An increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys and men is called Gynaecomastia. This usually occurs due to an imbalance in the hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. Gynaecomastia can affect one or both male breasts, and can do so, sometimes unevenly.
The causes of gynaecomastia include aging, puberty, medication, and health conditions that affect hormones. Some other potentially serious conditions that result in gynaecomastia include cirrhosis of the liver, malnutrition, chronic kidney failure, infection of the testes, trauma of the testes, inborn disorders of the testes, testicular cancer, anti-androgen treatment for prostate cancer, and hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of gynaecomastia include breast tissue swelling and tenderness. The treatment of gynaecomastia can be surgical or non-surgical. If there is an underlying condition, treatment consists of managing this condition. In this article, we’ll discuss how gynaecomastia can be treated with and without surgery.
Non-surgical treatments for Gynaecomastia
The following are some non-surgical treatments for gynaecomastia. The great thing about non-surgical treatments for gynaecomastia is that they do not have the risks or downtime associated with surgery for gynaecomastia, but still give men the relief they need. Here are some of these non-surgical options…
- Medications: The most common medication regimen is testosterone replacement therapy. Other drugs may include a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), Clomiphene, and Danazol. Many of these drugs are not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and their efficacy may not be proven.
- Changes in your diet: Some foods are thought to lead to a shift in hormone levels. Some of them are canned food, soy, shrimp, beer, protein powders, strawberries, and multigrain bread. However, it is recommended that you eat low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, with anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries, leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits.
- Laser therapy: This is a non-surgical method and it targets the cellulite caused by gynaecomastia. The process requires a long run of treatment in order to remove the large male breasts permanently.
- Increased exercise: Certain chest exercises can reduce puffiness in the chest area for men. Popular exercise options include dips, overhead presses, bent-forward cable crossovers, pushups, barbell bench presses, and more…You can also build up your chest muscles by doing a full-body exercise like swimming or rowing for at least 15 minutes each day. You should ensure that you do these exercises under the supervision of an expert trainer and after consulting with your cosmetic surgeon.
- Herbal supplements: Anecdotal reports suggest that certain herbs and herbal supplements can reduce the incidence of gynaecomastia and puffy nipples. Some of these herbs include turmeric, dandelion, milk thistle, passionflower, red clover, and devil’s claw. However, before you embark on taking herbal supplements regularly for your gynaecomastia, do consult with your cosmetic surgeon.
- Reduced alcohol intake: The regular use of a large quantity of alcohol can result in gynaecomastia in some men. You can reduce your alcohol intake and this will not only work well to reduce your gynaecomastia, but will also positively impact your overall health.
- Abstaining from steroids, narcotic drugs and marijuana: If you have gynaecomastia, you should avoid these and stop using them completely. Again, this will positively impact your gynaecomastia as well as your health.
- Coolsculpting: This freezes fat cells in targeted areas. At that point, fat is absorbed back into the body. Over a course of treatment, men can permanently banish gynaecomastia.
While these are some of the popular non-surgical treatments for gynaecomastia, there are certain surgical options as well. The latter are needed if non-surgical treatments do not get rid of your gynaecomastia permanently.
Surgical Treatments for Gynaecomastia
Here are some of the surgical options to treat gynaecomastia…
- Liposuction: This surgical option can be used to remove breast fat, but not breast gland tissue. If you opt for liposuction, your recovery time may take six weeks or more. You need to consult with your cosmetic surgeon as to whether this is the right procedure for you.
- Mastectomy: This surgery removes your breast gland tissue. The latter is removed through small incisions and recovery time is about four weeks, sometimes more.
- Tissue excision: This procedure is used to remove breast gland tissue and excess skin and is used to treat more severe cases of gynaecomastia. It is also needed if your areola will be reduced or your nipple will be repositioned. Recovery may take up to three weeks or so.
- Non-invasive fat reduction: These get rid of stubborn fat cells through a topical procedure. These work by using lasers, by freezing fat cells, or by using radiofrequency technology. Recovery time varies, but it typically lasts only for a few days.
Before you make up your mind as to the right treatment for your gynaecomastia, do consult your cosmetic surgeon as to what would work best for you. Dr. S. Suma of Prettyu.com, is one such cosmetic surgeon in Hyderabad, India. She will take a detailed initial consultation with you and will then decide as to the right procedure or combination of procedures to treat your gynaecomastia.
She will also work with you to enhance your self-esteem and body image pre and post-surgery. She is extremely empathetic as well as skilful and she understands what you may be going through. So, if you are looking for a safe and skilful resolution for your gynaecomastia, look no further than Dr. S. Suma and be reassured that you are in the best hands possible.
To know more about the treatment for gynaecomastia, as well as the other cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures that Dr. S. Suma performs, you can get in touch with her at +91 86 86 042 042 or email her at info@prettyu.com or visit her website at www.prettyu.com.
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