Gynecomastia Surgery: Myths vs. Facts

Gynecomastia Surgery: Myths vs. Facts

12 September, 2025 | By Dr. Aarathi Rakesh

What Is Gynecomastia and Why Does It Matter?

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, a condition that is more common than many people realise. While it may not often present a concern for physical health and wellbeing, emotional impact can be significant. For many men, the condition conjures feelings such as self-consciousness, embarrassment, and even avoidance of social activities. The condition may originate during times of developmental change such as puberty when hormonal changes are evident, continue into adulthood, or present later in course of life, when widespread hormonal change often occurs.

Gynecomastia is commonly viewed to be a cosmetic issue, however, the condition is much more deep-seated. Men presenting with gynecomastia may perceive tenderness, pain, or a tight sensation in their chest. The psychological impacts can be much deeper and far-reaching. Wearing fitted shirts, going to the beach, or even swimming can become nearly impossible tasks. Therefore, the discussion around gynecomastia surgery must shift away from appearance and consider gynecomastia as medical condition impacting quality of life.

Why Are There So Many Myths About Gynecomastia Surgery?

Misinformation is generated by stigma and silence. Most men do not want to discuss their condition, which allows misinterpretation and misunderstanding to flourish. For example, people may confuse gynecomastia with obesity, think gynecomastia is a condition that results from always having a poor lifestyle, or think that exercise alone can solve their problem. Social media and websites that lack credibility only make distinguishing fact from fiction more difficult for the affected individuals.

Myths threaten the well-being of men by causing avoidable delays in treatment. Some men have delayed surgery for over ten years, struggling with the unnecessary shame and discomfort, while others go looking for unproven cures that will do nothing to resolve the glandular tissue. By clarifying what gynecomastia surgery is and what it isn't, hospitals like Sunrise Hospital help establish permissive boundaries for men who are ready to receive safe and effective treatment.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery the Same as Weight Loss?

One misconception is that gynecomastia is just excess fat which can be burned away with diet and exercise. While weight loss or dieting may improve overall health and reduce the amount of fat around the chest area, but it cannot eliminate glandular breast tissue, which is usually the actual cause of the issue.

Gynecomastia surgery is specifially to remove the unwanted fat or glandular tissue that can not be removed by diet and exercise. Surgery uses specific techniques that lead to the removal of unavailable tissue (either glandular, fat, or both) to restore flat, masculine contour of the chest. For many men, gynecomastia surgery provides the only viable method for obtaining permanent results.

Does Every Man Have Gynecomastia That Requires Surgery?

Not every case requires surgery. For example, in adolescents, gynecomastia may resolve on its own within a few years as hormone levels stabilise. There are, of course, some men who may have very mild gynecomastia that personally does not cause them a lot of adverse impact and self-esteem and a medical provider may recommend observation instead of surgery.

But for men who would like to correct chronic, moderate or severe gynecomastia that has not responded to efforts to treat it medically, or because of lifestyle habits, surgery is usually the best, most effective and permanent option. The decision is a personal one and should be made with a qualified, experienced surgeon who can consider the circumstances of the specific case, provide an honest assessment, and make valuable suggestions to help support the decision-making.

Does Gynecomastia Surgery Leave a Visible Scar?

Another consideration that often holds men back from even considering surgery, is the thought of scars. In the past, this was a valid consideration. However, the surgical techniques have improved over the decades. In fact, we now perform many minimally invasive procedures where there are very small incisions that are often hidden in the typical natural creases of the chest.

At Sunrise Hospital our surgeons use innovative treatment methods that prioritise both functionality and aesthetics. Scars are typically minimal and fade over time, leaving patients with natural-looking results.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Safe?

Safety is a valid concern any time any surgery is involved. That said, gynecomastia surgery is considered to be one of the safest cosmetic procedures, when performed by a skilled and qualified surgeon. Thus, such complications are uncommon, and most patients return to everyday activities in a few weeks.

Pre-surgical assessments at Sunrise Hospital are designed to make sure each patient is physically fit for the procedure. Anaesthesia is given with great care, and patients are closely monitored during recovery. Through its practices, Sunrise Hospital and its surgical team are always aiming to deliver wonderful results, while ensuring patients health and safety are never sacrificed.

Who Leads the Plastic Surgery Department at Sunrise Hospital?

The Plastic Surgery Department at Sunrise Hospital is led by Dr. Aarathi Rakesh, who is a brilliant surgeon and she is also compassionate and experienced. With her level of experience, she is an expert in every case.

Qualifications: MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Plastic Surgery), and DNB (Plastic Surgery). With over ten years of experience in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She has developed expertise in a very wide range of procedures.

Dr. Aarathi's specialities include cosmetic surgery, i.e. liposuction, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, and gynecomastia correction, and complex reconstructive surgery, i.e. microvascular procedures, limb replantation, and congenital deformities. She is both technically very precise, and also very empathetic and builds an rapport with all patients from the moment they contact the hospital right through to completion of their treatment, ensuring that their after care is a full circle and supports the notion of continuity of care.

Why Is Sunrise Hospital the Best Choice for Plastic Surgery in Kasargod?

Sunrise Hospitals has quickly emerged as one of the trusted healthcare networks in Kerala, and already the first choice for those wanting the Best Plastic Surgery in Kasargod. The hospital is known for leading technology, caring and professional services and an outstanding commitment to ethical practice.

Sunrise has modern facilities organized to ensure safety, comfort and efficiency. Surgery occurs in modern operating theatres equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and recovery is monitored in the relevant care unit. In addition to the technical excellence of the hospital there is another key aspect — the compassion of care. The hospital is a welcoming place and puts patients as a person before considering their condition, treatment, or operation.

To organize an appointment or find out more about our services, you can phone 04672208180 or via e-mail info@sunrisehospitalkanhangad.com.