The concept of gynecomastia is often stigmatised in the society, leading to a lot of myths, misconceptions and lack of information surrounding the concept. Among the different types of gynecomastia, bilateral gynecomastia has gained a lot of traction in recent times.
Bilateral gynecomastia is a medical condition marked by the enlargement of breast tissue in both male breasts, resulting from an imbalance in hormone levels. The condition affects men of mostly all ages and often leads to emotional distress.
If you are curious to know more details about bilateral gynecomastia and how you can overcome the woes of it, this comprehensive guide from Handa Plastic Surgery will explore in detail.
Bilateral Gynecomastia – Breaking Down the Basics
Bilateral gynecomastia occurs when breast tissue in both male breasts grows disproportionately. Unlike pseudogynecomastia, where excess fat deposits mimic the appearance of breast tissue, gynecomastia involves actual glandular tissue growth.
In case of this type of gynecomastia, it primarily occurs due to an imbalance in the hormonal levels, especially between estrogen and testosterone levels, with estrogen encouraging breast tissue growth and testosterone inhibiting it.
Unlike unilateral gynecomastia where the condition only affects one breast, bilateral gynecomastia impacts both, making the condition more “noticeable.”
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What Causes Bilateral Gynecomastia?
To better understand the implications of bilateral gynecomastia, it is important to be aware of the causes contributing to the condition.
This includes:
1. Hormonal Imbalance
The main contributing factor behind bilateral gynecomastia is the hormonal imbalance, which is usually between estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen stimulates breast tissue growth, and while men also produce it, they generally have higher testosterone levels to counterbalance this effect. When testosterone levels decrease, or estrogen levels increase, gynecomastia can develop.
Usually, the impact of the hormonal imbalance is more pronounced during puberty, which is one of the main reasons why bilateral gynecomastia is more common in teenage boys. Its onset happens during adolescence and will usually resolve on its own without interventions.
2. Age-related Issues
With age, the testosterone production natural declines, usually contributing to the development of bilateral gynecomastia. This also happens due to the counteractive impacts of the estrogen. Older men, therefore, are more prone to developing gynecomastia, especially if they are also overweight.
3. Side Effects of Medication
There are certain medications like anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, certain anti-anxiety drugs, and heart medications that are associated with the development of bilateral gynecomastia. Since they disrupt the hormonal levels, it often leads to potential development of the enlargement of breast tissues in men. Additionally, certain treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy, may cause hormonal shifts that lead to gynecomastia.
4. Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, it can cause a steep rise in the estrogen levels in the blood. This happens because the fat cells convert androgens into estrogen. This unprecedented rise in the estrogen levels may stimulate breast tissue growth, contributing to the development of gynecomastia in men.
5. Chronic Ailments
Certain health conditions can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormone imbalances that promote breast tissue growth. For example, disorders such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and testicular tumors can result in gynecomastia. So, if you have been diagnosed with these chronic disorders or have these undiagnosed, those could be potential triggers behind the development of bilateral gynecomastia.
Also Read: Can Gynecomastia Be Treated With Hormonal Balance (Testosterone)?
What Are The Symptoms Of Bilateral Gynecomastia?
When talking about the symptoms of bilateral gynecomastia, the most visible symptom is the enlargement of the breast tissues in both the breasts.
Beyond that, some of the other symptoms to look out for are:
- Swelling and firmness in the breast tissue
- Tenderness or pain in the breast area
- Nipple sensitivity
- Symmetry issues in the size of both breasts
It’s important to note that while these symptoms are often benign, they can resemble those of male breast cancer, a rare condition. This explains why a thorough consultation and confirmed diagnosis is a necessity to clear out all the potential complications.
Also Read: Gynecomastia: Everything You Need To Know About Its Stages
How Is Bilateral Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of bilateral gynecomastia involves a lot of steps, especially starting with the initial consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons at Handa Aesthetics and Plastics.
Here’s a breakdown of the diagnosis process:
- During the initial consultation, the cosmetic specialist will conduct a physical examination to assess the breast tissues and rule out any potential complications like tumours and lumps.
- Beyond that, the doctor will ask for a thorough medical history of the patient to assess any potential complications that could be contributing to the significant hormonal unrest in the body.
- Ultrasound or mammography may be used to examine the breast tissue in more detail, ruling out other possible conditions such as cysts or tumours.
- Blood tests can measure hormone levels, including testosterone and estrogen, to detect any imbalances. Additionally, thyroid and liver function tests may be conducted to check for underlying health issues.
Based on the reports and the physical examination, the doctor will then confirm the diagnosis of bilateral gynecomastia, following which a personalised treatment plan is curated for the patient.
What Are The Treatment Options For Bilateral Gynecomastia?
Following the diagnosis, the next step in the process is treatment. There are numerous treatment options available, depending on the age of the patient, severity of the condition and the underlying hormonal levels in the body.
Following are a few effective treatment options to keep into consideration:
1. Observation and Lifestyle Changes
If the symptoms of bilateral gynecomastia are mild in the patient and they are quite young, meaning they are adolescent, introducing lifestyle changes is the first line of treatment. This involves eating a diet that regulates the hormonal levels naturally and also keeps a check on the patient’s weight, especially if they are overweight or obese. Furthermore, in adult patients with mild symptoms, cutting out alcohol and smoking is also a beneficial need.
2. Hormone Therapy
If the condition is due to a deficiency in testosterone, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered. However, HRT carries potential side effects and may not be suitable for all patients. This is one of the reasons why a thorough analysis is done before prescribing any medications to the patient.
3. Surgical Intervention
For persistent gynecomastia that does not respond to other treatments, surgery may be recommended. There are two primary surgical options – liposuction and mastectomy. Which of the two you go for will depend on the extent of the gynecomastia and the kind of overall well-being you have to go through surgeries like these.
Also Read: Managing Gynecomastia in Your 40’s: Strategies for Success
Recovery And Aftercare For Gynecomastia Surgery
If you have gotten gynecomastia surgery to correct your bilateral gynecomastia, recovery usually depends on the type of surgery you have gotten. On average, the recovery period is between 4-6 weeks. Beyond the precise surgical abilities of the cosmetic surgeon, aftercare is also a major necessity after the surgery.
Some of the recovery tips after a gynecomastia surgery include:
- Ensure that you are wearing compression garments to keep the swelling in check and also define the contour around the chest area after the surgery.
- For 4-5 weeks after the surgery, you’d have to avoid any kind of strenuous activities, including heavy lifting.
- Following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions including follow-up appointments, medications and incision care is vital to follow through.
Also Read: 6 Common Gynecomastia Myths Busted By Handa Plastic Surgery
Final Words
Bilateral gynecomastia is a common and often distressing condition, but it is treatable. With various options available, from lifestyle modifications to medical and surgical interventions, men have effective ways to address this condition and reclaim their confidence.
If you or a loved one is struggling with bilateral gynecomastia, know that help is available. At Handa Aesthetics, our team of leading cosmetic surgeons are here to ease the process of getting a diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and find a solution tailored to your needs. You can call us at 9982204355 or email us at [email protected].
