Quick Facts To Understand About Gynecomastia & Gynecomastia Surgery

The shape of the chest represents a man’s pride and manliness. Every man aspires to have a tight and firm chest. However, if males experience gynecomastia, sometimes known as “man-boobs,” this dream could become a grim reality. 

Due to their chests, men with gynecomastia find it embarrassing to wear fitted t-shirts and uncomfortable going shirtless by the pool or on the beach.

Gynecomastia is a condition that Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, practicing at the SB Aesthetics Clinic in Gurgaon, has treated many people for gynecomastia. Misconceptions abound gynecomastia and gynecomastia surgery, so, Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, the best gynecomastia surgeon in Gurgaon, decided to dispel all the fallacies around the surgery by sharing her viewpoints. She explains what gynecomastia is, what gynecomastia surgery is, and how it is carried out. 

What Gives Rise to Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can result from a variety of factors. Here are a few examples:

1. Primary (physiological) Gynecomastia: 

Typically, boys entering puberty will exhibit physiological gynecomastia. Thus, it is known as primary gynecomastia and commonly affects men between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. Possible causes include hormonal imbalance. There is a possibility that during puberty, the female hormone known as estrogen, which is also present in males but in smaller amounts, may secrete more than usual. As a result of this, teenagers or adolescent boys experience gynecomastia.

2. Secondary (pathological) Gynecomastia: 

It can be seen in middle-aged men. As a man ages, his ability to secrete testosterone decreases, raising the body’s estrogen level. It disrupts hormone balance. Secondary gynecomastia is caused by this hormonal imbalance. It is more likely to affect men with liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, thyroid problems, cardiovascular problems, excessive use of anabolic medications by bodybuilders, etc.

Although mainly observed in boys and men, it can occasionally be observed in infants whose bodies still contain estrogen from their mothers. The swollen area eventually goes away after a few weeks. However, this is only a temporary situation.

• Gynecomastia frequently arises from excessive use of alcohol and drug usage, such as marijuana, opium, etc.
• Obesity is another factor in men’s chest growth. As a result, there is an accumulation of fat in the chest region, changing how the chest looks. It is often termed pseudo-gynecomastia.

What Indicates the Presence of Gynecomastia?

Under the nipple area, gynecomastia typically feels like a rubbery mass. Bilaterally, or occasionally unilaterally as well, one may detect a general swelling. This swell could or could not be uniform. Frequently, it is painless.

However, there may be some discomfort or sensitivity in that specific place. One needs to see a doctor as soon as possible if one experiences any of these symptoms. To rule out any possibilities of male breast cancer, one might be requested to undergo a few tests or mammography by the doctor.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for this Procedure?

A candidate for gynecomastia surgery should meet the following requirements:

1. The candidate must be a male at least 18 years old suffering from gynecomastia.
2. The candidate is generally in good physical condition.
3. The candidate has gynecomastia, which is causing psychological distress.
4. The candidate must not smoke or stop smoking temporarily before surgery, as directed by the doctor.

Additionally, the candidate must have realistic expectations for the procedure. Having false hopes before having gynecomastia surgery can often result in disappointment.

Although this condition is not severe enough to endanger the life of a person who has it, it can inflict the intense psychological pain that comes with having excellent physical health.

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia can be surgically treated, either for primary or secondary cases. The procedure entails the removal of extra fat and glandular tissue. The cosmetic surgeon will also proportionately shape the patient’s chest to fit their body type. 

What to Expect Before the procedure?

• To make sure one doesn’t have any urgent medical conditions, the doctor might ask one to perform a few standard blood and urine tests prior to the procedure.

 

• If any of the daily medications one has been taking will have a negative impact on the Gynecomastia surgery, one might be asked to stop taking them.

 

• It is imperative to avoid consuming any form of nicotine to eliminate any risks that could arise before, during, or after the surgery.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• Gynecomastia surgery is typically carried out while sedated and under local or general anaesthesia. A small incision must be made on the nipple-areolar complex’s edge to remove the glandular tissue. The pigmented region on the chest near the nipple is called the areola.

• After healing, the incision fuses with the areolar complex, preventing the issue of noticeable scarring. Skin excision is necessary in cases of oversized male breasts. The surgeon ensures that the contour line being sculpted on the patient’s body seems natural once the tissue has been removed.

• In addition to other procedures, gynecomastia surgery includes liposuction, which eliminates extra fat from the area. Liposuction is typically used to obtain a smooth, flat chest in cases of pseudo-gynecomastia. However, in many instances, both the swollen glandular tissue and the fat tissues are present, necessitating surgery using both the excision and liposuction techniques.

• After performing the excision and liposuction, the cosmetic surgeon will close the wound with stitches, gel, and surgical bandages. The doctor may leave a drain pipe in place to drain any extra fluid from the system.

What to Expect During Recovery?

• Following surgery, recovery is typically painless and relaxing. A compressor garment is provided to a patient to reduce swelling and promote tissue recovery. To fasten the healing process, this garment should be worn. Additionally, this garment aids in preserving the new chest form.

 

• The cosmetic surgeon may also prescribe medications to relieve the discomfort or pain that comes along with the healing process. In most cases, patients must wait a few days after surgery before engaging in any strenuous exercise. After a few weeks, patients can resume their regular schedule without discomfort.

 

• The effects persist for a long time, and scarring is barely noticeable. Within the first two weeks, one can already start noticing the change.

Final Thoughts

Gynecomastia surgery is not just a safe and reliable method but also an effective way to battle. It assists in getting rid of the excessive glandular/fat tissue to offer a sleek, masculine appearance to the chest.

Most importantly, no need to feel embarrassed going shirtless on the beach after one gets that flawless, chiselled chest.

In case one has any additional queries, Dr. Shilpi Bhadani will be pleased to help them. One can visit the expert cosmetic and plastic surgeon Dr. Shilpi Bhadan at SB Aesthetics to get effective treatment for gynecomastia in Gurgaon. The skilled plastic and cosmetic surgeon has an overall 12+ years of experience and also offers a wide range of surgical treatments like breast augmentation, chest reduction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, liposuction, etc. One can get consulted by her to receive optimum results.