What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia is an increasingly growing male condition. About 30% of young men are suffering from Gynecomastia. Treatment options for gynecomastia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, gynecomastia resolves on its own without any specific treatment. However, for persistent or severe cases, medical treatments may be necessary.

How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, or the enlargement of breast tissue in males, can occur for various reasons. Hormonal changes are one common cause, especially during puberty, when there may be an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen levels. Gynecomastia is usually harmless and does not cause serious medical problems. However, it can cause emotional distress and self-esteem issues in affected individuals.

Treatment options for gynecomastia include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. Read this article to learn about gynecomastia, the causes of male breast enlargement, and surgical and non-surgical treatments to reduce over-developed breasts.

What Is Gynecomastia? 

Gynecomastia, commonly referred to as "man boobs" or moobs, is a medical condition that refers to the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It can occur at any age. Man boobs can affect one or both breasts and may result in tenderness, swelling, and pain in the breast area. 

What Can Cause Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Hormonal imbalances

An imbalance between estrogen (female hormone) and testosterone (male hormone) can lead to the development of gynecomastia.

• Puberty

Gynecomastia is common during puberty due to hormonal changes. It usually resolves on its own within a few months or years.

• Medications

Certain medications can cause gynecomastia as a side effect. These medications include anti-androgens used for prostate cancer treatment, anabolic steroids, some antidepressants, and medications for ulcers or heart conditions.

• Illegal drug use

Substance abuse involving marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, and anabolic steroids can cause gynecomastia.

• Medical diseases and conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, hypogonadism (low testosterone levels), and hyperthyroidism, can contribute to developing gynecomastia.

• Obesity

Excess body fat can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, which can result in gynecomastia.

Which Drugs Are Likely to Cause Gynecomastia?

Here are some drugs that can potentially cause gynecomastia:

• Anabolic steroids (especially in high doses) can disrupt the hormone balance in the body;
• Anti-androgens such as spironolactone and finasteride block the effects of androgens (male hormones); 
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft);
• Anti-ulcer medications like Histamine H2 receptor blockers (cimetidine, ranitidine) and proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole);
• Anti-anxiety medications, including Benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan);
• Chemotherapy drugs such as estrogen or anti-androgen drugs are used to treat cancer.

How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing gynecomastia involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to rule out any serious conditions and determine the underlying cause of breast enlargement. 

These tests may be as follows:

• Blood tests;
• Mammograms;
• Breast ultrasounds;

In some cases, issue biopsies may be recommended, which involves taking a small tissue sample from the breast to analyze it for abnormal cells.

How to Treat Gynecomastia? 

Gynecomastia usually resolves on its own without any treatment. In these cases, doctors may recommend that patients monitor their condition and reassess if the breast tissue reduces in size over time. However, treatment may be required depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. 

Gynecomastia treatment options may include:

• Medication therapy;
• Breast reduction surgery;

How Does Medication Help in Getting Rid of Gynecomastia?

Medications such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen or raloxifene help reduce estrogen activity in the body. Since increased estrogen levels can contribute to gynecomastia, these medications block the estrogen receptors and inhibit its effects on breast tissue, decreasing breast size.

Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole or letrozole work by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones). These medications help to reverse gynecomastia by reducing estrogen production.

Other gynecomastia treatment pills can include Gyno pills and Nolvadex or Evista.

Best Gynecomastia Supplements 

There are various supplements like Gynetrex that help reduce gynecomastia symptoms. However, men with man boobs should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regime.

Supplements that contain the below ingredients can help reduce gynecomastia.

• DIM (Diindolylmethane);
• Indole-3-carbinol (I3C);
• Zinc;
• Tribulus Terrestris; 
• Green Tea Extract;
• Saw Palmetto;
• Turmeric.

What Are Surgical treatments for gynecomastia?

Surgical treatment may be required if the condition is severe and cannot be cured after medication therapy. The surgical procedure to treat Gynecomastia usually involves the removal of extra glandular breast tissue

Two options for gynecomastia surgery are:

Liposuction

The surgical procedure removes breast fat but not the gland tissue;

During liposuction for gynecomastia, the cosmetic surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a thin cannula to remove excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts. The procedure is typically performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the correction needed.

Liposuction alone may be sufficient for individuals with gynecomastia caused by excess fat accumulation. However, if there is excessive glandular tissue or skin laxity, additional surgical techniques may be required, such as excision or a combination of liposuction and excision.

After liposuction for gynecomastia, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. A compression garment is often worn for a few weeks following the procedure to aid recovery and help reshape the chest area. Most individuals can resume regular activities within a week or two, with final results appearing after several months as the swelling subsides.

Mastectomy

The surgical procedure removes the breast gland tissue using only small incisions. This less-invasive surgery involves less recovery time and pain post-surgery.

How is Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Time?

The recovery time for gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the surgery, individual healing abilities, and compliance with post-operative instructions. 

Most patients can generally expect to recover within 1 to 2 weeks after gynecomastia surgery. However, it can take several months for the swelling to resolve and final results to be visible fully. Patients must follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments for a smooth recovery.

Where are the surgical incisions made for male breast reduction?

The surgical incisions for gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the techniques used by the surgeon. However, there are two common incision patterns:

• Peri-areolar Incision;

It is made around the outer edge of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). It allows the surgeon to remove excess glandular tissue and fat from the chest.

• Liposuction Incision.

Small incisions are made in inconspicuous areas (such as the armpit or along the chest crease) to insert a thin tube (cannula) and remove excess fat.

How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia Naturally?

Men can get rid of breast enlargement by following lifestyle and diet tips.

• Having a Balanced and Healthy Diet;
• Getting regulated Exercise;
• Avoiding Drugs and Steroids;
• Avoiding Alcohol;
• Avoid hormonal disruptors such as certain medications, anabolic steroids, and environmental toxins;
• Maintaining a healthy weight. 

What Foods Help Reduce Gynecomastia?

While no specific foods can directly reduce gynecomastia, certain dietary choices can support a healthy hormone balance and aid in reducing fat in the breast area. Some foods that may be beneficial are as follows:

• Lean proteins like chicken breast, fish, tofu, and beans;
• Fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Whole grains;
• Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and seeds;
• Green tea.

How Can Exercise Help Get Rid of Gynecomastia?

Regular exercise, such as cardiovascular workouts (running, cycling, swimming) and strength training, can help burn calories and reduce overall body fat, including fat in the chest.

Strengthening the chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor, can also help improve the overall appearance of the chest. Chest-specific exercises like push-ups, chest presses, dumbbell flies, and bench presses can target these muscles and provide more definition.

How to Prevent Gynecomastia?

To prevent gynecomastia, patients can follow the below measures:

• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise;
• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins while avoiding processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar;
• Limit/ Avoid alcohol consumption;
• Avoid anabolic steroids and illegal drugs;
• Be cautious with herbal supplements as they might contain substances that can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to gynecomastia.;
• Manage underlying medical conditions such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and liver or kidney disease, which can increase the risk of gynecomastia;
• Regularly check the chest for any size, shape, or tenderness changes. 

How Much is the Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in Iran?

The average gynecomastia surgery cost is around $1,400 and $3,000 in Iran, much lower than in other countries. This price includes all relative expenses such as tests, anesthesia, medications, etc. 

A large number of gynecomastia candidates travel to Iran each year to perform the surgery due to first-class facilities and specialized services in Iran’s modern clinics as well as Iranian famous and well-qualified surgeons.

The takeaway

A hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen usually causes gynecomastia. Many risk factors may contribute to developing gynecomastia, including poor lifestyle. Gynecomastia treatment involves targeting the underlying cause. Getting regular exercise and following a healthy diet can also help.

Please contact us at Raadina Health. We can support you on your medical trip to Iran for Gynecomastia surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Treatment

1) Can gynecomastia go away?

Gynecomastia usually needs no treatment and goes away on its own. However, if an underlying medical condition causes it, it should be cured to resolve the symptoms.

2) What Can Occur if Gynecomastia is Not Treated?

The risk of breast cancer may be higher if gynecomastia is not cured.

3) Can increasing testosterone reduce gynecomastia?

Increasing testosterone can help restore the hormonal balance and potentially reduce the size of the breast tissue. However, it is not guaranteed to eliminate the condition as the underlying cause of gynecomastia does not only include hormonal imbalances. 

4) Is there noticeable scarring after gynecomastia surgery?

The scarring resulting from gynecomastia surgical procedures is usually minimal and discreet. The exact appearance of the scars can vary depending on various factors, including the surgical technique used and individual healing response. The scars will often fade over time and become less noticeable. However, it is essential to follow post-operative care instructions from the surgeon to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.

5) Can a man's boobs grow back after surgery?

The growth of man boobs after surgery is possible but rare. Most commonly, male breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue and fat, resulting in a flatter chest. However, it is important to note that surgical treatment is not always a definitive solution, as the underlying cause of gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) can persist. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, weight gain, certain medications, and lifestyle choices can potentially lead to the recurrence or development of man boobs after surgery. To minimize the chances of regrowth, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage hormone levels, and consult a medical professional for appropriate guidance and post-operative care.