Gynecomastia Q&A With Dr Hassan Nurein

After speaking to our patients and receiving questions via email and Facebook, our surgeon, Dr. Hassan Nurein, decided to prepare a gynecomastia Q&A blog for our readers. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked gynecomastia questions and male breast reduction treatment that patients ask him and his team.  

What causes gynecomastia? Gynecomastia, which is the medical term for male breast enlargement, is primarily caused by an accumulation of fatty tissue, hormone imbalance, or a combination of both.  

The accumulation of fatty tissue is usually caused by weight gain or old age. However, the hormonal imbalance has many underlying causes, from puberty to liver disease, use of anabolic steroids, or even testicular disease. In very rare cases, cancer can cause male breast enlargement.  

Am I eligible for gynecomastia treatment?

We only treat patients that have had a consulted with Dr. Hassan Nurein. This gives us the opportunity to correctly diagnose you and talk through different treatment options. The minimum age for any consultation and surgery is 18.  

Young men usually suffer gynecomastia due to hormonal imbalance during puberty, which oftentimes disappears on its own. Unless you think there could be another underlying cause of gynecomastia, or you experience pain and discomfort, we advise waiting until after 18 to seek gynecomastia treatment.  

How is gynecomastia treated?

The main two methods to remove gynecomastia are minimally invasive VASER liposuction and/or surgical gland removal. Dr. Nurein discusses both options in great detail with the patient, advising if one or both are necessary. Ultimately, the gynecomastia surgery method is chosen by the patient.  

How long is the recovery after gynecomastia surgery?

In most cases, the recovery time after gynecomastia surgery is 1 week. However, it does depend on the condition and the method used during surgery (i.e. liposuction or gland removal).  

Does gynecomastia surgey have any risks or complications?

Although gynecomastia surgery is a minimally invasive 2h outpatient procedure, there are some risks involved. To start with, as with any medical procedure, there are surgical risks such as pain, bruising and temporary swelling. Allergic reactions to the drugs used during the procedure also pause a small risk.  

The less likely complications are numbness, bleeding (hematoma), irregularities and asymmetry, fluid collection (seroma) and/or infection, and loose skin.  

Can gynecomastia treatment cause cancer?

Gynecomastia is usually a benign (noncancerous) condition and breast cancer is known to affect only 1% of male breast enlargement cases. Whilst gynecomastia could be a symptom of certain cancers or illnesses, this is rarely the case.  

Can gynecomastia regress after surgery?

Usually, gynecomastia treatment results are permanent, but in some cases, when other underlying health problems cause breast enlargement, it can regress. In the case of Gynecomastia onset at puberty, the breasts may regress naturally within two years. Also, gynecomastia was caused by medication or a supplement, which you continue to use after treatment, this could also cause the breast to grow again.  

What's the best way to prepare for gynecomastia surgey?

For one week prior to your treatment avoid:  

• smoking, recreational drugs, and alcohol
• vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medication

Ensure to disclose all medical problems and associated medication with your surgeon. In case there any changes in your health before the surgery (i.e. cold or flu) notify your clinic immediately, as your surgery will need to be postponed.