Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs when breast tissue grows more than normal in men. Gynecomastia is a very common condition in male society and is commonly known as breast enlargement in men. Gynecomastia, which can be seen unilaterally or bilaterally, can cause self-confidence problems as well as aesthetic concerns. This condition, which is common during adolescence due to hormonal fluctuations, can also occur in later ages due to hormone disorders, drug use, excessive weight gain or genetic reasons.

Although gynecomastia does not always pose a serious health hazard, it can seriously affect social life and psychology. Therefore, consulting a doctor for gynecomastia treatment is an important step in terms of both aesthetic appearance and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

The most obvious symptom of gynecomastia is a visible enlargement in the breast area. When touched, this growth can be felt as a hard or soft tissue depending on the content of the breast. Some patients may also experience nipple tenderness, swelling, pain or breast asymmetry. Wearing tight clothes or t-shirts, especially in summer, may cause visual and psychological discomfort in patients.

What causes gynecomastia?

The causes of gynecomastia are very diverse. Among the most common causes are hormonal imbalances. Disruption of the balance of testosterone and estrogen hormones in men can lead to growth in breast tissue. Adolescent gynecomastia, which occurs due to temporary hormonal changes during puberty, is a normal condition and it is appropriate to follow up until after puberty. If puberty gynecomastia does not regress in the natural process in a hormonally balanced man, it will be correct to put forward treatment solutions with surgery.

In addition, some medications (heart, blood pressure, psychiatric drugs), alcohol, anabolic steroids and drug use can also cause gynecomastia. Health problems such as liver, kidney or thyroid diseases are also among the important causes of gynecomastia. In addition, gaining excess weight causes fat to accumulate in the chest area, making gynecomastia more prominent. The important point here is the difference between gynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia. Pseudo-gynecomastia is a breast enlargement due to fat accumulation only and is defined as pseudo-gynecomastia; whereas in true gynecomastia, fibroglandular tissues known as mammary glands also grow. In order to make this distinction, it is important to be examined by a specialist physician and to plan the necessary examination and treatment.

How is gynecomastia diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of gynecomastia, a detailed physical examination is first performed to determine the general condition of the breast tissue and concomitant diseases. After evaluating the structure, firmness and degree of enlargement of the breast tissue, the doctor may use imaging methods such as ultrasound or MRI if necessary. If a differential diagnosis of hormonal imbalance is needed, hormone levels are also examined by means of blood tests.

Thanks to this detailed examination, it is revealed whether the patient is actually experiencing gynecomastia or pseudo-gynecomastia due to adiposity. The correct diagnosis is very important for choosing the appropriate treatment method.

How is gynecomastia treated?

Gynecomastia treatment is performed with surgical methods and only liposuction may be sufficient in mild cases of gynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia. In this method, excess fat tissue is removed and the chest is flattened. In advanced cases accompanied by a significant amount of breast tissue, both fat tissue and enlarged breast tissue must be removed. In this case, the operation is performed through a crescent-shaped incision made under the nipple in accordance with the ‘pull through’ surgical technique, regardless of the accompanying liposuction.

Most patients can be discharged on the same day after 1-2 hours of surgery, which is usually performed under general anesthesia. Drain use is also in question in surgeries performed with the pull through method, and drain removal is planned according to the amount coming from the drain. After gynecomastia surgery, the chest area gains a flatter, more fit and masculine appearance. For this reason, the surgery helps to increase self-confidence as well as eliminating aesthetic concerns.

Recovery process after gynecomastia surgery

Although swelling, bruising and mild pain may be seen in the chest area in the first days after gynecomastia surgery, this is part of the body’s natural healing process and will gradually disappear over time. Using a special gynecomastia corset after the operation helps both to reduce edema and to maintain the new shape of the breast tissue.

Although patients can easily return to their daily life within a few days, it is necessary to wait 4-6 weeks for sports and heavy exercises. Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption during the healing process accelerates recovery and reduces the risk of complications.

Will there be a scar after gynecomastia surgery?

Many patients wonder the question “Will there be a scar after gynecomastia surgery?”. Since the incisions made during the surgery are quite small, the remaining scars do not cause dissatisfaction. If only liposuction is applied, there will be millimetric scars around the chest and these will fade over time. Since the incisions made around the nipple remain within the natural lines, although they are visible at first, they fade over time and are not easily noticeable.

Thanks to regular wound care, creams recommended by the doctor and a patient healing process, postoperative scars do not cause aesthetic discomfort.

Is gynecomastia treatment permanent?

Gynecomastia surgery is a permanent solution and it is unlikely that the removed breast tissue will regenerate. However, factors such as weight gain, medication, hormone imbalances or anabolic steroid use can lead to regrowth in the chest area. In addition, in gynecomastia accompanied by excessive sagging, despite the use of liposuction and tightening devices, it may not be possible to achieve complete shrinkage of the skin in the first session. In such cases, revision surgeries may be required.

For a permanent and aesthetic result, it is important to eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain the ideal weight. In this way, the aesthetic appearance provided by the surgery is preserved for many years.