Deciding to undergo treatment for gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, is a significant choice and can be a very personal decision. It is very common, but things can get confusing, with lots of misinformation and myths about what this condition is and what men can do to find a solution.
Male breast reduction , a form of cosmetic surgery , is a safe and effective procedure that is designed to create a flatter, firmer, and more masculine contour to the chest. Let's set the record straight and dispel the myths surrounding this life-changing procedure - here are the five most common myths about gynecomastia surgery!
Myth 1: "It's just fat. I can get rid of it with diet and exercise."
Fact: This is the most common misconception about gynecomastia. Some chest enlargement may be due to excess fat (or pseudogynecomastia, meaning "false breast tissue"), but gynecomastia itself is due to excess glandular breast tissue. Glandular tissue is firm and dense breast tissue that develops as a result of hormonal imbalances.
Unfortunately, glandular tissue cannot be targeted through diet or exercise. Thus, no matter how many bench presses or push ups a person may do to shrink their chest, they will not meaningfully decrease this specific tissue. Although losing weight does mean that you are losing weight from that area and may help decrease the fatty component of the chest, generally the firm glandular disc beneath the nipple that is gynecomastia (the "real" breast tissue) will still remain. And since the glandular tissue remains, there is usually still a puffy appearance due to the firm tissue beneath the nipple or the nipple becomes conical in appearance. Male breast reduction surgery is the only definitive way to target glandular tissue to achieve a truly flat chest.
Myth 2: "The scars will be obvious and look worse than the problem."
Fact: One of the primary goals of a qualified plastic surgeon is to minimize the visibility of scarring. In gynecomastia surgery, the incisions will be small and placed inconspicuously.
Typically, the incision will be placed along the lower edge of the areola (the darker pigment area surrounding the nipple). The difference in skin color and texture in this area blends so well. If liposuction of the fat is performed, the incisions will be very small (only a few millimeters) and will be pretty much concealed in the armpit or folds of the chest. Scars typically fade considerably with time and are very often difficult to see. This operation is truly an art, reshaping the breasts to appear totally natural.
Myth 3: "The results aren't permanent. The breast tissue will just grow back."
Fact: The effects of male breast reduction are permanent. The glandular tissue that has been removed will not come back. Liposuction also permanently destroys the fat cells.
Nevertheless, you will always want to maintain a stable, healthy lifestyle. With gland and fat cells removed, if you gain a lot of weight, the remaining fat cells in your chest (and rest of your body) can simply enlarge. Additionally, there is a very slight chance of hormonal changes or using substances (such as anabolic steroids) could result in new glandular growth. Nonetheless, in most situations, the results will be permanent.
Myth 4: "It's an embarrassing and rare condition. I'm the only one."
Fact: This is very wrong. Gynecomastia is very common. It is estimated that between 40% and 60% of men will experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives. Gynecomastia often manifests during puberty due to fluctuating natural hormones, and it will most often resolve itself. Gynecomastia will also become common again as men age and testosterone levels naturally diminish.
It is completely fine to not feel comfortable with a medical condition. You are not being vain to consider Male Breast Reduction in Delhi ; it is a positive step in addressing a physical condition that is uncomfortable and has an impact on how you ultimately feel about yourself in a city like Delhi where you can find the best doctors.
Myth 5: "The surgery is dangerous and has a long, painful recovery."
Fact: Male breast reduction surgery is a highly safe intervention with very high patient satisfaction when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is typically performed in an outpatient setting, meaning that you go home on the same day.
Recovery is much faster than most men expect. You will likely experience soreness and swelling in the chest region, but significant pain is unusual and is managed well with prescribed medications. Most men will be able to return to desk work and light activities within a few days. You will be required to wear a compression garment to assist in reducing swelling and support the new chest profile, but patients can typically return to exercise by 4-6 weeks.
Your Next Step
Don't let these myths stop you from taking pride in your body. The first step toward a wise decision is understanding the facts.
If you are considering Male Breast Reduction Surgery in Delhi, be sure to talk with an expert. Dr. Anup Dhir is a highly experienced surgeon that specializes in providing men with a natural-looking masculine chest contour. Call us today to book a consultation and get the clear, factual answers you need.