Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia develops primarily due to hormonal imbalances. Many cases of gynecomastia do not require any treatment, whereas other cases may need medical or surgical forms of treatment.

Causes:

Gynecomastia may occur due to the following reasons:

1. Hormonal changes, in cases like newborns, puberty, and old age
2. Use of certain medications like anti-androgen medications, anabolic steroids and androgens, AIDS medications, anti-anxiety medications, antibiotics, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, tricyclic antidepressants, medications for ulcers, chemotherapy drugs, stomach-emptying medications, heart medications
3. Use of alcohol, illicit drugs, alcohol, and recreational drugs
4. Excessive use of certain herbal products like lavender oil
5. Aging
6. Obesity
7. Malnutrition
8. Presence of certain medical conditions like tumors, hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, liver failure, and kidney failure

Symptoms

The following symptoms may be associated with gynecomastia:

1. Breast tissue swelling 
2. Breast pain or tenderness
3. Nipple sensitivity 
4. Nipple discharge

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination: Your breasts will be physically examined by the doctor. The medical history and family history of the patient are evaluated by the doctor.
2. Blood tests: The hormone levels in the body can be evaluated using blood tests. Certain underlying medical conditions can also be evaluated using blood tests.
3. Breast ultrasound: This test involves the use of sound waves to obtain clear images of the breast growths.
4. Mammogram: This test helps in checking any abnormal changes or tissue growths in the breast region.
5. Computerized tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: These are imaging tests that aid in obtaining clear images of the internal body organs.
6. Testicular ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to obtain clear images of the area around the testis.
7. Tissue biopsies: The doctor will excise a small sample of the tissue growth and send it to the laboratory for evaluation and rule out breast cancer.

Treatment

Many cases of gynecomastia get treated on their own without treatment. For other cases of gynecomastia, the following treatment methods may be used:
Non-surgical methods:

Treatment of the cause of the condition:
When gynecomastia occurs due to underlying medical conditions, like malnutrition, liver cirrhosis, or hypogonadism, these conditions need appropriate treatment.
Gynecomastia that develops due to intake of certain medications needs stoppage or replacement of these medicines.
Gynecomastia that develops due to hormonal changes needs periodic evaluation by the doctor to check if the condition disappears on its own.

Medications:
Medicines used for the treatment of breast cancer and other conditions, like tamoxifen and anastrozole, can help in treating gynecomastia.

Surgical methods:

1. Liposuction:
This type of surgery helps in removing breast fat, but not the breast gland tissue itself.

2. Mastectomy:
This surgery is performed to remove the breast gland tissue.
This type of surgery is usually performed in a minimally-invasive manner by making small incisions in the breast area and then removing the breast gland.

Risks

Untreated gynecomastia may lead to the following complications:

• Breast cancer
• Chronic pain
• Social embarrassment
• Breast skin ulcerations
• Bloody nipple discharge
• Lump formation
• Firm and immovable breast lump

The complications associated with surgery performed to treat gynecomastia may include:

1. Bleeding
2. Blood clot formation 
3. Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
4. Infection
5. Breast asymmetry
6. Irregularities in the shape and contour of the breast
7. Changes in nipple and breast sensation
8. Fat necrosis (death of the breast’s fatty tissue)
9. Damage to the blood vessels and nerves
10. Deep vein thrombosis
11. Poor healing of the wound
12. Seroma (fluid accumulation)
13. Persistent pain
14. Scarring
15. Need for repeat surgery

After Procedure

The following are the post-procedure steps following surgery for gynecomastia treatment:

• Most patients go home on the same day after surgery.
• It is normal to have some swelling and pain for a few days after surgery.
• Some patients may experience loss of sensation for a few days after surgery. This usually disappears a few days later.
• Most patients can resume work one week after surgery.
• Have regular follow-ups with your doctor to ensure a smooth and quick recovery after surgery.

Home remedies:

The following home-care tips are useful in helping with a quick recovery after surgery:

1. Take the pain-relieving medications recommended by your doctor regularly to relieve pain and discomfort after the procedure.
2. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for three weeks after surgery.
3. Follow a healthy lifestyle after the procedure. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent the consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Prevention:

The following tips can help in preventing the development of gynecomastia:

• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption 
• Avoid the use of illicit drugs
• Avoid steroids, unless prescribed by the doctor
• Avoid bodybuilding supplements and drugs 

Cost of Gynecomastia treatment in India- 

The cost of medicines to treat gynecomastia in India is between INR 2,000 to INR 5,000.
The cost of surgery to treat gynecomastia in Mumbai is between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000.
The cost of surgery to treat gynecomastia in Delhi is between INR 38,000 to INR 68,000.
The cost of surgery to treat gynecomastia in Bangalore is between INR 38,000 to INR 68,000.
The cost of surgery to treat gynecomastia in Chennai is between INR 35,000 to INR 65,000.