Gynecomastia Treatment - Surgery Types, Procedure & Risks

Gynecomastia Treatment Options

Most cases of gynecomastia in children, teenagers, and adults, often resolve on their own without intervention. However, in some cases, gynecomastia persists even after hormonal levels are balanced. Furthermore, once the breast tissues grow in males, the growth cannot be reversed. As a result, surgical treatment may be required to remove the tissues. 

The treatment options for gynecomastia may include the following:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Initially, lifestyle changes may be recommended to manage gynecomastia This will include weight loss, avoiding certain medications or substances that can be the potential cause of gynecomastia, and exercising. 
• Watchful Waiting: If gynecomastia is triggered due to age-related hormonal changes, the doctor may recommend a period of observation to see if the growth stops after some time. During this period, the doctor will regularly monitor the condition. 
• Medications: Though specific medications are not available to treat gynecomastia, there are certain medications that are prescribed to address the underlying hormonal imbalance. For instance, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen or raloxifene may be used to block estrogen effects on the male body. 
• Surgical Intervention: In case gynecomastia continues and the breast tissues cause physical and psychological distress, the doctor may suggest surgery. Typically, male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is recommended for the patient, which is a combination of liposuction and gland excision techniques. This is an effective solution for gynecomastia. 

The most suitable method for gynecomastia treatment is chosen by the doctor based on individual circumstances. 

Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery 

Here are the top advantages of choosing male breast reduction surgery to reduce enlarged breasts over other treatment options.

• Enhanced masculine shape- The first advantage of choosing gynecomastia surgery is that it removes excess tissue from the chest and results in a flattened and muscular body shape.
• Uplifts confidence and self-esteem- Gynecomastia dampens the patient’s confidence and self-esteem as they develop women-like breasts. After gynecomastia surgery, people have high spirits and boosted self-confidence.
• Better posture- Due to the added weight of the extra fat and tissue on the chest, the patient’s posture is disfigured. Subsequently, the patient’s core strength is compromised. This is also resolved with the surgery. 
• Easier to do physical activity- Several activities, such as running, skipping, swimming, etc., make it difficult for gynecomastia patients to perform. After the gynecomastia surgery, the patient can flaunt the chest without any discomfort during any physical activity.
• No more social embarrassment– The individual doesn’t have to feel ashamed anymore or embarrassed in social gatherings after the gynecomastia surgery. The flattened chest contour helps the patients experience a better quality of relief and relieves them of any emotional baggage.

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Time

The recovery after gynecomastia treatment will take around 2 to 4 weeks. The exact duration will vary for each patient depending on the extent of surgery and the patient’s healing abilities. 

• Immediately after the surgery, there will be bruising, redness, and swelling in the treated area, and it’ll be covered with bandages and a compression garment. The compression garment supports the chest muscles and helps to reduce swelling. 
• In the first few days after surgery, it’s normal to experience significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications will help to manage the pain and prevent infection during this period. 
• After one week, the side effects of surgery will start to dissipate gradually, and the patient will be able to perform regular activities. The compression garment still needs to be worn 24×7 or as advised by the doctor. And the patient is strictly advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting. 
• Within 2-3 weeks, the incision will be almost healed, and the swelling and bruising will also subside. The results of gynecomastia surgery may start to appear at this point. 

The healing process will continue in the upcoming weeks, and the patient may need to take several precautions until the final results become apparent. 

Risks & Complications of Gynecomastia Surgery

Typically, gynecomastia surgery is safe and has minimal risks. Still, there are some potential risks of the procedure, and some complications may arise during or after the surgery. These common risks and complications may include the following:

• Infection in the wound may occur due to poor hygiene or care. 
• Hematoma or blood accumulation, which may require drainage. 
• Seroma or fluid accumulation, which may or may not be absorbed by the body. 
• Significant scarring (keloid scars), which may be clearly visible. 
• Changes in sensations due to temporary or permanent nerve damage. 
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities in the results, which may require further intervention. 
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia, which may cause respiratory distress or other issues. 

There may be other side effects of gynecomastia treatment, such as swelling, bruising, inflammation, redness, etc., which are temporary and often resolve on their own without intervention. However, if these side effects persist for a long time, it may indicate infection or other complications. Therefore, it’ll be best to consult the doctor. 

Post-Gynecomastia Surgery Self-Care Tips

After male breast reduction surgery, the patient is advised to follow several guidelines for a smooth and successful recovery. 

Diet 

Immediately after the surgery, the patient will be on a liquid diet. The doctor will recommend switching to a solid diet gradually. The patient needs to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to provide the necessary nutrients. It’s also important to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking after the surgery for at least a month to get the desired results. 

Physical Activities 

For the first 24 hours after surgery, the patient is advised to get plenty of rest. After that, restrain from performing any type of strenuous activity such as driving, operating machinery, or lifting heavy weights. The patient doesn’t have to stay in bed all the time and is free to walk and climb stairs. But it’s important not to push the body’s limits. As the body heals, the patient will be able to resume all activities without any hassle. 

Wound Care 

To ensure that the chest tissues stay in place and swelling subsides quickly, the doctor will suggest wearing compression garments for at least 2-3 weeks throughout the day. Over time, the patient can limit the usage of the garment up to 12 hours. 

Medication 

Throughout the recovery process, the patient will have to avoid taking medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. These medicines can interfere with the blood clotting system and increase the risk of complications. If the patient needs to take other medicines on a regular basis, those should also be cleared by the surgeon.

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in India

On average, the gynecomastia surgery cost in India can range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,00,000. It is only an estimated price range, and the actual cost varies for each patient due to the following factors:

• The surgeon’s fee 
• Anesthesia charges 
• Hospital or surgical facility expenses 
• Technique used 
• Prescribed medications 
• Diagnostic tests and evaluations 
• Post-surgery care and follow-ups 

It’s important to note that cost should not be the only determining factor for gynecomastia treatment. The patient should consider the quality of care at the surgical facility and the experience of the plastic surgeon. These factors will affect the overall surgery experience and also determine the success rate of the treatment procedure.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Covered by Insurance?

The insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance provider, the specific policy, and the individual’s circumstances. If gynecomastia surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes, the treatment expenses will not be covered by the insurance provider under any circumstance. 

In general, gynecomastia surgery is covered by insurance when it’s deemed medically necessary. And even in this scenario, the patient must submit clinical evidence stating the symptoms and other medical concerns signed by a certified doctor. Without enough evidence, the insurance company may still deny the insurance coverage.

Furthermore, there may be other terms and conditions regarding the insurance coverage, such as co-pays, deductibles, capping, waiting period, etc., associated with a specific treatment. Therefore, it’ll be best to talk to the insurance provider to get a better understanding of gynecomastia treatment coverage under insurance. 

Gynecomastia Treatment Without Surgery

While surgery is often considered the most effective treatment for significant cases of gynecomastia, there are non-surgical options that may help reduce its appearance or alleviate symptoms.

However, it should be noted that the effectiveness of these methods can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. 

These management options are considered an alternative to gynecomastia surgery. But these methods only halt the progression of gynecomastia, but the effects won’t be reversed. Some common options are given below: 

• Medications: There are no FDA-approved gynecomastia treatment pills. However, the doctor may prescribe tamoxifen for gynecomastia to address the underlying hormonal imbalance. Besides this medicine, the doctor may recommend other drugs, such as aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole or letrozole) which inhibit the conversion of androgen to estrogen. 
• Hormone Replacement Therapy- In some cases, hormone replacement therapy is also suggested to restore the hormonal balance in males. It involves replacing the estrogen hormone with testosterone. But it usually works when the hormonal imbalance is caused due to hypogonadism. 
• Termination of Causative Drugs– There are various drugs that induce hormonal imbalance in the body. So, the first thing to do is either stop those drugs or ask the doctor for alternative drugs that don’t have any side effects. 
• Exercise– Though exercise doesn’t have any impact on the breast tissues, it can help to tighten the pectoral muscles underneath the breasts. This will improve the appearance of the chest region. 

It’ll be best to discuss these options with the doctor and avoid taking over-the-counter medications without approval. 

What happens if gynecomastia is not treated on time?

Leaving gynecomastia untreated usually has both physical and psychological impacts on the individual.

Physical Impact

• The individual will start to slouch to hide the breast tissues, which affects the posture.
• Due to the weight of the breasts, the individual may experience severe back pain.
• Over time, the patient may get spinal deformity.

Psychological Impact

• The individual may feel self-conscious among their peers and may get teased.
• The individual may become self-conscious and lose his confidence due to physical changes in appearance.
• Due to the teasing and taunting, the individual may get into depression and face other emotional problems.