Gynecomastia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Costs

Excessive breast tissue in men — also known as gynecomastia — is the most common breast disorder for males, impacting 50% to 65% of men worldwide.¹ It can cause embarrassment, social discomfort and irritation during physical activities.²

Fortunately, a variety of gynecomastia treatment options are available for men to consider that can reduce or remove enlarged breast tissue, helping them achieve the physique and confidence they want.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition where the breast tissue in a man becomes enlarged or overdeveloped.² While gynecomastia is not considered physically or medically dangerous, it can have psychological or emotional impacts that warrant medical treatment.²

Causes of Gynecomastia

There are three main causes of gynecomastia: hormonal imbalance, medications and a variety of diseases or health concerns.²

1. Hormonal imbalance

The most common cause of gynecomastia is a change in the level of testosterone compared to the level of estrogen in the body. It can be brought on by conditions or periods of growth that reduce or block testosterone or increase estrogen. Hormonal imbalances can often occur in newborns, teens and older adults.²

• Newborns: Right after birth, newborn males often have an increased quantity of estrogen in their bloodstream from their mothers. As a result, more than 50% of newborn males have gynecomastia, which usually resolves itself within two to three weeks.²
• Puberty: Teen boys can experience a number of hormonal changes that can lead to temporary gynecomastia. Usually, enlarged breast tissue during this time will go away on its own within six months to two years.²
• Older adults: As men get older, the amount of testosterone in their body tends to decline, which can lead to gynecomastia.¹

2. Medications

The use of certain medications and drugs can also cause gynecomastia, including those used to treat:¹

• Anxiety and depression
• High blood pressure
• Enlarged prostates
• Male infertility
• Heartburn

Drugs such as anabolic steroids, amphetamines, marijuana and opioids can also lead to gynecomastia. Some essential oils such as lavender oil and tea tree can also cause it.²

3. Health concerns

Certain health concerns or diseases may also lead to gynecomastia, including:¹

• Testicular or lung cancer
• Kidney or liver disease
• Adrenal or pituitary gland tumors
• Thyroid disorders
• Hypogonadism²
• Obesity

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

The central symptom of gynecomastia is male breast enlargement. The growth may occur in only one or both breasts, and may often be asymmetrical.¹

Some men may also experience breast pain, tenderness or nipple sensitivity. However, many men do not experience any significant symptoms.²

Diagnosing Gynecomastia

If you are a male noticing breast enlargement, you'll want to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for an evaluation. Your doctor will want to know what medications you are taking and if you have any other health concerns.¹

You may be given a blood or urine test, a mammogram or a biopsy in order to rule out other potential causes.¹

Your doctor will be able to evaluate you for other conditions such as a breast abscess, breast cancer or fatty breast tissue that can also cause similar symptoms.³

Treatment Options for Gynecomastia

While gynecomastia can cause embarrassment and discomfort, treatment isn't always medically necessary. If your gynecomastia is caused by hormone changes, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting to see if the enlarged breast tissue goes away on its own, or offer hormone therapy.¹

If the gynecomastia is caused by medication, your healthcare provider may recommend stopping or changing medication. If the gynecomastia is caused by a health condition, there may be other treatment options to explore.¹

Some medications used to treat breast cancer may be able to help reduce breast enlargement from gynecomastia.³ In rare situations, persistent gynecomastia can also be treated with surgery.²

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as a reduction mammaplasty, may be recommended if other treatment methods have not been successful.⁴

Procedure

After sedating the patient, a surgeon will either use liposuction or excision to remove the excess tissue and skin.

Liposuction is primarily used when the gynecomastia is due to the presence of excess fatty tissue. When there is excess skin or glandular breast tissue that needs to be removed, excess skin will be cut away and the areola repositioned through excision.⁵

When needed, both procedures can be performed together to help achieve a patient's desired results.⁵

Recovery

After the procedure, sutures will be used to close any incisions, and the area will be bandaged. An elastic support garment may need to be worn for the first few days to reduce swelling and provide support.⁶

Recovery from gynecomastia surgery will vary depending on the procedure used. Most patients treated with both liposuction and excision will be able to return to work within five to seven days and resume light physical activity within two to three weeks. Your doctor will let you know when you are able to return to normal levels of physical activity.⁷

Results

Final results from the procedure may take three to six months.⁸ If your weight stays stable, the results from gynecomastia surgery should be permanent, with most patients satisfied with their results and gaining confidence.⁹

Risks and complications

Although serious complications from gynecomastia surgery are not common, all surgical procedures carry the potential for some risks, such as:¹⁰

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Hematomas or seromas
• Infection or bleeding
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions

Some patients may also not be satisfied with the results of the procedure and need additional procedures to achieve their desired results.¹⁰

The risk for potential complications can be minimized by being up front about your medical history with your surgeon and fully following recommended preoperative and postoperative care guidelines.¹⁰

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of gynecomastia surgery is $4,239.¹¹

This price does not include anesthesia, the surgeon's fee or surgical center costs. The overall cost may vary based on geographic location, surgeon experience and the type of procedures used.¹¹

Does Insurance Cover Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by health insurance, but check with your provider to see if it may be included in your coverage.¹¹ If not, the surgical center may offer in-house financing or you can pay for the costs of gynecomastia surgery over time with the CareCredit credit card.*

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Gynecomastia Surgery

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for gynecomastia surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.