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Surgeon-Led Specialist Clinic
Led by plastic surgeon Dr. Ayad Harb, we pride ourselves on the standard of care, quality and safety of our treatments.
Central Clinic Locations
SRGN has three state of the art clinic locations in Central London, Bicester & Ascot.
Care Quality Commission
We're regulated by the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
GMC Registered Surgeons
All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.
Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Dr. Ayad Harb, one of the world's leading plastic surgeons
Gynecomastia, a term rooted in the Greek words for 'woman-like breasts', represents a medical condition that may not be a frequent topic of casual conversation, but it certainly impacts a notable segment of the male populace. At its core, gynecomastia describes the enlargement or swelling of the glandular tissue present in the male breast. It's pivotal to differentiate this from pseudogynecomastia, a condition characterised by fatty tissue accumulation in the breasts.
The genesis of gynecomastia is intricately tied to an imbalance between two critical hormones: testosterone and oestrogen. Contrary to some beliefs, males naturally produce a certain amount of oestrogen, a hormone that typically drives the development and sustenance of female characteristics in the body. When the balance tilts, and the male body either produces an excess of oestrogen or a reduced amount of testosterone, it can catalyse the enlargement of breast tissue.
Newborn males can provide a compelling case in point. At birth, they might exhibit enlarged breasts, a manifestation of their mother's oestrogen. In most instances, this enlargement diminishes and disappears within a couple of weeks. A similar transient occurrence can be observed during the turbulent hormonal phases of puberty in adolescent males. While the breast enlargement during this phase can be concerning, it usually resolves independently once hormone levels find their equilibrium.
However, adulthood, especially the age bracket of 50 to 69 years, brings its own challenges. Men in this age group face an elevated risk, with statistical data indicating that at least one in four men might grapple with this condition. Delving deeper into potential causes, one finds a range of medications, specific health conditions, and lifestyle choices that can influence hormone levels and, consequently, breast tissue size.
Medicinal treatments for various conditions, from ulcers and heart diseases to certain anti-anxiety drugs, can occasionally be the unexpected culprits behind gynecomastia. Health conditions, spanning the gamut from hyperthyroidism and kidney failure to tumours, can perturb the delicate hormonal balance. Even external substances, be it street drugs like marijuana, anabolic steroids, or herbal concoctions infused with tea tree oil or lavender, can trigger gynecomastia.
From a psychological vantage point, gynecomastia poses a profound challenge. Afflicted men often grapple with self-consciousness, particularly in scenarios that require revealing the chest, such as during swimming or beach outings. This self-awareness isn't merely superficial; it's deeply emotional, with some individuals going to the extent of sidestepping any physical activity to evade potential mockery or exposure. This evasion, over time, can erode their overall wellness and life quality.
Yet, amidst the physical and emotional tumult, there's a silver lining: gynecomastia is benign. It isn't an ominous harbinger of a severe underlying condition. Nor does it, contrary to some fears, amplify the risk of breast cancer in males. Although breast tissue does constitute a risk factor for breast cancer, it's vital to emphasise that the actual risk for men remains minuscule compared to their female counterparts.
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The human breast, regardless of gender, is composed of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Glandular gynecomastia specifically pertains to the enlargement of the glandular tissue in the male breast. This type of gynecomastia is the most prevalent and frequently results from hormonal imbalances or fluctuations that might be natural or induced.
Natural occurrences like puberty can lead to temporary glandular tissue enlargement. It is during these formative years that the body undergoes drastic hormonal shifts. Surges of oestrogen, a hormone traditionally associated with female physiological developments, can be produced in higher quantities relative to testosterone, the male counterpart. Such imbalances, albeit alarming for some, usually return to normal as adolescence concludes, leading to the natural regression of the enlarged glandular tissue.
However, in some cases, especially when linked to external factors such as medication or other medical conditions, glandular enlargement might persist or occur suddenly in adulthood. For instance, certain medications used for prostate cancer involve reducing testosterone levels, which can indirectly elevate the influence of oestrogen, leading to glandular growth.
Glandular gynecomastia presents as a firmer mass beneath the nipple area and might sometimes be tender to the touch. Unlike its fatty counterpart, this form of gynecomastia might not always respond well to weight loss, as it is less about accumulated fat and more about actual glandular tissue growth.
Fatty gynecomastia, as the name suggests, involves the enlargement of the breasts due to the accumulation of adipose or fatty tissue. It predominantly affects individuals who are overweight or obese, as increased fat storage can also manifest in the chest area. However, it's crucial to understand that this type of gynecomastia doesn't stem directly from hormonal imbalances, though hormones can play a part in overall weight gain.
The appearance of fatty gynecomastia is typically softer and more diffuse compared to the more localised firmness of glandular gynecomastia. Given its fatty nature, it's often responsive to weight management efforts. Diet modifications and increased physical activity can reduce the appearance or even entirely resolve fatty gynecomastia in many cases.
However, it's not always just a matter of body weight. Genetics can dictate fat storage patterns in individuals. Some men might be genetically predisposed to store fat in the chest region, even if they're not notably overweight. Thus, while weight management can alleviate the condition, it might not always eliminate it.
For those seeking more immediate or drastic results, surgical interventions like liposuction can be considered. Such procedures target and remove the excess fatty tissue, rendering a more contoured chest appearance.
Mixed gynecomastia encapsulates both the fatty and glandular enlargement components in the male breast. This dual presentation is frequently seen in adult males and represents a more complex form of gynecomastia. The precise ratio of fat to glandular tissue can vary considerably from one individual to another.
One might wonder how mixed gynecomastia develops. Typically, it results from a combination of factors, both hormonal and lifestyle-based. An individual might have a hormonal predisposition to glandular tissue growth, which is then compounded by weight gain, leading to an increase in fatty tissue in the chest.
A thorough clinical examination, often supplemented with imaging studies like mammograms or ultrasounds, can help determine the dominant tissue type, offering insights into the most effective treatment strategy. It's not uncommon for patients with mixed gynecomastia to require a combination of treatments, addressing both the glandular and fatty components.
For instance, a surgical approach might involve glandular tissue excision, followed by liposuction to address the fatty component. Given the dual nature of mixed gynecomastia, the treatment process can be more intricate, necessitating a comprehensive strategy that targets both tissue types for optimal results.
The journey to address gynecomastia is multifaceted and tailored to the individual's unique anatomy, type of gynecomastia, and desired outcomes. Two standout methods in the realm of treatments are Gynecomastia Liposuction and BODYtite. Both techniques have been steadily gaining traction, offering promising results to those seeking a solution.
Gynecomastia Liposuction is particularly adept at tackling fatty gynecomastia. This minimally invasive procedure focuses on the removal of surplus fat from the breast area. The method employs a cannula, a slender tube, which is inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. Attached to a suction device, it meticulously removes excess fat deposits, rendering a flatter, more masculine chest contour.
While the idea of liposuction might sound daunting to some, advancements in medical technology have refined the process. Modern liposuction techniques minimise tissue trauma, thereby reducing post-operative discomfort and hastening recovery times. Most individuals undergoing this procedure find themselves ready to resume regular activities within a week. The success of gynecomastia liposuction isn't just rooted in the surgical procedure but also in post-operative care. To sustain the newly attained results, maintaining a stable weight post-surgery is of paramount importance.
In contrast to the primarily fat-focused liposuction, BODYtite brings a holistic approach to gynecomastia treatment. This innovative procedure is a radiofrequency-assisted liposuction technique, holding the dual promise of effective fat removal coupled with skin tightening. Its efficacy stems from the use of radiofrequency energy, which, when applied, gently heats the underlying tissues. This targeted heating not only causes fat cells to liquefy, easing their removal, but also stimulates collagen production, resulting in skin tightening.
For individuals concerned about potential sagging post fat removal, or those who exhibit mild to moderate skin laxity, BODYtite emerges as an appealing option. The procedure, apart from its aesthetic benefits, boasts a reduced recovery time, primarily due to its less invasive nature. This allows patients to return to their daily lives with minimal interruption.
Choosing between the two treatments—or even contemplating a combination—should ideally be a decision made in concert with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. An accurate diagnosis, understanding of the patient's goals, and an overview of the available treatment options can pave the way for transformative results. Addressing gynecomastia, beyond its physical implications, has profound psychological benefits. The journey to treatment can profoundly enhance an individual's self-confidence, self-image, and overall sense of well-being.
Located in the heart of Ascot, Bicester, and London, the SRGN Clinic exemplifies afusion of cutting-edge science, unparalleled skill, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. The clinic stands as a beacon of excellence in thefield of aesthetic and plastic surgery.
Leading the team at SRGN is Dr. Ayad Harb, a renowned plastic surgeon and aesthetic trainer. His expertise, honed by years of experience and a genuine passion for improving lives, defines the very core of the clinic's ethos. Dr. Harb's innovative techniques, combined with an artistic eye for detail, enable him to deliver consistently exceptional results that are tailored to each patient's individual needs and desires.
At SRGN, we believe in the transformative power of aesthetic and plastic surgery. Our treatments, ranging from non-invasive procedures to complex surgical interventions, are designed to enhance and accentuate your natural beauty. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment where you can discuss your aesthetic goals openly, and together we create a treatment plan that brings these goals to life.
Every member of the SRGN team shares a deep commitment to patient care. We prioritise your comfort, safety, and satisfaction from the moment you step into our clinic. Each of our facilities mirrors the luxury and tranquility of their surroundings, offering a serene space where you can embark on your journey to self-improvement.
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