Gynaecomastia

The service we offer

The enlargement of male breast tissue is called gynaecomastia. It is a benign condition. It is the most common male breast pathology.

Indications –

• Lack of confidence

• Emotional / psychological issues

• Unable to wear tight-fitting clothes

• social embarassment

Cause – increased estrogen to androgen ratio

• Idiopathic – not known

• Physiological – Neonates, Puberty, Ageing

• Pathological

Physiological Gynaecomastia

• Neonate – due to increased amounts of maternal estrogen

• Pubertal – incidence is as high as 65% in pubertal age-group but 75% of this resolves within 2 years of age

• Ageing – Incidence is as high as 72% in hospitalized male between 50-70 years of age. The reason for this could be enhanced peripheral aromatization secondary to total body fat and decreased levels of androgen associated with ageing.

Pathological Gynaecomastia due to several diseases and medications

Investigations

• May require Endocrine, Renal and Liver and Thyroid evaluation

• Please check if there are any specific medications and recreational drugs

• Development of Secondary sexual development

• Serum FSH LH Testosterone and Prolactin evaluation

Grading – Simon Classification

• 1. Mild gland and mild skin

• 2a. Moderate gland and mild skin

• 2b. Moderate gland and moderate skin

• 3. Marked gland and skin excess

Aim of surgery – Restore a normal looking male chest contour with minimal scar marks

Treatment

• Liposuction

• Excision of the gland

• Skin resection (if required)

FAQs

Can gynaecomastia be treated without surgery?

Ans – gynaecomastia almost always have fat and gland component. The fat component might reduce with exercises but the gland component never goes with exercises. Hence almost always, gynaecomastia requires surgery

Is gynaecomastia a serious problem?

Ans – yes , it is. Your child may be a victim of social embarrassment. He may not like wearing tight fitting clothes or go to swimming classes or to the gym. He may be constantly afraid of taunts. This leads to chronic psychological problems later on.

Does the surgery causes scarring?

Ans – almost invisible. A very small and inconspicuous scar is present which is mostly in hidden areas and is very difficult to find out

Is gynaecomastia a daycare surgery?

Ans – yes, it is. We operate gynaecomastia under General Anaesthesia and the patient is discharged in the evening.

Is gynaecomastia a recurrent condition?

Ans – gynaecomastia has a gland and fat component. In surgery we remove both. The gland component never comes back. But there is a rare chance for the fat component to accumulate again. One needs to take care of that by diet and exercises