusing on chest area can help.
- Stop supplements – If you think your chest started growing abnormally after you have started taking supplements, you need to stop and focus on working out.
- Reducing alcohol intake – Alcohol can put you at risk of developing gynaecomastia
- Hormone treatment – If your cosmetic surgeon detects that there is an imbalance of hormones in the body, appropriate treatment would be very helpful.
- Losing the extra kilos – Losing weight would obviously burn fat in the body including that which is developed in the chest region. This can help shape the breast like it should be.
Is gynaecomastia cancerous?
No. The condition is benign.
Is gynaecomastia surgery safe?
As long as you pick an experienced cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon around you, your gynaecomastia surgery should go well and you should heal really fast. Along with the doctor, you should also pick the right environment i.e, clinic / hospital that maintains proper hygiene and follows all health protocols. Such places are usually little expensive but what matters more than your good health?
Is gynaecomastia a major surgery?
Yes, gynaecomastia is a major surgery and you may be required to stay in hospital for a few days for you need to be kept under observation before your surgeon feels that you are doing well and can be discharged.
Is gynaecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
The answer is yes and no. Some health insurance providers may not cover gynaecomastia surgery considering it as a cosmetic procedure. However, if this is treated as a health concern where it is caused by excessive growth of glandular tissue, some providers may cover it.
It is always advised to check with your health insurance providers and confirm if the surgery cost is covered and if covered, to what extent.
Can gynaecomastia return after surgery?
Yes. In very few people, the breast may grow back even after the surgery but in the majority of the patients, this is not the case. You can help yourself after healing from the surgery and see that the issue doesn’t re-occur by changing your diet, getting rid of supplements (if any), working out regularly etc.
Can gynaecomastia be treated without surgery?
Sure, your doctor will advise you to try to flatten out your chest naturally before attempting the surgery unless he/she feels that even a regular workout and medicines are not going to help.
You can change your diet by reducing fatty and/or processed foods, sugars, increasing plant based protein and working out regularly along with medications given by your doctor, if any.
How to remove gynaecomastia naturally?
Refer to the answer to the previous question.
What drugs cause gynaecomastia?
There are drugs such as risperidone, verapamil, nifedipine, omeprazole, alkylating agents, HIV medications, anabolic steroids, opioids that can induce gynaecomastia. If you are under any such medication to treat a different medical condition and see your chest grow abnormally, please speak with your doctor.
What is bilateral and unilateral gynaecomastia?
In most cases, gynaecomastia is bilateral, meaning, it develops on both the sides of the chest. In very few cases, it is unilateral and usually on the left side.
What causes gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia results from proliferation of the glandular component of the breast tissue. The reasons for the enlargement can be genetic, drugs used to treat other conditions or due to consumption of supplements, consumption of alcohol, being overweight. In some cases, the actual cause might not be known.
What is neonatal gynaecomastia?
Enlargement of chest during the first 4 weeks after a baby is born is called neonatal gynaecomastia. Gynaecomastia can occur during the neonatal period or during puberty or even in older age.
What are the treatment options for gynaecomastia?
Initially your cosmetic surgeon or doctor would suggest you to change your diet and put you on medication and exercise routine to see if he/she can treat gynaecomastia naturally. If he/she thinks that is not helping or not going to help, then you may have to undergo a surgery. It can either be liposuction, where the fat in the chest area is removed or a mastectomy wherein the breast tissue itself is removed.
What are the exercises for gynaecomastia?
The very first thing to work on reducing your chest is – walking every day for long lengths or running and spending a decent number of calories. Then exercises that focus on the chest area such as swimming, rowing machines, push-ups, bench press etc can surely help.
Who can treat gynaecomastia?
A cosmetic surgeon or a plastic surgeon is the right person to treat gynaecomastia.
