Gynaecomastia, non-surgical and surgical treatments

Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects men and boys. It leads to overdeveloped breast gland tissues and more prominent breasts. It happens when there is an imbalance of hormones which leads to the growth of the mammary glands, giving a chest look like the feminine breast contour. In this article, we will look at the potential causes of gynecomastia as well as its treatment options, including non-surgical and surgical methods.

Table of contents 

• What are the reasons for gynecomastia?

  • Hormonal imbalance

  • Overweight (obesity) 

  • Aging

  • Diseases

  • Medications and drugs 

• Are there any non-surgical treatment options for gynecomastia?

  • Lifestyle improvement

  • Clothing

  • Diet

  • Exercise 

• What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

What are the reasons for gynecomastia?

Several causes might lead to gynecomastia, such as hormonal imbalance, overweight, health conditions, or aging. Let us take a closer look at the factors that may contribute to the development of gynecomastia.

1. Hormonal imbalance

Any disorder in testosterone and estrogen, which are two important hormones in the body, can cause breast tissue to develop. For men, the body typically produces much higher levels of testosterone than estrogen, which aids in maintaining the natural size of the breast. However, any imbalance between those two hormones might increase breast gland tissue and cause gynecomastia. 

2. Overweight (obesity) 

Obesity is also a common reason for gynecomastia. A high body fat percentage can raise estrogen levels, which play a crucial role in stimulating the breast gland tissues to overdevelop.   

3. Aging 

The older men get, the less testosterone they produce. As we mentioned earlier, a decrease in testosterone hormone can cause the high growth of excess breast tissues. As men age, they tend to gain a lot more fat than they used to, which leads to gynecomastia.

4. Diseases 

Some diseases can lead to significant changes in the body's testosterone and estrogen levels, causing excess breast tissue to grow. Trauma, hyperthyroidism, and kidney failure are some of the common health conditions

5. Medications and drugs 

Some medications or drugs can change sex hormone levels, including estrogen and testosterone, which cause gynecomastia. Let's mention some of them; anabolic steroids, certain medications for HIV, certain antihypertensive medications, alcohol, and drugs such as heroin and methadone.

Are there any non-surgical treatment options for gynecomastia?

Surgical treatment is not the only way to get rid of gynecomastia. Several home remedies can help you with it as well.

1. Lifestyle improvement

Lifestyle can have a powerful impact when it comes to gynecomastia:

• Consume less amount of alcohol. 

• Do your best to sleep at least 7 hours a night.

• Find a way to keep sports or moderate walking in your life.

• Take care of your body's health by following a balanced diet. 

2. Clothing 

If you have gynecomastia, you should wear clothes that make your gynaecomastia less noticeable. Here are some tips for you: 

• Avoid wearing tight-fit shirts or tops.

• Do not wear white shirts that make your chest more noticeable.

• Wear thicker tops or those with patterns.

• You are encouraged to wear a matching combination of shirts and pants.

3. Diet 

A balanced diet can contribute significantly to a healthier body. It helps you get the nutrients your body needs while lowering your body fat levels.

• Eat foods that produce testosterone, such as egg yolks and tuna.

• Reduce your consumption of foods that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy and legumes.  

4. Exercise 

Regular exercise is a powerful method to get rid of gynecomastia, especially when you target the chest area by exercising, which means you will lose more fat in this area than in other parts of your body. Therefore, you are encouraged to practice swimming, walking, jogging, and dancing. 

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

If home remedies do not work, gynecomastia surgery is recommended.

A surgical approach aims to reduce the breast volume and give it a natural male chest appearance. A gynecomastia reduction procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia since it needs surgical intervention. 

•  Gynaecomastia surgery can remove the accumulated fat and excess skin through liposuction or surgical removal method or both of them. Typically, the whole surgery takes 2 to 4 hours.

• Breast fat Liposuction is done with the VASER technique that can powerfully break apart the accumulated fat in the chest, and remove it from the body through a thin cannula. 

• A cannula is inserted into the body through small incisions made along with the areola or in the armpit area.

• It may take several weeks to recover fully from the operation. Some minor side effects are expected, including soreness, bruising, and swollenness. 

• You will be required to wear a compression garment for two weeks following the operation.

• You should avoid stretching and strenuous exercise for three weeks after the operation.

• To see the final results, it might take up to 6 months. If you experience any unusual complications or problems, you have to consult your cosmetic surgeon.