Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia is the benign growth of breast tissue, similar to that of females. Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most commonly preferred cosmetic surgeries. This condition is clinically defined as the presence of a hard mass spreading from the nipples to the surrounding and deeper parts.

In men, the breast consists of a small amount of male breast tissue located underneath the nipple, as well as a soft fatty tissue. The proportion of fatty tissue varies among individuals. Men with gynecomastia may have more enlargement than normal in both breasts. This enlargement may be due to fat accumulation, breast tissue enlargement, or both.

Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts in men. Usually, breast enlargement due to an endocrine system disorder may be more pronounced with an increase in estrogen.

It can be seen due to various reasons such as weight gain, hormonal imbalances or genetics. It can cause breast enlargement and insecurity in men, which may negatively affect the social relationships that the person establishes with their environment.

What Are the Causes Of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia may occur due to living conditions and genetic predisposition. Some of the causes of gynecomastia include:

• Persistent growth in the breast tissue even after adolescence,
• Estrogen dominance over androgens,
• Estrogen acting as a growth hormone,
• Drug use,
• Kidney disease or liver problems,
• HIV medications, ulcer medications or some antifungal medications,
• Genetics.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Carried Out?

Although gynecomastia surgery is mostly applied for cosmetic reasons, the suitability of the individual for this operation is decided by the plastic surgeon during the consultation.

During the pre-operative consultation process, the breast is examined by the plastic surgeon. In these evaluations, breast tissue, penis size, testicular development and the masses are assessed.

In addition, the presence of pubic hair and armpit hair is also examined by your doctor. In addition to these, tests for liver disease, kidney disease and medications used are also carried out. In operations performed under general anesthesia, steps of the appropriate method are followed.

Dissolving sutures are used in gynecomastia surgery. For this reason, there is no need to remove the sutures. But as in any surgical operation, a scar will remain. Incisions can be made with several methods in operations of the breast.The method of the operation depends on the body structure of the person.

The treatment options for gynecomastia are surgery and liposuction. However, if there is only a small enlargement in the breast tissue, this can be controlled with medication.

In the case of early-stage gynecomastia, removing the excess fat tissue with liposuction is possible. During this operation, a 3 to 4 mm incision is made and the excess fat tissue is removed. In addition, excision, which means cutting out the tissue in the area, can be made to remove excess mammary gland tissue. This procedure leaves a small, temporary scar around the nipple under normal circumstances.

However, if the tissue under the nipple is larger than a certain size or there is severe sagging, surgery may be preferred. An incision of 1 to 1.5 cm is made under the breast and the excess breast tissue is removed.

Who Can Get Gynecomastia Surgery?

• It can be applied to all men over the age of 18 whose breast tissue is disproportionally large in comparison to their body and those with sagging problems.
• Breast tissue reaching 200 to 300 cc in volume (which should be between 50-100 cc) comprises sufficient indication for gynecomastia surgery.