Gynecomastia, derogatorily called moobs is a disorder that arises when there is an imbalance of endocrinal hormones testosterone and estrogen in males resulting in abnormal growth of breast tissues resembling that of women. The condition may also arise due to certain cancers, metabolic dysfunction, and intake of some medications. Although benign, going to school with the condition of gynecomastia cost many young males their mental health, self-confidence, and vivaciousness to live their life.
Gynecomastia vs Chest Fat
Overweight and obese people may often confuse the excessive fat on their chest with gynecomastia but the two are entirely different. Gynecomastia occurs due to hormonal imbalance or an underlying disease while the same cannot be said about excessive chest fat, which unlike gynecomastia, can easily be removed through proper physical exercises, a healthy diet, and lifestyle changes. Chest fat is saggy and loose but male breasts due to gynecomastia are tight and may have lumps inside them.
How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia occurs in children, adolescents, and older males. In the case of children and adolescents, it usually goes on its own once the hormonal balance is restored. But in some cases, it may not go after puberty and then medical intervention becomes necessary to manage the condition.
Gynecomastia can be best managed by medical treatment during puberty through a wide range of medicines. Aromatase Inhibitors such as anastrozole are quite popular and effective. One can go for surgery if medications fail to give results even after two years. Medicines to treat gynecomastia cost way lesser than surgical procedures besides being less risky and affordable but the treatment has to be done in an early stage otherwise medications would be ineffective.
How safe is a surgical procedure to remove gynecomastia?
Surgical treatments are quite safe and without any side effects. Complications such as numbness of areola, redness, and itching develop only in rare cases. A Surgery takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and the patient can get a discharge from the hospital the same day within 5-6 hours. Within a few weeks, a person can resume strenuous physical activities like running and exercises. Surgeries are usually performed on males who are 18 years or older but can also be performed on younger patients in rare cases.
How costly can be your surgery?
Costs of surgical treatments depend on the type and complications of the disease. There are four grades to classify different levels and complications of the disease.
Grade 1- When there are small enlargements and no extra skin
Grade 2- When there are big enlargements and no extra skin
Grade 3-Big enlargement and extra skin
Grade 4- Abnormally huge enlargement with too much extra skin
Surgical procedures to remove gynecomastia cost between Rs 25000 and Rs150000 depending upon the grade of the disease. Hospitals and cities also play a huge role in determining the costs of the surgery.
Conclusion
It can be safely estimated beyond doubt that gynecomastia, although a benign anomaly, is associated with huge stigma and body shaming due to which a large number of people opt for surgery which is relatively safe and simple compared to other surgeries.