Gynecomastia Treatment Methods: Is There a Non-Surgical Solution?
Having abnormal breast enlargement, called gynecomastia, is a disturbing condition for men of all age groups. The patients who want to get rid of this condition usually do not favor surgery. But can gynecomastia be treated without surgery? In this article, we will examine whether non-surgical treatment options are really effective and permanent.
Can Gynecomastia be Improved by Weight Loss?
A lot of people struggling with gynecomastia wonder if losing weight is the right path to solve their problem in the first place. However, let us state the following immediately: There is not a direct relationship between gynecomastia and weight. So, if gynecomastia is caused by other reasons such as hormones or genetic factors, losing weight will not be the solution to the problem. Gynecomastia is a term that actually refers to this condition. If the enlargement of the breast is caused by weight and adiposity, it is called “pseudo-gynecomastia”. In this case, losing weight will actually help the breast get smaller.
The Effect of Exercise and Diet on False Gynecomastia
For those with false gynecomastia, the first step is to adopt a balanced and healthy diet. Do not be scared off immediately when you see the word ”diet”! You will lose weight without starving, just by eating healthy and adequate food. Remember, if you are overweight or obese, reducing body fat solves many health problems. Here are the basic elements of a balanced diet:
Low Calorie Diet: As a first step, consult a dietitian to determine your daily calorie intake. By keeping your calorie intake under control, you can reduce body fat.
Plenty of Protein: Protein is important for increasing muscle mass and promoting fat burning. Include protein sources such as chicken, fish, yogurt, and legumes in your diet.
Healthy Fats: Avoid trans fats and choose foods that contain healthy fats, such as avocados and olive oil.
Vegetables and Fruits: Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits increases your fiber intake and increases your feeling of fullness. It will also be more beneficial to meet your sugar needs from fruits.
Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods: Avoid sugary snacks and processed foods. These increase body fat and lead to weight gain.
What about exercise? Of course, diet alone only gives results up to a limited point. It is much more beneficial to change your diet, especially in combination with cardio exercises such as running, walking and cycling. This way, you can achieve a more shaped body. Also, try to do workouts that target the chest area.
Medication Therapies for Gynecomastia
Some men trying to overcome the problem of gynecomastia may consider opting for medication treatments instead of surgical intervention. However, medications for gynecomastia are a complex issue. The effects of medications used for treatment vary from person to person. Usually, drug treatments are aimed at improving hormone imbalance. In some cases, some medications that the patient is taking for another condition may also increase the estrogen hormone and cause gynecomastia. Therefore, a specialist doctor should decide whether or not to start medication for gynecomastia.
Medications used for gynecomastia include antiestrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors. These drugs correct hormone levels and help shrink breast tissue. However, the use of these medications carries some risks and can lead to unknown side effects. Therefore, never start medication without first consulting your doctor.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery the Final Solution?
As we explained above, although it is possible to reduce gynecomastia with non-surgical methods in some cases, the definitive solution is always surgical surgery. Especially if breast enlargement has started to affect the patient psychologically, it is necessary to consult a plastic surgeon immediately.
However, we will briefly explain the logic of the operation. A gynecomastia surgery involves the removal of breast tissue and excess fat. The liposuction technique is used in this surgery. The operation gives the breast a more masculine and natural appearance.
The most important advantage of the surgery is that it gives fast results. While diet, exercise or drug treatments give results in the long term, surgical gynecomastia treatment usually allows you to achieve faster and much more noticeable results.
However, it is important to make a detailed evaluation with a specialist doctor before deciding on surgery. Gynecomastia surgery, when performed in the right steps and by an expert surgeon, can give patients their self-confidence back and solve the gynecomastia problem permanently. Don’t worry, gynecomastia is not your fate. For more detailed information about the operation, you can contact our health consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gynecomastia and what causes it?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast tissue in men. It is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen stimulates breast tissue growth, but testosterone inhibits it. Gynecomastia can occur when estrogen levels are elevated or testosterone levels are reduced.
How common is gynecomastia in men?
Gynecomastia is rather frequent, affecting between 30 and 60% of men at some point in their life. It can happen at any age, but it is most frequent in infancy, puberty, and old age.
Can gynecomastia be cured without surgery?
Yes, gynecomastia can be addressed without surgery in certain circumstances. Non-surgical approaches, such as lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and pharmaceuticals, can help reduce breast tissue growth and discomfort. However, the efficacy of these treatments is contingent on the underlying reason and degree of gynecomastia. To establish the best course of therapy, speak with a healthcare expert.
Can exercise get rid of manboobs?
Exercise can help reduce gynecomastia, particularly if it is caused by extra body fat. However, it may not totally remove the breast tissue, especially if the problem is glandular rather than fatty.