Gynaecomastia Treatment: Diagnosis, Options and Risks
Gynaecomastia is enlargement of male breast gland tissue. Fat accumulation without gland enlargement is sometimes called pseudogynaecomastia. Because causes and treatment differ, diagnosis should come before medication, supplements or surgery.
Causes and assessment
Gynaecomastia can occur during hormonal change and may relate to medicines, substances or medical conditions. Assessment can include history, examination of the chest and testicles, review of medicines and targeted blood tests or imaging when clinically indicated. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice from the prescriber.
When to seek prompt medical advice
Seek assessment for a new hard or one-sided lump, nipple discharge or bleeding, skin dimpling, rapid change, significant pain, a testicular lump or other unexplained symptoms. These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they should not be treated as a cosmetic issue without evaluation.
Treatment options
- Observation: may be appropriate when the condition is recent, stable or expected to resolve.
- Addressing an underlying cause: may involve management of a health condition or clinician-led review of medicines.
- Medication: has selected indications and risks; hormone treatment is not a general cosmetic remedy.
- Surgery: liposuction, gland excision, skin removal or a combination may be considered after assessment.
Exercise may improve chest muscle and reduce general fat but does not reliably remove glandular tissue. Over-the-counter “gynaecomastia pills” and hormone-balancing supplements should not be presented as proven treatment.
Surgical risks and expectations
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, contour irregularity, asymmetry, altered nipple sensation, scarring, skin or nipple-healing problems, blood clots, anaesthetic complications and further surgery. Surgery cannot guarantee confidence, a scar-free chest or perfect symmetry.
See Revitalize’s gynaecomastia treatment page and assessment route. Revitalize should confirm the current contracted surgeon and hospital before booking.
General information only.