Gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of male breasts, leading to a feminine chest appearance. This condition affects many men at one point or the other in their life. According to the National Institutes of Health, gynecomastia affects 50 – 60% of adolescent males and up to 70% of men aged between 50 and 69 years. There are three periods in a male lifespan where gynecomastia is considered normal:
- Infancy from circulating maternal estrogen
- During the hormone surge of puberty
- During andropause when older.
The first two situations are normally temporary but may continue longer. Other causes for this may be ingesting hormones such as testosterone and other anabolic steroids, alcohol, drugs, and some systemic conditions. Most individuals who have this condition tend to feel self-conscious, particularly in situations where their chest and upper body are exposed. This means that they feel embarrassed while at the pool, the beach, or even in the gym. During surgery, the surgeon will focus on removing excess breast tissue, fat, and possibly skin in order to achieve a well-contoured, masculine chest. Most men who receive this cosmetic surgical procedure enjoy increased levels of self-confidence and improved quality of life.
Male breast reduction surgery is the second most popular male plastic surgery procedure after liposuction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that in 2019, more than 24,123 men received this treatment. Realpatientratings.com reports male breast reduction satisfaction rates at over 90%. It is important for gynecomastia patients to work with a highly skilled surgeon in order to get the best possible outcome from this procedure.
Dr. Harish Ghildiyal perform male breast reduction to achieve a well-contoured, masculine chest appearance. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal have helped numerous patients from Dehradun, and surrounding cities improve their quality of life with breast plastic surgery. The surgeon understands that the needs of different men are unique and works to create a highly customized treatment plan to suit the needs of each gynecomastia patient.
Is this Procedure for me?
Male breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure to correct gynecomastia (overdevelopment of male breast tissue). This procedure can include excision, liposuction, or a combination of these two techniques in order to create a more masculine chest contour. You may be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery if:
- You are in excellent physical and emotional health
- You have gynecomastia that does not respond to alternative medical treatments
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large or feminine looking
- You have stabilized breast development
- You do not have obesity and you are close to your ideal weight
- You comprehend and understand the risks and rewards of this treatment
Benefits of the BBL
Gynecomastia tends to impact men on a much more than cosmetic level. Having enlarged, feminine-looking breast tissue can be socially stigmatizing, physically uncomfortable, and even psychologically damaging. By undergoing male breast reduction, most patients enjoy multiple life-improving benefits:
Increase self-esteem and Confidence
Enjoy a Masculine Contour
Ease Physical Activity
Enhance Posture
Free the Mind
Regardless of what concerns you have about gynecomastia, Dr. Harish Ghildiyal are committed to alleviating your worries. The surgeon will create a highly customized treatment plan to suit your needs. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal bring keen professionalism and commitment to results and safety to the operating table.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Medical experts agree that gynecomastia may be caused by
Hormonal Changes
Obesity
Medication
Certain medications have been known to cause gynecomastia. These include:
Anabolic steroids that may be provided by doctors to address certain conditions.
Anti-androgens that are used in the treatment of prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, and other conditions.
Some anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants.
Some ulcer medication, cancer treatments, and stomach-emptying medications
DHT Blockers for hair loss, such as Finasteride
Certain Drugs and Health Conditions
Various drugs have been known to contribute to overgrowth of male breast tissue. These include marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, and methadone. Certain health conditions (particularly those that affect hormonal balance) can lead to gynecomastia. These include tumor, hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and malnutrition.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Male breast reduction is considered to be an outpatient procedure performed at Dr. Harish Ghildiyal in-office operating room, and qualified healthcare facilities. The surgeon’s anesthesiologist will administer local or general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The surgeon will then create a minimal incision and use it to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin as needed. The nipple may also be repositioned and the areola reduced to suit the patient’s requirements. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal integrates liposuction into the treatment to remove excess fatty tissue. Once the treatment is complete, the surgeon will close the incision sites and bandage the treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gynecomastia fix itself?
It is possible for breast enlargement to fix itself with time. This is more so true for adolescent boys, where improved hormone balance as they enter early adulthood alleviates the gynecomastia. However, for men who have excess glandular tissue in the breast region, surgery may be the only option. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal take the time to understand the cause of your breast enlargement so he can recommend the best treatment approach for your needs.
How should I prepare?
Taking adequate steps to prepare for this procedure can go a long way to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with this treatment, as well as increase the chances of a successful outcome. Weeks before the date of the surgery, you will be required to stop taking certain medications such as anti-inflammatories that can thin blood and increase the risk of bleeding. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal will also ask you to stop smoking and taking certain herbal supplements. A few days before the surgery, make sure to arrange for a trusted family member, friend, or colleague to drive you home and help out with normal activities for a day or so
Will my chest muscles show?
One of the common symptoms of gynecomastia is that it conceals your chest muscles and leads to a feminine-looking chest appearance. The surgeon will get rid of these overdeveloped layers to reveal your chest muscle. With proper diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, most patients can maintain and even improve their masculine form.
Will I have scarring?
Gynecomastia presents in many different grades of severity. Many patients can be treated with liposuction alone that usually results in a scar that is 1 cm or less. For men requiring removal of excess glandular tissue, Dr. Harish Ghildiyal will make a tiny incision around the outer part of the areola. For large male breasts requiring repositioning of the nipple areola complex and removal of skin, the incisions may be more extensive. Ideally, incisions lead to virtually imperceptible scars.
When will I see results?
Because this procedure focuses on the physical removal of excess tissue, skin, and/or fat – patients are able to see results almost immediately. Keep in mind though that bruising and swelling that are a normal part of the recovery process can make it harder to see the full picture. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal recommend that you give it at least two weeks before you can get a proper impression of what was achieved with this surgery. Once the results are evident, most patients are delighted at the firmer chest contour and improved self-image.
What will be covered during my gynecomastia consultation?
Your initial consultation with your surgeon is a great opportunity to learn more about this procedure and get all your questions answered. The surgeon will start by discussing your concerns and goals. A physical assessment will be done to determine the nature of your breast enlargement. Once this is done, your surgeon will recommend the most effective treatment type. In some cases, patients are advised to try lifestyle changes and/or certain medications before opting for surgical intervention. If you are determined to be an ideal candidate for male breast reduction, the surgeon will discuss the treatment modalities, and let you know what to expect of recovery.
Can gynecomastia return after surgery?
The outcome of your male breast reduction can be permanent. Keep in mind though that this condition can re-appear as a result of excess weight gain, steroids, and drug use. It is also possible for gynecomastia to return due to hormonal imbalance that comes with age. Dr. Harish Ghildiyal recommend that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight so they can get the best out of this cosmetic treatment.