Gynecomastia Treatment: Understanding Costs and Options in India

Gynecomastia is a health condition in which male breast tissue grows bigger, mainly due to hormonal changes. This can be caused by excess estrogen levels or a lack of testosterone. Gynecomastia can develop in one or both breasts at any age. It can happen from adolescence to maturity, or as a side effect of certain medicines or health issues.

Gynecomastia is generally harmless, however it can be uncomfortable and cause mental discomfort. It has been shown to decrease men’s self-esteem and body image. For people thinking about gynecomastia surgery, the first step is to learn about the cost and available treatment options. This article provides a guide on gynecomastia treatment in India. It covers the surgical options, their prices, and the variables that can affect the costs.  

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is also known as male breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty. It is a type of surgery done to reduce the size of overdeveloped breasts in males. The procedure usually involves removing extra breast tissue and fat to produce a more masculine shape of the chest. 

Techniques may include liposuction, gland excision, or a combination of both, depending on the extent of tissue enlargement. Recovery times and results vary, but most patients experience significant improvement in chest appearance and a reduction in associated discomfort and psychological stress.

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Different Cities of India

The cost of gynecomastia surgery varies quite a lot among different cities in India. Bigger cities with high-end medical setups and highly skilled surgeons charge a higher amount of money compared to smaller cities. Here is the estimated cost of gynecomastia surgery in various cities of India:

Cost Of Gynecomastia in India
City	Minimum Cost (INR)
Delhi	40,000
Mumbai	40,000
Pune	40,000
Bangalore	40,000
Chennai	40,000
Ahmedabad	40,000
Hyderabad	40,000
Lucknow	40,000
Kolkata	40,000
Kochi	40,000

Note: Amount may vary after examination and consultation

Cost-breakdown of  Gynecomastia Surgery in India

In most cases, the amount charged for diagnostic tests is around ₹10,000. A surgeon charges a fee of around ₹30,000, and operating room and ICU services charge a similar amount. 

Room rent increases the total to ₹8,000. Drugs and follow up add around ₹5,000. Compression wear costs about ₹5,000. So all together, for gynecomastia surgery in India, the total expense usually comes up to about ₹88,000.

Types of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can be categorized into four grades based on the degree of breast enlargement and the amount of excess skin as follows:

1. Grade I: Breast enlargement is not significant, but there is no excess skin
2. Grade II: Breast enlargement is moderate with no excess skin.
3. Grade IIb (Grade III): Moderate enlargement of the breast with excess skin.
4. Grade III (Grade IV): Gross breast enlargement with excess skin.

Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery Grade-Wise

The cost of gynecomastia surgery is also dependent upon the grade of the condition and the type of surgery needed. The table below indicates an estimate based on different grades and surgical procedures:

Grade of Gynecomastia	Liposuction (₹)	Gland Excision (₹)	Male Breast Reduction (₹)
Grade 1	40,000 – 60,000	35,000 – 55,000	37,500 – 70,000
Grade 2	45,000 – 65,000	40,000 – 60,000	42,500 – 75,000
Grade 3	50,000 – 70,000	45,000 – 65,000	47,500 – 80,000
Grade 4	60,000 – 80,000	55,000 – 85,000	57,500 – 1,00,000

Note: Amount may vary after examination and consultation

Factors Contributing to Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in India

The cost of gynecomastia surgery in India is determined by the following factors:

• The costs tend to rise for higher grades of gynecomastia (Grades I-IV).
• Liposuction, gland excision, or a combination procedure would impact the overall cost. Liposuction focuses on fatty deposits, and gland excision is removal of glandular tissue.
• A very experienced surgeon with more experience in gynecomastia surgery will most likely charge more.
• Clinics and hospitals with advanced technology and superior facilities generally charge more for their services.
• Pre-surgical processes, including ECGs and blood tests add up to the overall cost.
• Post-operative visits and medications also contribute to the total expenses.
• Surgery in metropolitan areas tends to be more expensive due to higher living costs and demand for specialized medical services.

Can Gynecomastia Be Cured Without Surgery?

Yes, in cases where the issue is minor, or caused for a temporary phase. Gynecomastia can be self-managed even without surgery. Non-surgical treatments include:

1. Medication:  If gynecomastia is due to other medications, changing or stopping under medical guidance sometimes resolves the condition.
2. Hormone Therapy: In case gynecomastia is triggered by hormonal problems, treatment could reduce the hypertrophy of mammary tissue using hormone medications.
3. Weight loss: The reduction of total body fat through diet and exercise may reduce the size of enlarged breasts, especially in cases where excess fat contributes to gynecomastia.
4. Follow-up: In teens, gynecomastia often resolves by itself within several months to a couple of years without any interference.

However, in severe cases especially when classified as Grade II or higher, surgery is usually recommended to get better results.

Conclusion

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, caused by hormonal imbalances. Treatment of gynecomastia involves non-surgical interventions, like medication and changes in lifestyle, and surgical options, such as liposuction and gland excision. 

The price of the surgery for gynecomastia in India varies greatly on the basis of factors related to the severity of the condition, type of procedure, expertise of the surgeon, and the geography location of the source. Once these factors are understood, anyone can thoroughly research any available options and get suitable treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)