With just four days left for one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions, a young bodybuilder from Madurai noticed a hard, visible bulge under his nipple. No matter how strict his diet was, no matter how heavily he trained, and no matter how perfectly he prepared… that swelling refused to go away.

I’m Dr. Sheethal Mithran, and this is a recent case I treated at Dr. Sheethal Aesthetic Clinic, Madurai — a case that carries an important message for every bodybuilder, athlete, and fitness enthusiast.

This is not the first time I’ve seen this. In fact, it’s one of the most common problems brought to my clinic by men who work out intensely. So, in this blog, let me tell you about gyno male boobs, how to fix gynecomestia and gynecomestia cost in detail.

The Issue

Most bodybuilders focus on muscle… and eventually they forget their body. In order to gain hardness, boost muscle definition, and enhance strength, they tend to make the biggest mistake of their lives — steroid injections.

Steroids have become a routine shortcut for many athletes and gym freaks. But very few understand what these substances actually do inside the body. These steroids have the ability to disrupt your natural hormone cycle.

Here’s what happens:

  • Testosterone begins converting into estrogen
  • Estrogen triggers growth of glandular tissue
  • This leads to a firm lump under the nipple (not fat, not water, but gland)

This condition is called gynecomastia also known as gyno male boobs. When it’s gland-dominant, like in this young athlete, no exercise or dieting can undo it; only surgery becomes the permanent solution.

The Consultation and The Clarity

When he walked into my clinic, he came in with anxiety which was not just about the swelling but about losing months of hard work. My first step with every patient is simple: listen, examine, and remove the fear by explaining the truth clearly. And after checking him, the reason behind the bulge was unmistakable.

This is what I found during examination:

  • A solid, rubbery gland under the nipple
  • Minimal fat (this was not a “fat removal” case this is “gyno removal”)
  • Clear signs of steroid-induced hormonal imbalance
  • Visible chest asymmetry that would show on stage

Understanding the Root Cause

Before moving forward, I always explain what went wrong inside the body. Most men don’t realise that steroids can be dangerous when hormone washout is skipped. What you see outside is just a symptom, the real damage begins within the body.

This is how steroids disrupt your system:

  • Testosterone gets converted into estrogen
  • Estrogen stimulates gland growth under the nipple
  • The gland becomes hard and does not shrink
  • This creates a male breast-like bulge, even in lean athletes

At this stage, only surgery helps. And when I say this, the most common questions patients ask are, “Why can’t exercise fix it?” and “How to fix gynecomestia?”

Why Exercise Cannot Fix It

Many people believe that men chest fat loss or chest workouts can reverse gynecomastia, but this condition isn’t caused by fat alone. The problem is the gland, not the muscle. No matter how much you exercise, the gland doesn’t respond to workouts because it is a separate tissue that doesn’t shrink with diet or training. Gland tissue behaves differently from fat, and workouts can never burn it. This is the part most bodybuilders don’t realize until it’s too late.

The difference: 

  • Gland tissue is not affected by calorie deficit
  • Training only makes chest muscles grow, pushing the gland further out
  • Ice, gels, or supplements make no difference

This is where surgery steps in. But how does surgery help? Let us continue and know more.

Now that the cause was clear and non-surgical options were ruled out, the next step was to give him a solution that would not only fix the problem but also preserve his physique. This is where a carefully planned surgical approach becomes essential, especially for athletes whose careers depend on aesthetics and symmetry.

How to Fix Gynecomestia: The Process of Gyno Removal

Once the diagnosis was clear, we planned the surgery with one goal, to restore his masculine chest contour without affecting his muscle definition. As a certified surgeon, I take extra care because even the smallest contour change matters on stage and can destroy his dream. This is where precision counts.

Steps in the surgical procedure:

  • Tumescent infiltration to numb and reduce bleeding
  • Liposuction to smoothen the surrounding chest contour
  • Gland excision through a tiny peri-areolar incision
  • Chest sculpting for symmetry and definition
  • Compression garment applied to maintain shape and control swelling

Once the procedure was complete, the next crucial phase was understanding how his body responded. Surgery may correct the physical issue, but the transformation becomes meaningful only when the patient regains confidence and sees the change reflected in their everyday life.

Post-Surgery: The Transformation

The most satisfying part of my work is seeing the change not just in the chest, but in the patient’s confidence. He walked in with fear… and walked out relieved, hopeful, and ready to return stronger. The results spoke for themselves.

Before vs. After

❌ Sharp nipple bulge → completely gone ✅
❌ Chest distortion → restored symmetry ✅
❌ Hard gland → fully removed ✅
❌ Pain and discomfort → minimal to none ✅
❌ Self-consciousness → renewed confidence ✅

Faster Than Most Expect: The Recovery

A common fear among bodybuilders is needing rest and not being able to get back normal but gynecomastia surgery is simpler than they imagine. Most men return to normal activity the same day, and they heal even quicker due to better fitness. Here’s what recovery looked like for him.

His recovery timeline:

  • Minimal pain after surgery
  • No bed rest required
  • Daily routine resumed the same day
  • Chest workouts paused until complete healing
  • Gym resumed gradually

Bodybuilders and Athletes: Don’t Ignore the Signs

This case is not rare, it’s happening everywhere in gyms, competitions, and prep circuits. Steroid-induced gynecomastia is far more common than athletes admit, and the earlier you get it checked, the better your results. Ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear; it only makes treatment harder.

Your body is your biggest asset, not just your muscles. If you notice a lump, swelling, or asymmetry around the chest, don’t wait for your gyno male boobs to “go away on its own.” It won’t. The earlier you seek help, the better your aesthetic results and confidence.

At Dr. Sheethal Aesthetic Clinic, Madurai, I specialise in treating gland-dominant gynecomastia, especially in athletes and bodybuilders. If you’re experiencing similar symptoms or just want clarity, book a consultation and take the first step towards a confident, masculine chest. Wondering about the gynecomestia cost? We provide affordable operation price, because your body deserves the right care and your confidence deserves the right treatment.