Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast tissue due to various causes. It is commonly defined as excessive breast development. Gynecomastia is typically seen in one in three men. In some individuals, gynecomastia can affect one breast, and in others, both breasts. Conversely, both breasts can be affected unevenly, reaching varying sizes.

Gynecomastia is the development of female-type breast tissue in men. This condition occurs in infants and older adults, particularly during puberty. This condition is often caused by weight gain during adolescence.

Gynecomastia isn't a serious condition. This condition, which occurs in men, can harm both a person's health and self-esteem. In turn, these negative effects can lead to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.

Gynecomastia surgery is performed at Ankara Private Magnet Hospital. You can visit our hospital and meet with our Aesthetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgeon to receive information about the treatment process and begin the treatment process. For some patients, medication is recommended, while for others, surgery is recommended.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

The most common cause of gynecomastia is hormonal fluctuations. This condition is associated with irregular and unbalanced estrogen and testosterone levels. Estrogen is the female hormone, while testosterone is the male hormone. In some cases, it has been observed that women have a small amount of testosterone and men have estrogen. Consequently, excessive levels of these hormones in both individuals can lead to adverse outcomes. Many factors can be attributed to hormonal changes. Some of these changes are natural and do not have an underlying medical condition. The causes of gynecomastia are as follows:

• Natural Hormone Changes : Natural hormones, testosterone and estrogen, are known to control sex characteristics in humans. Hormonal changes can cause gynecomastia. While testosterone determines male characteristics, estrogen controls female characteristics. Contrary to popular belief, gynecomastia occurs when the testosterone/estrogen balance shifts.
• Drugs that cause gynecomastia : Many medications used by a person can cause gynecomastia. These include:
• Some antibiotics and ulcer medications
• Chemotherapy
• Some anxiety medications
• Anti-androgen drugs used to prevent prostate enlargement or to treat prostate cancer
• Anabolic steroids and androgens
• Drugs: Drugs are known to have many harmful effects on health. Drugs such as alcohol consumption, heroin, amphetamines, marijuana, and methadone can cause gynecomastia.
• Various Health Problems: Many health problems can disrupt the normal balance of hormones and cause gynecomastia. These include:
• Hypogonadism
• Tumors
• Kidney failure
• Malnutrition and starvation
• Liver failure and cirrhosis
• Aging

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

The most prominent sign and symptom of gynecomastia is the naturally swollen breast tissue. Breast tenderness may sometimes be observed. In men, breast tissue can visibly enlarge. The rate of growth varies from person to person, and the resulting imbalance between the breasts can cause breast swelling and pain.

How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?

A manual examination of both breasts is essential for diagnosing gynecomastia. The doctor will first perform a physical examination and obtain information about the patient and their family history. During the physical examination, the patient's breast tissue will be evaluated and a blood test may be ordered to determine the cause of gynecomastia. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient may require further testing, such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans, testicular ultrasounds, and tissue biopsies, for complete clarification.

How Is Gynecomastia Treated?

Most gynecomastia treatments do not require surgical intervention. Some breast tissue heals spontaneously, while others are treated with medication. If this condition persists and is not treated with medication, it can cause significant pain, tenderness, or psychological problems that can significantly impact the individual's life. The gynecomastia treatment plan is based on the size of the tissue disc, including the amount and extent of fat accumulation in the breast, looseness, and sagging of the breast skin. Generally, for individuals with a disc diameter smaller than 4 cm, the patient should be informed and expected to resolve on its own. However, if these symptoms persist for more than four years and gynecomastia symptoms worsen, treatment is initiated. If the disc is between 4 and 6 cm, medical treatment is preferred. However, if the disc diameter is larger than 6 cm, surgical treatment is preferred.

How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

The most effective and definitive method for treating gynecomastia is surgery. The procedure to be performed will be determined by the surgeon after an examination. The most commonly used methods for treating gynecomastia are:

• Liposuction: For fatty gynecomastia, a 4-mm incision is made in the armpit area. The procedure involves vacuuming out excess fat within and around the breast tissue. No incision is made in the nipple area. In fatty gynecomastia, the fatty tissue is the most important component. The procedure takes approximately one hour. After the procedure, a compression garment and a compression bandage are applied to the area.
• Surgical Removal of Tissue by Making an Incision in the Breast Skin: Gynecomastia surgery is performed under sedation and anesthesia or general anesthesia. In this procedure, the firm breast tissue is predominantly removed through a semicircular incision made down to the lower half of the breast. This treatment method involves different incisions, and excess breast and fatty tissue are removed along with a small amount of breast tissue. One of the most important factors during the surgery is determining how much tissue is removed to achieve a natural appearance. Surgical time varies depending on the technique used. Gynecomastia surgery typically lasts between one and four hours. The procedure is performed with only a scar under the breast.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Surgery?

The complications following gynecomastia surgery vary from person to person. If liposuction is the preferred procedure, recovery time is faster than with surgery. After the surgery, your doctor will ask you to follow certain precautions to speed up your recovery. These include:

• The patient should be careful not to lift anything heavy for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
• Movements that will strain you, such as bending and squatting, should be avoided.
• After the surgery, it is recommended that the person lie flat for 3-4 days.
• It is mandatory to wear the post-operative corset for 3 weeks because it helps reduce swelling and edema.
• The patient should not take a bath for the first three days after surgery.
• The person should not move their arms and shoulders too much after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What are the Costs of Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery varies depending on the individual's degree of breast enlargement and the surgical technique used. You can begin your treatment by visiting Ankara Private Magnet Hospital and meeting with our Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery physician to discuss the surgical method, treatment process, and any necessary procedures. For more information about gynecomastia surgery, please contact us at (312) 212 80 80.

Is There an Age Limit for Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Surgery?

While gynecomastia surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes, it is not performed on individuals under the age of 18. It is important that a year has passed since the diagnosis of gynecomastia. Because hormonal changes during puberty will subside over the next few years, surgery may not be necessary.

Does Gynecomastia Progress?

If gynecomastia is caused by weight gain, the breasts will continue to grow as the patient continues to gain weight. There is no specific limit to this growth. Stretch marks and sagging skin can occur in cases of rapidly developing and growing gynecomastia.

Does Gynecomastia Affect Sexuality?

Yes, it does. Because when estrogen levels increase and testosterone levels decrease, people may experience a loss of sexual desire.