Enlarged Breasts in Men - Causes and Treatment

Gynecomastia, also referred to as "man boobs," is a common disorder that causes enlarged breasts in boys and men due to obesity or hormone imbalance. It generally affects teenage boys and older adults. Generally, males at this age undergo many hormone changes, which may cause the condition. 

Gynecomastia is not a serious disease and may go on its own. In certain cases, one may need medication to consult the experts. In young boys and men, gynecomastia may cause embarrassment. 

In this blog, Dr. Kiranmayi Atla, the best plastic surgeon for gynecomastia in Faridabad, at The Beauty And The Cut Clinic talks about the possible causes of gynecomastia and how to treat it. Keep reading to know more! 

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be caused by one or a combination of the following causes: 

• Hormone Imbalance: An imbalance of the sex hormones testosterone (male) and estrogen (female) may result in gynecomastia. While all men's bodies produce some estrogen, males typically have far higher testosterone levels, which prevents the estrogen from allowing breast tissue to grow like women.

 

However, when this hormone balance in the body changes due to some unknown reasons, it may lead to gynecomastia. This is common in boys during puberty. 

• Obesity: Being extremely overweight is a common contributor to gynecomastia as it raises estrogen levels, which can lead to the growth of breast tissue. Being overweight increases one's risk of having excess fat, which can cause the breast tissue to grow. 

• In NewBorns: Gynecomastia is also common in newborn babies as some estrogen passes from the mother's placenta to the baby. However, this condition is normal and settles down within a few weeks of childbirth. 

• Old Age: Men's testosterone production levels decline as they age. Some males also put on weight, which contributes to hormonal imbalance and makes the breast tissue grow.

• Other Factors: Some other factors like the use of illegal drugs, the body's reaction towards some medicines, smoking and alcohol consumption, kidney or liver failure, or an infection in testicles may also lead to enlarged breasts in men. 

Symptoms of Gynecomastia 

Abnormal breast tissue growth is the most common and visible symptom of gynecomastia. Apart from this, one might also experience the following: 

• Pain around the breast area 

• Inflammation and swelling around the breast 

• Tenderness around the breasts 

• Sensitive popular area.

Gynecomastia Treatment

In most cases, gynecomastia improves independently and does not require treatment. However, treatment is suggested if the condition gets severe with all the symptoms or if the person wants to get rid of extra breast tissue. In such cases, either of the treatments for gynecomastia is suggested: 

• Medication to manage hormone imbalance.

• Male breast reduction surgery offers more successful and permanent results. 

The treatment suggested also depends on the patient's age, medical history, potential prognosis, and response to specific medications. 

Gynecomastia Surgery For Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction surgery is generally a day's procedure done under general anesthesia. The complete procedure may take about one or one and a half hours. Here is what one should expect in surgery of gynecomastia in Faridabad by Dr. Kiranmayi Atla at her clinic: 

• Before starting the surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia.

• Once the patient is unconscious, using a marker, the specialist will mark the area to be treated.  

• Then she will make a small incision around the nipple area to perform the surgery. 

• After this, the doctor will remove the extra breast tissue using a surgical knife or a liposuction machine. 

• Once the extra tissue is removed, the cut will be stitched back and finished by dressing the wound. 

• If more tissue is removed, the nipple will be repositioned before closing the incision. 

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

Recovery from male breast reduction surgery is slow and may take a few weeks for the patient to recover completely. During the recovery, the patient can experience tender, swollen, and bruised breasts. The stitches will either dissolve or be removed after 1 or 2 weeks of the operation. It takes 6 weeks for a patient to start all the normal day-to-day activities. Below tips mentioned can help speed up the recovery process: 

• Wear a loose compression garment for 7 to 15 days after the surgery. 

• Avoid heavy exercise, weight lifting, bending, or jumping too high. 

• It is advised not to smoke for at least 10 days after the surgery. 

• Until the wound is healed completely, the patient must sleep in a specific position, taking care of the stitches. 

• One can experience itching and discomfort around the area during the recovery. One can visit the doctor for calming ointments and medications in such cases. 

• Staying hydrated and eating nutritious food are advised to speed up the healing process. 

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Apart from getting rid of enlarged breasts, gynecomastia surgery has many more benefits, which are: 

• A more masculine physique 

• Boosted confidence 

• Relief from back pain

• May protect from breast cancer 

• Improved posture.

How to Prevent Gynecomastia? 

One can follow these prevention tips to reduce the risk of developing gynecomastia. Some of them are as follows:

• Avoid using illegal or recreational substances, including heroin, marijuana, and androgens.

• Avoid alcohol or only consume it in moderation.

• Exercise daily and eat healthy to avoid developing obesity, a cause of gynecomastia. 

• Reduce stress and take proper sleep. 

• Having a balanced diet that can help in boosting testosterone production. Nutrients like Vitamin D, protein, zinc, and magnesium are known for their testosterone booster ability. 

Complication with Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is not a life-threatening disease. However, it may affect one's mental well-being. In this case, inform the doctor about these feelings. They may recommend a mental health expert who can assist in managing potential mental health issues.

Talking to loved ones and close friends is also helpful. They are the ones who know best and can provide the required emotional support. 

Always consult a specialist for the best treatment. For gynecomastia in Faridabad, one can visit Dr. Kiranmayi Atla at The Beauty And The Cut, the Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Faridabad.