Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical term describing the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men.
This condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, side effects of certain medications and other medical causes.
Gynecomastia can occur from young adolescence and can also occur in adult men.
Breast enlargement in men can cause aesthetic concerns and this can negatively affect self-confidence.
Gynecomastia is a common problem that can lead to both cosmetic and psychological problems.

Gynecomastia surgery is performed by surgically removing enlarged breast tissue.
This procedure aims to achieve a flatter and more aesthetic chest appearance in men.
The surgery is usually performed with a combination of liposuction and removal of glandular tissue.

Who Is Suitable for Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia surgery is suitable for men who have overgrown breast tissue in the chest area and are uncomfortable with this condition.
The following situations are the main situations where gynecomastia surgery is appropriate:

• Abnormal growth in the chest area: Abnormally large breast tissue in men can cause aesthetic and psychological problems.
  Gynecomastia surgery removes this excess tissue and flattens the chest area.
• Hormonal imbalance: An imbalance between testosterone and estrogen hormones in the body can lead to breast enlargement in men.
  This can be corrected with gynecomastia surgery.
• Breast enlargement due to drug use: Some medications and anabolic steroids can cause breast enlargement in men.
  In such cases, surgical intervention may be required.
• Loss of self-confidence Gynecomastia can negatively affect a person’s body image and lead to loss of self-confidence in social life.
  Surgery can improve this situation and increase self-confidence.

Gynecomastia surgery is suitable for individuals who are in good general health, aesthetically uncomfortable with breast enlargement and have realistic expectations.

How is gynecomastia treated?

Gynecomastia surgery is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 2 hours.
The surgeon can remove excess breast tissue with liposuction or surgically remove the glandular tissue.
The technique with which the surgery is performed depends on the structure and size of the person’s breast tissue.

Gynecomastia surgery is usually performed in the following steps:

1. Fat removal with liposuction: If gynecomastia is largely caused by fat accumulation, liposuction is used.
   The surgeon makes a small incision and sucks out the excess fat with the help of a thin cannula.
   This method flattens the chest area and provides a more natural appearance.

2. Removal of glandular tissue: If the growth of breast tissue is due to glandular tissue (mammary glands), the surgeon makes a small incision under the breast to remove the excess glandular tissue.
   This procedure allows for the removal of harder and denser tissue.

3. Closure of incisions: After the surgery is completed, the incisions are closed with aesthetic sutures.
   Usually the incision scars are not evident because the surgeon hides the incisions in the natural skin folds.

Gynecomastia surgery usually offers permanent results and the chest area has a flatter and more aesthetic appearance after surgery.

Preparation Before Gynecomastia Surgery

The meeting with your surgeon before gynecomastia surgery is of great importance for the surgery to be successful.
In this meeting, you will be informed about how the surgery will be performed, possible risks and the healing process.
The main points to be considered before the surgery are as follows:

• Smoking: If you smoke, you will need to quit at least two weeks before surgery.
  Smoking can negatively affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery.
• Blood thinners: The use of blood thinners such as aspirin should be stopped before surgery.
  Such medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
• General health status: Your surgeon will assess your general health and determine whether you are suitable for surgery.

Recovery Process After Gynecomastia Surgery

The recovery process after gynecomastia surgery is usually fast and the patient can return to normal activities within a few days.
The main points to be considered after surgery are as follows:

• Compression garment After surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression garment that supports the chest area.
  This garment reduces swelling in the surgical area and speeds up the healing process.
  It is usually necessary to wear this garment for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Swelling and bruising: There may be swelling and bruising in the breast area after surgery.
  This is normal and usually subsides within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Pain and discomfort: Mild pain may be felt after surgery.
  Your surgeon may give you painkillers to alleviate this.
• Removal of stitches: Postoperative stitches usually dissolve on their own, but sometimes your surgeon may need to remove them.
  Stitches are usually removed within 7 to 10 days.

Full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks.
It is important to avoid heavy physical activity during this time.

Risks of Gynecomastia Surgery

As with any surgical operation, gynecomastia surgery has some risks.
However, these risks are minimal when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Possible risks are as follows:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Breast asymmetry
• Scars

Your surgeon will ensure that these risks are minimized by closely following the postoperative care process.