Gynecomastia All FAQ

Yes. According to a research paper that was published in 2010, “Drug-induced gynecomastia in children and adolescents”, adolescents who are into anabolic steroids, or who abuse alcohol, marijuana, heroin, or amphetamines, are prone to developing gynecomastia. The possible explanation for the same is that smoking marijuana can stimulate estrogen production in the male body while suppressing testosterone production. Therefore, the male breasts enlarge.

The diet for a patient after gynecomastia surgery includes a combination of vitamins and supplements along with foods that increase testosterone levels. Some of the supplements that surgeons recommend taking include zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Bromelain. Foods that promote testosterone production include cereal, caviar, mushrooms, trout, eggs, pork, dairy products, mushrooms, etc. are suggested to take. Also, keep in mind to avoid food items that encourage estrogen production and promote obesity.

Yes. The researchers of “The Satisfaction Rate among Patients and Surgeons after Periareolar Surgical Approach to Gynecomastia along with Liposuction” concluded that most of the patients who underwent gynecomastia surgery were satisfied with the results of the procedure. The results of the procedure are instantaneous and with time, the scars of the surgery also fade away.

Gynecomastia is a medical condition that has psychological effects along with physical implications. In case this condition is hampering your mental health, undergoing surgery is one of the effective options to consider. The researchers of “The Satisfaction Rate among Patients and Surgeons after Periareolar Surgical Approach to Gynecomastia along with Liposuction” concluded that patients were extremely satisfied with the results of the gynecomastia surgery.

Yes. The results of gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting and in some cases, permanent, in nature. If patients commit to following a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a proper diet along with a proper workout regime, the results of the gynecomastia tend to remain so. In case the patient falls back into using certain drugs or taking alcohol in excessive amounts, there is a possibility of gynecomastia relapsing.

Yes. Although ideally, the patient should be 18 years of age to undergo gynecomastia surgery. Developing gynecomastia during puberty is a common condition affecting several adolescents and teenagers. Usually, once the change in the hormonal levels stabilizes, the enlargement of breasts also reduces. However, if the enlargement continues even after puberty, the adolescent should consider surgery.

No. Gynecomastia is the condition of the enlargement of breast tissues in males. As there is actual growth of tissue in the breasts, exercising regularly won’t be prove to quite useful. In order to remove the excess tissue growth, the patient has to undergo surgery. After the surgery, the patient can try some cardio exercises and chest-targeted exercises that can help in burning fat as well as shape up the chest.

No. Most of the health insurance companies in India do not provide coverage for the cost of male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery. However, there are several financing options that are provided by the hospital or financing agencies such as zero-cost EMI facilities that can prove to be beneficial and cost-effective for the patient.

No. Gynecomastia is the condition of excess tissue growth in the chest that results in the enlargement of male breasts. Removing this excess tissue without undergoing any surgery is next to impossible. Although there are several topical creams, pills, etc. that the patient can use but none of them can help in subsiding the tissue growth.

The other name of gynecomastia surgery is male breast reduction surgery. The surgical correction of male enlarged breasts is known as gynecomastia or male breast reduction surgery.

The end of six months marks the completion of the recovery of gynecomastia surgery. There should not be any soreness nor any swelling by this period. The scars also fade away by this time. The chest is also toned as the patient can start working out after 6 weeks of the surgery. Within 6 months, the patient can see that their swelling has subsided completely and the chest has become toned and uniform.

No. Gynecomastia surgery is generally not painful in nature as the whole procedure is performed under the influence of anesthesia. The patient is unable to feel any pain during the entire procedure. However, once the anesthesia effects wear off, the skin around the wounds starts to become sore. During the initial 2-5 days of the recovery period, there can be mild pain and swelling that can be treated with pain medication.

Preparation is an important part of any treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommend the preparatory steps to take before the surgery include- ||Complete all the diagnostic tests including blood and urine tests, stop smoking and consuming alcohol at least a week before the surgery, avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding.

Gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. First, the anesthesia is administered which numbs the area to be treated. Then the surgeon makes incisions through which they insert ultrasound probes. These probes emit ultrasound waves that break the fatty tissue into a liquid form. The liquified fat is taken out from the body via a cannula. After this, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Generally, the entire gynecomastia surgery is completed within a period of 45-60 mins. The actual duration for the procedure can vary depending on the time taken for the anesthesia to take effect, amount of tissue removed, type of technology used, admission time taken, etc. and other factors.

The patient should wait for at least two weeks of the surgery before starting to workout. Meanwhile, any strenous exercises or activities that can affect the wounds should be avoided completely by the patient. The patient can resume cardio exercises after 15 days. After taking the doctor’s approval, the patient can start reshaping their chest with target- exercises after four weeks.

Generally, the patients fully recover within a period of 4-6 weeks of the gynecomastia surgery. The actual duration of recovery after gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on the patient’s physique and the extent of the tissue removed from the chest. In the initial 2 weeks of the surgery, the patient should not perform any strenous activity or lift any heavyweights.

Generally, the patient can start working out within 2 weeks of the procedure unless the doctor suggests otherwise. Once the swelling has subsided and the wounds are not so sore anymore, then the patient can start with their workout. In order to shape up the chest after gynecomastia surgery, you can start with some cardio exercises such as walking, running, jogging, etc. Followed by this, you can start chest-targeting exercises such as push-ups, sprints, bench presses, dumbbell pullovers, etc. You need to aim for 3 sets of each exercise, each of 10 rounds.

Usually, surgeons ask patients to avoid drinking alcohol completely during the entire time when they are taking pain medicines. However, surgeons give their approval to consume alcohol after 2 weeks of the recovery. The combination of taking pain medications along with alcohol can prove to be dangerous during the recovery and result in severe complications. Moreover, as consumption of alcohol is one of the risk factors for gynecomastia, the patient should think of quitting completely.

Surgeons recommend not driving for the entire period when the patient is taking antibiotics and pain medications. The effects of these drugs can hamper the ability to drive. For the first 24 hours of the recovery, the patient should not drive in any way. The initial week of the recovery is crucial after any surgery and thus, strenous activity such as driving should be prohibited.

Surgeons recommend that patients after the procedure should wear the compression garment for the first three weeks of the surgery. The surgeons can ask otherwise depending on the volume of tissue is removed. The vest helps in reducing the swelling and offers support for the treated area.

The final results of the gynecomastia surgery are evident within 3-6 months of the surgery. Once the surgery is completed, the patient recovers within 4-6 weeks. By this time, the swelling subsides but the chest may not be toned. Therefore, the patient has to go for rigorous exercise for another three months to notice the final results.

After the gynecomastia surgery, the patient is able to live with more self-confidence and self-esteem. The patient’s psychological condition improves as they have a more positive outlook towards life. Gradually, the patient resumes their daily routine within 24-48 hours of the surgery. Within 4-6 weeks of the recovery, the patient can start focussing on cardio exercises followed by exercises that tone the chest.

As recovery is crucial after any procedure, surgeons recommend the following do’s and don’ts to follow after the surgery- ||Do’s- Wear compression garments, take brisk walks on the second day of the recovery, drink lots of fluids, perform daily activities, listen to the body. ||Don’ts- Drink alcohol, drive for the first 24 hours of recovery, perform any strenuous activities or lift any heavyweights, go directly under the sun without any protection.

Generally, the swelling lasts for four to six weeks after the gynecomastia surgery. This duration can vary depending on the patient’s physique and extent of tissue removed. Once the swelling subsides, the patient can see results.

After gynecomastia surgery, patients should sleep on their back. During the entire recovery period, patients should sleep on their back at a 45 degree situation by propping some pillows under the head.

Surgeons ask patients to take complete rest for the first 24 hours after gynecomastia surgery. This is crucial as the effects of anesthesia doesn’t wear off completely. After the initial day of recovery, it is important to listen to the body and react accordingly. If you are getting tired too easily, then it is advisable to take proper rest.

Yes. Although the results of gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting, if the patient falls back to following unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, consuming estrogen-stimulating foods, etc. then the breasts can enlarge again resulting in gynecomastia. All these practices can hamper the hormonal levels in the male body and result in swelling of breasts.

Similar to any other procedure, there can be some common side effects that can occur after gynecomastia surgery. Here are a couple of them- Bruising, bleeding, collections of fluids, loss of sensation in the nipple area, scarring, asymmetrical breasts, irregularities of contour, nipples get inverted, etc. ||All these complications can be easily managed with prescribed aftercare tips as well as medications.

Yes. Gynecomastia surgery is a completely safe procedure to undergo. In the majority of the cases, people are able to recover without any complications and even resume their daily activities within 2-3 days. Although the chances of any complications are minimal, some common side effects can be swelling, discomfort and mild pain. Fortunately, these are absolutely treatable with medicines and home remedies.

No. Gynecomastia and breast cancer are completely two different conditions. A patient suffering from gynecomastia is not at the risk of developing breast cancer. The main distinguishing factor between gynecomastia and breast cancer is that people can feel a firm lump under their breasts if they have developed the latter. However, it is certain that suffering from gynecomastia is not a risk factor for breast cancer.

No. Gynecomastia and infertility are not related in any aspect. There is no connection between swelling of male breasts and the infertility of males. However, the risk factor for both the conditions are the same- lower testosterone levels in the male bodies. As there is a lesser production of testosterone with age, older men are prone to developing gynecomastia and suffering from male fertility.

No. With the advanced techniques available in India that surgeons rely on to complete the procedure, there is minimum scarring after gynecomastia surgery. There can be some small scarring around the nipples, that fade away over time. The scars blend with the skin color over time. The surgeons also provide proper instructions to take care of the wound so that there is no visible scars once the recovery is complete.

Some of the common complications that are associated with gynecomastia surgery are- ||Bruising, contour irregularities, visible scarring, hematoma or seroma formation, visible scarring, asymmetrical breasts, loss of nipple skin, inverted nipples, deep vein thrombosis, infection, inability to heal wounds, persistent pain, etc. ||There is nothing to worry about these complications as these are easily cured with prescribed medicines and aftercare tips.

Increased sensitivity or temporary numbness after gynecomastia surgery is one of the common side effects that can occur. A lot of patients have reported regarding increased sensitivity after the procedure that have subsided ultimately over time. In case the problem persists and worsens with time, surgeons prescribe appropriate creams and medicines to control the same.

One of the common problems that people complain of after gynecomastia surgery is having an uneven chest. The uneven chest develops due to swelling of the wounds caused due to the removal of the tissue and fat permanently. It takes time for the chest to go back to its usual texture and uniformity. This is a temporary condition that subsides with time. The swelling reduces faster if the patient has taken proper preparatory steps.

Yes. Generally, formation of scar tissue after gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common complications that is reported by gynecomastia patients. The scar tissue usually forms after 4-12 weeks of the procedure. Hence, surgeons suggest wearing the compression garment for at least 3 weeks of the procedure. Sometimes, surgeons prescribe massaging the chest so that there is no fluid accumulation. In this way, the swelling is controlled as well as the formation of scar tissue is reduced.

Yes. As with any other procedure, wound infection is also one of the common side effects that can occur after gynecomastia surgery. The chances of infections are relatively high after 10 days to 4 weeks of the surgery. In case the patient follows every possible precautionary measure, the chances of infections are reduced to minimal.

Yes. Every experienced surgeon explains that visible scarring is one of the most common complications that can occur male breast reducting surgery. The scars are likely to develop around the nipples where the incisions are being made. With time, these blend with the skin. If the scars darken over time, then the surgeon prescibes creams that can lighten them and treating them completely.

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