This ‘growing problem’ among men is on the rise, say city doctors

When 12-year-old Vivek* was unwilling to attend swimming classes in school, his teachers and parents were clueless about the reason. Soon his mother took him to a doctor, who after examination discovered that he was suffering from bilateral gynaecomastia (enlargement of both breasts in males) and that was making him uncomfortable. 

Similarly, Anand*, a 33-year-old married man and father of two kids, confessed to his doctor that he had never taken off his shirt at home, not even in front of his wife. He too was suffering from the condition. 

Both Vivek and Anand underwent male breast reduction surgery that involves the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a flatter, firmer and more masculine contour to the chest. There are several reasons for male breast growth; the common ones being obesity, steroids and even excessive consumption of fatty food in the growing years. 

Dr Sasikumar Muthu of Pearl Health says, “This is a problem for many across age groups and more so among the younger ones. They seem to be more willing to come out and seek treatment for it, as they are under peer pressure and are more exposed socially. Breasts become a topic of embarrassment for them. Even among teenagers, discussions about body image are common. Naturally, they tend to think about it and seek solutions.” 

Sasikumar adds that he sees body-builders who have the condition, due to the intake of anabolic steroids as part of their fitness regimen. “The muscle grows around the area, but the gland is still there causing the breast,” he says. Dr Karthik Ram, chief cosmetic surgeon, Chennai Plastic Surgery, says that he performs as many as 25-30 such surgeries at the centre. 

He adds, “Such a procedure offers psychological relief for younger men and boys. There have been cases when people with gynaecomastia have contemplated suicide. But after counselling and learning about the treatment options, they are relieved and are ready to undergo it.”

 He also reveals that he once treated a 65-yearold man, who was unaccompanied during counselling and discharge after the procedure. The surgery can cost anywhere between Rs 70,000 and Rs 1,10,000 depending on the size.  Dr Karthik says, “No amount of diet and exercise can help in this. Surgery is the only effective option.” They add that there isn’t any recurrence in most cases, unless they are under specific medication.