No man wants to grow boobs.
In fact, having man boobs not just impacts his masculinity, but also impairs his self confidence.
Gynecomastia is the medical term for condition where a male develops breast. And no, its nor rare. About 10-20 percent of young adults face this issues. Contrary to popular belief gynaecomastia is not just fat or weight related condition . Gynaecomastia happens due to the imbalance of the female and male sex hormones- Estrogen and Androgen. male breasts show up first during puberty and stays on.
Gynecomastia surgery is the gold standard treatment for man boobs. It is a common surgery done under local or general anaesthesia where chest is contoured with liposuction and hard gland part is removed by a small incision in nipple. Surgery is said to be permanent cure for gynaecomastia. How far is it true though? Can man boobs come back after surgery?
Let me answer this question based on my personal experience . Its rare , but possible for male boobs to come back. Reasons can be following
1. Obesity : In obese people 90 percent of the enlargement is fat and 10 percent is breast glands located right under the nipples. If only liposuction is done it looks fine sometimes , but even a small amount of gland left , can cause dissatisfaction. During surgery in lying down position chest may look flat but small gynecomastia can be visible later.
2. Inadequate surgery: sometimes if surgery is done under local anaesthesia, and problem is big, its not possible to remove the gland or fat completely if patients starts feeling pain. Type of anaesthesia should suit the extent of gynecomastia.
3 Post-operative weight gain : Gland, when removed completely does not grow but with extreme weight gain chest can re accumulate fat . When gynecomastia surgery is done in thin and normal weight people this problem is rare. Weight gain does not cause gynecomastia to come back. But in Fatty individuals with loose skin on chest, this is more common.
4. Anabolic Steroids: Body builders commonly suffer from gynecomastia, because breasts gland respond to anabolic steroids and get enlarged. They have very less body fat, so gynecomastia is gland only and mostly like prominent nipple. After surgery and removal of glands if they continue to take steroids for body building, there is a chance that gland may regrow. 10 percent of gland is usually left behind under the nipple in all gynecomastia surgeries to avoid depression in nipple area. that remaining gland can get enlarged later if steroids are overused.
What is the solution if the male boobs came back ?
In such situation, resurgery is the only option. The most important thing is to make sure to wait 6 months before second surgery and to maintain weight at the level it was, before first surgery. If at the same weight level, before after pictures and measurements confirm that gynecomastia is back then surgery can be planned. All tests including male and female hormone tests should be done to rule out any internal problem that caused the recurrence.
How to avoid recurrence of gynecomastia ?
Gynecomastia surgery is in fact a very successful and satisfying surgery. Its safe and permanent. Recurrence is rare. Just maintain healthy weight and maintain general health. Choose your plastic surgeon carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions and express your concerns.
After surgery sometimes I have seen patients getting doubt that gynaecomastia is coming back. It is mostly a psychological doubt, and pictures and measurements reassure the patient that all is well.
About the Clinic and Doctor
Dr. Priti Shukla is the best female cosmetic surgeons in Hyderabad. She has 18 years of experience in cosmetic plastic surgery and thousands of satisfied patients. Ambrosia Clinic is leading skin plastic surgery clinic of Hyderabad since 2009. Our team of dermatologist and Plastic surgeons at Ambrosia clinic offer services like hair transplantation, laser, skin care and plastic surgery.