Fat or gland?
Press gently under your nipple. If you feel a firm, rubbery disc right behind it, that is gland tissue: true gynecomastia. If the chest is soft and uniform, like fat elsewhere on your body, it is mostly fat: pseudogynecomastia. Many men have both.
This matters because fat responds to weight loss and liposuction, while gland tissue doesn't shrink with exercise and needs to be removed surgically.
Common causes
- Puberty. Hormone changes enlarge the gland in many boys. It usually settles within 2–3 years. If it persists after 18–19, it is unlikely to go away.
- Weight gain. Fat tissue converts some testosterone to oestrogen, which stimulates the gland.
- Anabolic steroids and some gym supplements. A frequent cause in young men.
- Medicines such as some acid-reflux, heart, prostate and psychiatric drugs.
- Health conditions, less commonly: liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems, or hormone-producing tumours.
A sudden, painful, one-sided or hard, fixed lump needs examination to rule out other conditions.
Grades
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Small enlargement, no extra skin |
| 2 | Moderate enlargement, no extra skin |
| 3 | Moderate enlargement with extra skin |
| 4 | Marked enlargement with extra skin and drooping, like a female breast |
Grades 1–3 are usually corrected through small cuts. Grade 4 often needs skin removal.
Non-surgical steps first
- Stop steroids or supplements that may contain hormones.
- Review medicines with your doctor.
- Lose excess weight. This reduces the fat component.
- Give pubertal gynecomastia time to settle.
When surgery helps
Surgery is the definitive treatment when the enlargement has been present for more than a year or two, the lump persists after weight loss, or it affects your confidence or activities. The operation combines liposuction to remove the fat with removal of the gland through a small cut at the edge of the areola.
At Dr. Vikrant's practice in Ranchi, gynecomastia surgery starts at ₹50,000, is done as a day procedure, and most men return to work in 3–5 days.
For a Hinglish version, read gynecomastia ka ilaj Ranchi mein.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Results and recovery differ between patients. Prices are starting prices and are confirmed after examination.