Gynecomastia also known as Man boobs is a common condition in which themen's breasts swell and become larger than normal. It affects between 50 to 65% of boys and men worldwide. Teenage boys and older men are more prone to having it.
- Hormone imbalance
Gynecomastia can be caused by an imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. The hormone Oestrogen causes breast tissue to grow. While all men produce some oestrogen, they usually have much higher levels of testosterone, which counters the oestrogen from causing breast tissue to grow.
- Obesity
Being very overweight (obesity) is a common cause of gynecomastia – this is because being overweight can increase levels of estrogen, which can cause breast tissue to grow.
- Puberty
Puberty is a testing time for young boys. There is a variance in the hormone levels which can lead to an increase in oestrogen and a decrease in testosterone This leads to the formation of male breasts. Gynaecomastia at puberty usually disappears up as boys get older and their hormone levels become more stable.
The negative effect of this is that it affects the psychological state of the adolescent boy.
- Older age
As men age, they produce less testosterone. Older men have more body fat which will lead to excess oestrogen production. These changes can lead to the formation of gynaecomastia at that age.
- Addictions
The usage of illegal drugs such as cannabis or anabolic steroids can also cause the enlargement of male breasts. The misuse of alcohol and substance abuse of methadone can also result in this condition.
- Pre-existing diseases- such as kidney failure or liver disease
- Klinefelter syndrome (a rare genetic disorder)
- Medications
It can also be a side effect of the medications used for anxiety or depression. Medication for heart failure and high blood pressure. Anabolic steroids used to gain muscle mass can cause an increase in breast tissue.
Symptoms And Signs Of Gynecomastia
When gynecomastia first starts developing, there might be breast pain and the first sign may be a lump of fatty tissue. As the swelling continues, the lump may feel painful to touch but the sensitivity usually subsides. While one breast may initially be larger than the other, they tend to even out. Signs vary from a small amount of extra tissue around the nipples to more prominent breasts.
Diagnosis Of Gynecomastia
The diagnosis is usually made by the doctors at Dr. Mohan Thomas Aesthetics who are the Best Gynecomastia Surgeons in India. They will examine the chest wall for the size of the breast and consistency. He will look for any nipple discharge and assess the breast extensions.Examination of the testicles, with attention to size and consistency, as well as nodules or asymmetry and rule out signs of feminization is undertaken.
Management
Pubertal gynecomastia resolves spontaneously within several weeks to 3 years in most patients. Sometimes when breasts are larger than 4 cm in diameter they may not regress completely. It's important to Identify and manage an underlying primary disorder that often alleviates breast enlargement.
If there is a history of intake of medications that can cause gynecomastia then they need to be stopped. It is also important to identify liver or renal failure and start the medications for it accordingly.
Different Surgical Techniques For Gynecomastia Surgery In India Include-
Anesthesia
Medications are administered for the patient’s comfort during surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. This is decided by the anesthesiologist.
- Liposuction for Gynecomastia surgery in India-
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. Patients with mild to moderate gynecomastia, involving breast enlargement with minimal gland hypertrophy and no excess skin, are good candidates for liposuction only which involves the insertion of a cannula which is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.
- Excision technique for Gynecomastia surgery in India–
Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference. The most common incision made is around the areola called a circumareolar excision.
- Combination of Liposuction and Excision techniques
Severe gynecomastia requires not only liposuction but also skin excision to address the ptosis and excess skin. Both procedures are performed in one sitting for the patient.
Recovery
Recovery after gynecomastia surgery in India includes change of dressings or bandages which will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery.
Patients will experience swelling for few weeks, but most people can resume everyday activities within a few days.
The patient can assume normal daily activities after 3-5 days.
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost In Mumbai
The gynecomastia surgery cost in India in general and Mumbai in particular is very affordable. The surgery lasts for a few hours and most patients can be sent home the same day. The surgical cost usually depends on the extent of surgery. For the final gynecomastia surgery cost in Mumbai, it is suggested that you come and meet the doctors personally.