Gynecomastia, or men’s breast enlargement/over development, can cause tremendous emotional discomfort and low self-esteem. First off, young boys and men may experience bullying for having enlarged breasts. They may also feel ashamed regarding their physical appearance.
Generally, gynecomastia doesn’t affect an individual’s overall health. But even if the condition is harmless, it doesn’t make it any comfortable. Men affected by gynecomastia often pursue several treatments to reduce their breast size, boost confidence, and enhance masculinity.
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What Causes Gynecomastia?
An imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormone in men often leads to gynecomastia. However, other culprits include:
- These can be antidepressants, prostate cancer pills, or cardiovascular drugs.
- Illegal drugs. Marijuana and heroin are some.
- Medical conditions. Obesity, liver disease, trauma, kidney disease, testicular cancer, and congenital disorders in infants can cause gynecomastia.
The condition may affect teenage boys, aging men, and even newborn babies, meaning there’s no age limit. But how can a doctor diagnose gynecomastia? They’ll need to rule out or confirm the condition via blood/urine tests, mammograms, or a biopsy.
Can Gynecomastia Be Cured Without Surgery?
While surgical procedures are the most effective and long-term solutions, there are various non-surgical treatment methods for gynecomastia. Some people prefer non-surgical treatment methods since they don’t come with surgical risks but achieve their desired results.
Some non-surgical treatment options are:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) through injections or skin patches. That increases testosterone hormone levels.
- Diet and exercise. They boost testosterone levels and lower overall body fats.
- Laser therapy. It removes excess fats and glandular tissues.
- That’s a fat-freezing approach that removes stubborn fats.
- Breast cancer medication. It can double up as a cure for gynecomastia.
With the above in mind, it’s imperative to note that non-surgical methods are efficient for men with mild gynecomastia.
How Does Gynecomastia Treatment Work, and How Costly Is It?
The Processes
Sometimes, non-surgical treatment methods may fail to work. In that case, men may opt for surgical procedures to remove the excess fat deposits and tissues on their breasts. But before the treatment, surgeons often perform a complete chest exam to confirm gynecomastia and rule out breast cancer.
Physicians can treat gynecomastia with liposuction under local or general anesthesia. Another effective surgical treatment is mastectomy, which removes breast gland tissue through a small incision on the nipple or areolar.
The Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the standard cost for gynecomastia surgery is $3,978. However, that price is often exclusive of anesthesia and other related charges. The overall surgery cost may depend on a surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and type of procedure.
Almost entirely, health insurance policies do not cover this type of surgery. However, remember that each insurer is different. That’s why it’s best to check with the policy provider first.
How Can I Get Rid of Gynecomastia Permanently?
Women are renowned for breast surgery procedures. However, more than 50% of men with gynecomastia choose the surgery. Many men may want to eliminate gynecomastia permanently to improve their self-confidence and masculinity.
The effectiveness of a particular gynecomastia treatment relies on the root cause of the condition or its severity. Some people may choose to go with non-surgical methods, which may fall short of success if the medical disorder has lasted a long time. In such a case, the next best option would be gynecomastia surgery for reliable and permanent results.
Surgery is efficient, instant, and offers a more masculine chest. Afterward, the result is usually a more confident man with reduced self-consciousness and improved self-esteem. However, remember that it’s crucial for individuals undergoing the procedure to maintain healthy lifestyles.
Does Gynecomastia Go Away on Its Own?
Almost all males affected by gynecomastia are curious about the answer to the above question. Another issue that may arise is the need for surgery. And so they may ask, is there anyone who got rid of gynecomastia without surgery? The simple answer is — it depends on an individual’s situation.
Well, enlarged breasts may be minor in teenage boys and usually fade away on their own after puberty. Some people could also try out non-surgical treatments that could work. However, the condition could be permanent in young and older men alike, thus necessitating medical intervention.
Most gynecomastia conditions comprise extra breast tissue and not fats only, and so may not respond to non-surgical treatment. Therefore, that may require the intervention of a certified and experienced surgeon.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Men considering breast reduction surgery should first consult a trusted surgeon experienced in gynecomastia surgery. Certifications, experience, professional training, past successful procedures, and before and after photos of past gynecomastia procedures are some things to check out. With that, getting the “dream chest” will be a breeze!
