Gynecomastia (Male Breast Enlargement)
During normal physiological development, boys may experience slight breast growth during adolescence. If this growth does not regress or increases after adolescence, it can be a significant problem for a boy or young man. In recent years, this problem has been observed more frequently due to factors such as food, water, and environmental influences. Especially additives and chemicals in foods can lead to negative consequences such as early puberty in children and breast growth.
Not every breast enlargement in males is considered “gynecomastia.” In the condition known as “pseudo-gynecomastia” or “social gynecomastia,” excessive growth occurs in the breast area due to an increase in fat. The person may try to reduce the visibility of this by leaning forward. They may prefer thicker and looser clothing. For boys, gynecomastia is a subject of ridicule among friends. Therefore, this condition should be treated at the appropriate time without causing a psychological trauma. Also, in elderly men, a physiological gynecomastia is observed in about 50% of cases.
The distinction between whether there is excessive fat accumulation or excessive breast tissue will be easily made with an ultrasound examination requested by your surgeon. The surgical procedure will be shaped according to this. If there is an accumulation of fat, liposuction will be performed, and if there is an increase in breast tissue, the surgical removal of the tissue will be planned. In some cases, both procedures are performed together, and if there is excess skin, it is also removed.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is mostly an unknown condition. In very few cases, some causes can be identified. These include:
- Some diseases: cirrhosis, thyroid diseases, some cancers such as pituitary, lung, testicular, and adrenal.
- Some medications: anti-androgen drugs used in the treatment of prostate cancer, anabolic steroids, cimetidine, diazepam, spironolactone, estrogens, digoxin, some antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers).
Therefore, before the operation, necessary hormone tests, a detailed examination, and additional tests if necessary are requested.
Male Breast Liposuction Surgery
Excess fat is removed from both breast areas through small incisions that allow the insertion of liposuction cannulas. It is a 1-hour procedure performed under general anesthesia. Generally, hospitalization is not required. When you wake up, you will see a special corset covering the breast areas. You should wear this for at least 1 month after the surgery. This is necessary to prevent the tissue from sticking and to prevent additional looseness. Daily dressings are performed. You will come to the clinic for a check-up 2-3 days after the surgery, and your follow-up will be ensured through intermittent check-ups. Detailed instructions on what to be careful about will be explained to you.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
If there is excess breast tissue, it is removed in an appropriate amount and shaped properly. The amount of tissue to be removed from the breast must be well planned. This depends on the surgeon’s experience and success. The surgery and the subsequent process are similar to liposuction surgery. Again, the use of a corset is necessary.
After male breast liposuction surgery, there is very little scarring due to the small incisions made. If tissue removal surgery is performed, there will be small incisions, so scarring is not a significant problem. In some cases, we may recommend using a special corset for a longer period.