Understanding Gynecomastia Treatment: A Complete Guide for Patients

Gynecomastia, commonly known as abnormal growth of breast tissue in men, is a condition that affects a larger number of patients than is commonly believed. It's not just an aesthetic issue: many men experiment physical discomfort, pain in the chest area, insecurity in your body image and emotional effects.

El gynecomastia treatment has evolved significantly in recent years, going from limited solutions to advanced, safe and minimally invasive surgical procedures. In this guide developed by Dr. César López, a specialist in aesthetic plastic surgery, we will explore in depth what gynecomastia is, what its causes are, how it is diagnosed and what are the most effective treatment options.

Throughout the article you will find:

• Detailed explanation of the different degrees of gynecomastia.
• Diagnostic methods and previous studies that guarantee safety.
• Surgical and non-surgical treatment options
• Details about the procedure, recovery and results.
• Safety and prevention tips.
• A frequently asked questions section to answer common questions.

The goal is for the patient to have a complete, clear and reliable guide, which allows you to make informed decisions about your health and aesthetic well-being.

You might also like to read: Rhinoplasty for men, complete procedure guide.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the benign proliferation of mammary gland tissue in men, caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone or due to external factors such as medications, obesity or associated diseases.

It is important to differentiate it from the pseudoginecomastia, in which the increase in chest volume is mainly due to fat accumulation and not glandular growth.

Prevalence

Medical studies indicate that between 30% and 60% of men will have some degree of gynecomastia throughout their lives. In adolescence, it usually resolves spontaneously, but in adulthood it requires specialized care.

Most common symptoms

• Visible increase of breast volume.
• Sensitivity or pain in the chest area.
• Asymmetry between both sides of the chest.
• Psychological impact: embarrassment when wearing tight clothing, avoiding social or sports activities.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia doesn't have a single cause. It is a multifactorial condition involving hormonal imbalances, the use of certain medications, underlying diseases and even lifestyle habits. Understanding these factors is key to choosing the right treatment and avoiding a recurrence of the problem.

Hormonal imbalances

Testosterone and estrogen are the main hormones that regulate the development of male and female sexual characteristics. When there is a relative increase in estrogen or a decrease in testosterone, breast tissue can grow.

• Puberty: In adolescents, it is common for estrogen levels to rise transiently, causing temporary breast enlargement. This condition usually goes away in a few months without the need for treatment.
• Aging: over the years, testosterone production naturally decreases, favoring an imbalance that can lead to gynecomastia in older men.

Medications

Some drugs alter the hormonal balance and stimulate the growth of breast tissue. Among the most common are:

• Anabolic steroids and substances to improve sports performance.
• Anti-androgens, used in prostate or cancer treatments.
• Antidepressants and anxiolytics, which may have hormonal side effects.
• Medications for the heart, such as some calcium channel blockers or drugs used for hypertension.

Diseases and medical conditions

Certain pathologies directly interfere with hormonal metabolism or glandular function:

• Chronic liver and kidney diseases, which affect the processing of hormones in the body.
• Testicular or adrenal tumors, which produce excess estrogen or lower testosterone.
• Hyperthyroidism, where an accelerated metabolism alters the ratio of sex hormones.

Lifestyle

Everyday habits also influence the onset of gynecomastia:

• Excessive alcohol consumption, which affects liver and hormonal function.
• Recreational drug use, such as marijuana, amphetamines or heroin, associated with significant hormonal changes.
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle, which increase the conversion of testosterone to estrogen within adipose tissue, promoting breast development.

Gynecomastia Diagnosis

The right diagnosis is essential to differentiate between true gynecomastia and pseudoginecomastia, as well as to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Medical history

Dr. César López dedicates time to a detailed medical interview, where personal and family history, medication use and current symptoms are analyzed.

Physical Exam

It allows you to evaluate the degree of glandular growth, the consistency of the fabric and possible asymmetries.

Complementary studies

• Blood tests: hormones, liver and kidney function.
• Thoracic ultrasound: distinguishes glandular tissue from fat.
• Mammography: in specific cases to rule out suspicious injuries.

Types and Degrees of Gynecomastia

La Gynecomastia is classified into different grades, which helps to personalize treatment.

1. Grade I: mild enlargement without excess skin.
2. Grade IIa: moderate increase, without excess skin.
3. Grade IIb: moderate enlargement with excess skin.
4. Grade III: severe enlargement with a large excess of skin and tissue shedding.

Each patient requires a adapted surgical strategy according to their degree of gynecomastia and their physical characteristics.

Treatments for Gynecomastia

Non-surgical options

In early stages or when the cause is reversible (such as a medication), the following may be indicated:

• Suspension or change of causative drugs.
• Supervised hormone treatments.
• Weight control and exercise.

However, in most cases in adults, surgical treatment is the most effective option.

Surgical treatment: the ultimate solution

The most commonly used procedure is the surgical resection of glandular tissue, combined in many cases with high definition liposuction to achieve a firm and defined male chest contour.

Most Common Surgical Techniques

• Liposuction: indicated for pseudoginecomastia or mild cases.
• Subcutaneous mastectomy: direct removal of glandular tissue.
• Combination of both techniques: for more natural results.

Step-by-step surgical procedure

1. Preoperative evaluation: medical studies and anesthetic evaluation.
2. Type of anaesthesia: usually intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, always administered by a certified anesthesiologist.
3. Incisions: small and strategically placed around the areola.
4. Extraction of glandular tissue and fat.
5. Chest moulding for a harmonious result.
6. Placement of drains in some cases.
7. Closing incisions with aesthetic sutures.

Approximate duration: between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Recovery and post-operative care

Recovery is generally quick and with minimal discomfort when medical advice is followed.

First 48 hours

• Use of compressive bandage to control inflammation.
• Relative rest.

First week

• Drain removal (if they were placed).
• Return to light activities.
• Discomfort controlled with pain relievers

First month

• Use of chest girdle day and night.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.

Starting at 6 weeks

• Progressive return to the gym.
• Visible volume reduction results.

Final results

They are appreciated from the 3 to 6 months, once the inflammation disappears and the tissue heals completely.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Treatment

The treatment of gynecomastia offers results that go far beyond aesthetics. Correcting excess male breast tissue not only transforms physical appearance, but also improves the patient's emotional well-being and quality of life.

Visible aesthetic improvement

One of the most valued benefits is the immediate definition of a masculine, firm and proportionate thorax. The surgery eliminates excessive volume in the chest area, returning a more athletic figure in line with the patient's male identity.

Increased personal confidence

Gynecomastia often causes social and emotional discomfort. After treatment, patients experience a greater self-confidence, allowing them to:

• Wear tight t-shirts without worry.
• Feel comfortable at the beach, pool or gym.
• Regain peace of mind in intimate situations.

Relief from physical discomfort

In some cases, gynecomastia isn't just an aesthetic problem. Excess tissue can cause pain, tenderness, or discomfort during physical activities or when wearing certain garments. With treatment, these complaints decrease markedly or disappear completely.

Long-lasting results

When the procedure is accompanied by healthy lifestyle habits, the results are usually permanent. Maintaining an adequate weight, a balanced diet and avoiding substances that alter the hormonal balance (such as steroids or excessive alcohol) helps maintain a defined chest in the long term.

Comprehensive well-being

Beyond the physical aspect, many patients highlight a positive impact on their self-esteem, social relationships and daily quality of life, making gynecomastia treatment an investment both in health and in personal confidence.

Gynecomastia Treatment FAQs

Below, we resolve the most common questions patients have before deciding on gynecomastia treatment.

Does gynecomastia go away on its own?

In some adolescents, gynecomastia is the result of a temporary hormonal imbalance during puberty, and can resolve naturally within 1 to 2 years. However, when it persists beyond that period or appears in adulthood, the most common is that Do not disappear without medical intervention. In these cases, surgical treatment is often the most effective option.

Does the surgery leave visible scars?

The procedure is performed using very small incisions around the areola, which allows them to be disguised in the natural edge of the fabric. Over time, these scars become almost imperceptible. In addition, if the patient follows medical recommendations for post-operative care, healing is usually rapid and aesthetically favorable.

Is the result permanent?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. Excess glandular and fatty tissue is permanently eliminated. However, the results may be affected if the patient experiences major hormonal changes, steroid use, significant weight gain, or excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining a defined chest in the long term.

Is it a painful procedure?

Gynecomastia treatment is performed under anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during surgery. In the postoperative period, there may be mild discomfort, tightness or swelling, but these are usually temporary and are easily controlled with prescription pain relievers. Most patients describe the process as much more comfortable than they expected.

Can gynecomastia return after treatment?

Although not common, it can occur if the patient develops new hormonal changes, gains a lot of weight, or uses substances that promote breast tissue growth (such as certain medications or drugs). Under normal conditions, the result remains stable and permanent.

Does treatment improve self-esteem?

Yes. Beyond the physical part, many patients experience a marked improvement in their personal confidence, in their social life and even in their sports or professional performance, by being comfortable with their body.

Regain your trust with Dr. César López

El gynecomastia treatment is an effective and safe solution for men who want to recover a male chest and improve their confidence. With the support from a certified plastic surgeon like Dr. César López, patients are assured of receiving high-quality medical care, natural results and a surgical process adapted to their individual needs.

If gynecomastia has been a concern in your life, today you can take the first step toward lasting change.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. César López and discover how treating gynecomastia can transform not only your body, but also your personal safety.

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