Do you have man boobs? Do you suffer from confidence issues due to a bigger chest? Have you tried every form of exercise but never had any results? Then it is time to understand gynecomastia in detail.
Did you know?
According to an article published in Plasticsurgery.org, National Institute of Health says nearly 65% between the ages of 27- 92 experience some degree of Gynecomastia.
So what exactly is Gynecomastia and what can be done about it? Let us know more about it.
What is Gynecomastia?
Just so you know, men and women both possess breast gland tissue. Gynecomastia is when the fat percentage in the breast gland tissue increases. Even though it is a non-cancerous condition it is difficult for people to accept this condition.
Men are usually expected to have a lean and muscular physique and having Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) can lead to feelings of lower self-esteem, embarrassment, or shame. In some cases, there is also physical discomfort. Physical discomfort like tenderness in the breast tissue.
Due to this condition, men may face a period of emotional distress which can contribute to existing mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety. This makes us wonder why this happens in men or at least what the causes of Gynecomastia are.
Reasons or Pathophysiology of Gynaecomastia
While there can be many reasons for this here are the main ones:
Hormonal changes, especially Estrogen
Deficiency of sex hormones
Obesity and aging
Lifestyle changes
Thyroid gland being overactive.
If you have a family history of Gynecomastia
According to medical news today, HIV can also be a cause of Gynecomastia
Addiction of substances
Male breast cancer
According to Hopkins.medicine.org, testicular cancer, and tumors on the adrenal gland and in the pituitary gland can also lead to Gynecomastia
Clinical Features (Signs & Symptoms)
The most prominent sign would be enlarged breast tissue. You might feel a rubbery mass under the nipple and areola. The enlargement can be unilateral or bilateral, meaning it can affect only one breast or both breasts to some degree.
There can be associated symptoms like body hair growth changes and decreased libido.
And in rare cases, there can be nipple discharge as well.
Can We Avoid Gynecomastia Surgery?
Often going for Gynecomastia surgery can be a scary thought. So patients get attracted towards solutions that involve creams and pills. However, these solutions fail to effectively target the underlying issue of breast tissue growth, which is hormonal imbalance.
Hence it is recommended that the patient consult a certified plastic surgeon. They can provide the patients with a medical plan involving a healthy diet, targeted exercises along hormonal therapy.
According to a Medical News Today article, exercises like resistance training and cardiovascular exercises help build chest muscles. So, it might be helpful for people with Gynecomastia.
Changes in eating habits like a calorie deficit diet can help reduce obesity and in turn help with the enlarged breast condition in males. But this advice should come from an experienced doctor.
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not working for you, one can think of going for Gynecomastia surgery for the desired results.
What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is a surgery that is performed to reduce enlarged breast tissue in males with surgical procedures. Plastic surgeons remove the excess breast tissue and skin and contour the chest to flatten as in a male body.
What tests are done before the Gynecomastia surgery?
Once you have decided to go for Gynecomastia surgery, your doctor might ask for the following tests. They are done to check if you have any other conditions:
Blood tests
Urine tests
Tissue biopsy which will rule out Cancer
Mammogram of the chest
The doctor can also prescribe ultrasound tests, MRI scans, or CT scans.
Gynecomastia Surgery Options
When the gynecomastia condition sees no significant improvement. Even after going through rounds of hormonal therapy, changes in diet, and exercise, your doctor will offer you surgical options. So let's understand what are the available options:
Surgery Type | Description |
Mastectomy | In this surgery, the breast gland tissue is removed. The surgery uses smaller incisions. Mastectomy has a faster recovery time. |
Liposuction | This process removes excess fat from the breast but no breast gland tissue is removed. The surgery is minimally invasive and is also known as scarless Gynecomastia surgery as well. |
Average Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in India
The average cost of Gynecomastia surgery in India varies from city to city and doctor to doctor. Here is a list of costs in various cities:
City in India | Price for Medical Tourists |
Ahmedabad | $969 - $1,606 |
Bangalore (Bengaluru) | $1,128 - $1,706 |
Chennai | $1,157 to $1,663 |
Gurgaon | $1,157 to $1,736 |
Hyderabad | $1,114 to $1,691 |
Jaipur | $1,012 to $1,619 |
Kolkata | $1,085 to $1,634 |
Mohali | $1,041 to $2,457 |
Mumbai | $1,186 to $1,764 |
New Delhi | $1,128 to $1,764 |
Noida | $1,085 to $1,807 |
Pune | $361 to $1,504Â |
The Success Rate of Gynecomastia Surgery in India
The success rate of Gynecomastia surgery in India is above 90% and patients have been mostly satisfied with the results of the surgery.
Factors Affecting Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in India
The cost of gynecomastia surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors. It is important for you to understand these factors so that you can decide and plan accordingly.
The severity of your Gynecomastia condition. If it requires extensive surgery then it may cost more.
The cost will vary from hospital to hospital and location of the hospital.
During the doctor's appointment if they need to do some more tests to rule out suspicion. Then the price point can go up and down.
If you have pre-existing health conditions that might create complications then the hospital will have to use precautions and processes to keep you safe affecting the overall cost of your surgery.
The duration of the stay in hospital affects the Gynecomastia surgery cost in India. If you need to stay in the hospital longer than expected, it will cost more.
You will also have to factor in the cost of medicines that will be prescribed to you before, during, or after the surgery.
If you have chosen a highly experienced surgeon they might charge more for their services.
As you have read above there are two ways to do Gynecomastia surgery, and the prices change based on that. If the process is complex and requires specialized equipment the cost can increase.
How to Choose the Right Gynecomastia Surgeon and Clinic
This is very crucial as it is important for a successful outcome of the surgery. Indmed Travel can make this process easier by sending quotations from 4-5 good hospitals across India. But in the end, it's your decision and we recommend you do your own research as well.
These key points will help you decide:Â
Research and assess the surgeon’s expertise specifically in Gynecomastia surgery.Â
Go through before and after pictures of previous patients and read through their testimonials.Â
Talk to doctors and make sure that they are up to speed on the latest techniques and information about Gynecomastia.Â
Choose a hospital or clinic with a reputation through research and patient feedback.Â
Always consider the location of the hospital and its accessibility.Â
Get a confirmation that the clinic/hospital is accredited and well-equipped.Â
Make sure you are aware of all the charges and there are no hidden costs.Â
Make sure you discuss all your concerns with the doctor and expectations.Â
Have a clear communication with the hospital staff that will engage with you.Â
Top Clinics & Hospitals for Gynecomastia Surgery in IndiaÂ
While there are 100's good clinics & hospitals in India, here are some notable ones:
Medicover hospital
Apollo Hospitals
Fortis Healthcare
Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital
Dr Vinay Jacob 8 years with 23 years
Recovery and Results
Below is a general recovery timeline post the Gynecomastia surgery unless there is any complication or infection:
Time after surgery | Recovery process | Expected Results and Activities | Do’s and Don’ts |
Day 1 | You will be drowsy from anesthesia and you will be wearing a compression garment | Dressing change and a high protein diet will be given | Do - Follow the diet chart Don’t - No strenuous activity |
Day 2 | You will feel pain and tightness. There may be possible swelling and nausea. | You can do light work and probably take a light walk. You will have to wear a compression garment and sleep in an elevated position | Do - Take pain medicine as prescribed. Don’t - No strenuous activity |
Week 1 | Pain and swelling will subside | Avoid any chest exercises. Continue wearing compression garments. | Do - You can do a light exercise. Keep the blood pressure under control Don’t - No sleeping on one side and strenuous activity. |
Week 2 | You will start feeling normal | You can start most of your daily activities | Do - You can sleep on one side. Don’t - No strenuous activity. |
Week 3 | Further progress will be seen | No compression garment needed | Do - Can resume all activities and can take normal baths. Don’t - Chest tightening exercises. |
Week 6 | Full recovery and you will be able to see the results. | All exercises allowed including the chest exercises. | Do - Can do all activities Don’t - No overexerting yourself if you experience pain or discomfort. |
Gynecomastia surgery risks
Though the success rate of the surgery is quite high and complications are rare, it is still important to know about the risks related to the Gynecomastia procedure. Below are the details:
Sometimes patients experience allergic reactions to anesthesia during the procedure.Â
You might experience slow healing if you are a smoker.Â
Sometimes the breasts might not look the same after surgery.Â
Rarely blood clots can form under the skin or in your legs.Â
You might also have an allergic reaction to the dressing materials used in the surgery.Â
You will have some scars, but they will be well hidden. However, if the surgeon needs to cut your nipple, the scar might be more noticeable.
Though it’s not common, there is a small chance of getting an infection post-surgery.Â
At times the surgeon needs to remove too much tissue which can make the area look a bit sunken in.
How Indmed Travel can help?
We are a reputed medical tourism company in India, with a growing team of 50+ hospitals and 200+ doctors. We take care of your health needs from the doctor's appointment to post-surgery care. We have helped many patients from different countries with the assistance and care they needed. We believe in making a positive change one patient at a time.
You can either reach out to us through the contact form on the website or simply WhatsApp this number: +919769735888 and we will get back to you with details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the condition of Gynecomastia be reversed?
Absolutely. Managing one’s weight with a healthy diet and targeted exercises can help reverse Gynecomastia, especially for teenage boys.
What is Stage 1 Gynecomastia?
Stage 1 Gynecomastia is grade 1 which is characterized by little change in the male breast tissue. The changes are centered around the areola. As in Grade 3 and 4 Gynecomastia the enlarged breast is visible from a distance but in Grade 1 not so much.
Is the condition of Gynecomastia hereditary?
Gynecomastia is commonly caused by hormonal changes but it can be worsened due to genetics.
Is there a way to get an opinion from a second doctor in India about Gynecomastia?
Yes, you can consult another doctor to get clarity regarding your questions and concerns.
Will the doctor do more tests before my Gynecomastia surgery?
Yes, your doctor will do more tests to rule out any suspicions and make sure of your medical condition.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after gynecomastia surgery in India?
Yes, you will have to stay in the hospital at least for 1-2 days. The stay can be extended based on the operating doctor’s decision.
Does my insurance cover the cost of gynecomastia surgery in India?
No, insurance providers do not provide medical tourism cover by default. It is advised to speak with your insurance agent to get more details.
How much do the Gynecomastia tests cost?
The test costs range between $2000 - $5000
Are there ways to manage gynecomastia without surgery?
Exercise and a good diet to manage Gynecomastia without surgery.
Comments