Gynecomastia Surgery in Mumbai: Causes, Treatment and Recovery

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition characterised by the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. While gynecomastia is not a serious medical condition, it can cause significant emotional distress, self-consciousness, and social anxiety, particularly in young men and adolescents.

Gynecomastia is more common than many people realise, affecting an estimated 40-60% of men at some point in their lives. In Mumbai, Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi, a board-certified plastic surgeon, provides expert gynecomastia treatment using modern surgical techniques to help men achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia results from an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone. Several factors can contribute:

• Hormonal changes – Puberty, ageing, and hormonal fluctuations are the most common causes. Many cases of pubertal gynecomastia resolve on their own within 1-2 years.
• Medications – Certain drugs including anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, some antidepressants, and heart medications can trigger gynecomastia.
• Health conditions – Liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and tumours affecting the hormonal balance can contribute.
• Obesity – Excess body fat increases oestrogen production, which can stimulate breast tissue growth. However, it is important to distinguish true gynecomastia (glandular tissue enlargement) from pseudogynecomastia (excess fat without glandular enlargement).
• Substance use – Alcohol, marijuana, and certain recreational drugs have been linked to gynecomastia.

Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi conducts a thorough evaluation including physical examination and, when necessary, hormonal blood tests and imaging to identify the underlying cause before recommending treatment.

Grading of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is classified into grades that guide the surgical approach:

• Grade I – Minor enlargement without excess skin
• Grade II – Moderate enlargement without excess skin
• Grade III – Moderate enlargement with some excess skin
• Grade IV – Marked enlargement with significant excess skin (resembling female breast)

The grade of gynecomastia determines whether liposuction alone is sufficient or whether gland excision and skin removal are also needed.

Surgical Treatment Options

Liposuction

For patients with primarily fatty tissue and minimal glandular enlargement, liposuction alone can produce excellent results. Using a small cannula inserted through tiny incisions, Dr. Somvanshi removes excess fat to create a smoother, flatter chest contour. This technique leaves minimal scarring and allows for quicker recovery.

Gland Excision

When there is significant glandular tissue (the firm, disc-like tissue behind the nipple), direct excision is required. This is performed through a small incision at the edge of the areola. In many cases, liposuction and gland excision are combined for optimal results.

Skin Removal

In advanced cases (Grade III-IV), excess skin may need to be removed to achieve a tight, masculine chest contour. This involves larger incisions, and Dr. Somvanshi carefully plans the incision placement to minimise visible scarring.

All gynecomastia surgeries performed by Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi take place at accredited hospitals in Mumbai, including SevenHills Hospital, HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, NH SRCC, MRR Hospital, Surya Hospital, and Sushrusha Hospital, ensuring full anaesthesia support and patient safety.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from gynecomastia surgery is generally straightforward:

• Days 1-3 – Mild to moderate soreness and swelling. Pain is well-managed with prescribed medications.
• Week 1 – Most patients return to desk work. A compression vest is worn to reduce swelling and support healing.
• Week 3-4 – Light exercise can be resumed. Strenuous chest exercises are avoided.
• Week 6 – Full activity, including gym workouts, is typically permitted.
• Month 3-6 – Final results are visible as swelling fully resolves.

The compression vest is usually worn for 4-6 weeks to ensure optimal contouring and minimise fluid accumulation.

Take the First Step

Gynecomastia can have a profound impact on self-esteem and quality of life. If you are a man in Mumbai dealing with enlarged breast tissue, know that effective treatment is available. Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi offers confidential consultations to assess your condition, explain your options, and develop a personalised surgical plan. Contact his clinic today to book your appointment and take the first step towards a more confident you.