Gynecomastia is a condition that many men don’t talk about openly. It is the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men, a condition that may develop at different ages due to multiple factors. While it isn’t dangerous in most cases, it can deeply affect confidence and body image. Men with gynecomastia often feel embarrassed wearing fitted shirts, going to the gym, or even enjoying a swim at the beach. The good news is that gynecomastia treatment is available and highly effective.
This guide explains the types, causes, and the best surgical options for gynecomastia removal, so you can approach it with the right information.
Understanding Gynecomastia
The word “gynecomastia” comes from Greek, meaning “woman-like breasts.” But it’s not just about excess fat. True gynecomastia develops when glandular breast tissue increases due to a hormonal imbalance.
It’s essential to distinguish this from pseudogynecomastia, which typically occurs due to excessive fat deposits in the chest, often associated with weight gain. Both conditions can look similar, but the treatment is different.
Types of Gynecomastia
Doctors often grade gynecomastia based on how severe it looks and how much tissue is present.
Grade 1:
Small enlargement, usually limited to the nipple area.
Grade 2:
Moderate enlargement, spreading beyond the areola, but no extra skin.
Grade 3:
Large tissue growth with mild sagging of skin.
Grade 4:
Severe enlargement with extra skin and a clearly feminine chest shape.
Knowing the grade helps the gynecomastia surgeon in Mumbai or a male chest surgery expert in Mulund, Mumbai, decide the right treatment plan.
What Causes Gynecomastia in Men?
The most common cause is a hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. But there are many triggers:
Puberty
Hormones fluctuate, and some boys develop temporary gynecomastia. Often, it resolves naturally.
Ageing
Older men may see changes in hormones, leading to tissue growth.
Medications
Some drugs for heart disease, ulcers, or anxiety can trigger it.
Steroid or drug use:
Anabolic steroids, alcohol, and recreational drugs are high-risk factors.
Health conditions:
Liver disease, thyroid disorders, or obesity can contribute.
If you’re wondering what causes gynecomastia in men, it’s rarely just one factor. Usually, it’s a mix of lifestyle, hormones, and health conditions.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The most obvious sign is swelling or breast enlargement. Some men also report pain, tenderness, or firmness under the nipple.
A doctor will usually examine the chest, check medical history, and sometimes run blood tests or imaging to rule out other problems.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
Non-surgical Approaches
If gynecomastia appears during puberty, it often disappears within a year or two.
Lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise can help if fat is the main cause.
Some medications may be tried in specific cases, but results are often limited.
Surgical Options
When the condition does not go away on its own, surgery becomes the most reliable treatment. Male breast reduction surgery is tailored to each case:
Liposuction
Removes extra fat from the chest. Works best for pseudogynecomastia or mixed cases with more fat than gland.
Excision surgery
Directly removes the glandular breast tissue. Often needed when firm tissue is the main issue.
Combination approach
Both liposuction and excision. This is the most common and gives natural results.
Skin removal
In severe cases (Grade 3–4), extra skin is also removed to tighten the chest.
Best Surgery for Gynecomastia Removal
The “best” surgery depends on the type and grade of gynecomastia. For mild cases, liposuction plus gland removal is usually enough. For advanced cases, skin tightening may be added.
A skilled gynecomastia surgeon in Mumbai can customise the procedure, giving men a flatter, more masculine chest. Recovery is usually quick, with most patients returning to normal activity within 1–2 weeks.
How to Get Rid of Male Breast Tissue Permanently
Exercise and diet can help reduce chest fat, but glandular tissue cannot be eliminated this way. That’s why surgery is considered the only permanent way to get rid of male breast tissue caused by gynecomastia.
Once removed, the tissue does not come back—unless there is a major hormonal imbalance or continued steroid/drug use. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery helps ensure long-term results.
What are the common causes of ageing gynecomastia?
The most common causes include hormonal imbalance, puberty, ageing, certain medications, steroid use, obesity, and underlying health problems like thyroid or liver disease.
Is surgery the only option for treating gynecomastia?
Not always. In teenagers, gynecomastia may resolve naturally. Weight loss may also help in pseudogynecomastia. But for true gynecomastia with glandular tissue, surgery is the most effective and permanent option.
Final Thoughts
Gynecomastia is not just a cosmetic issue. It can affect self-esteem, relationships, and mental health. The good news is that effective gynecomastia treatment is available.
Working with an experienced male chest surgery expert in Mulund, Mumbai, means you get a treatment plan tailored to your body. Whether that’s liposuction, gland removal, or a combination, the aim is simple: restore a natural, confident chest.
Because sometimes, the right surgery is not just about removing tissue. It’s about giving men back their confidence, comfort, and freedom to live without worry.