Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the term used to describe the enlargement of male breast tissue resembling female breasts. It occurs when the male breast grows more than normal due to fat accumulation and hormonal reasons.

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

There are numerous causes for gynecomastia, such as hormonal imbalance, liver or thyroid diseases, cirrhosis, certain medications, drug use, and certain types of cancer. It can be observed in the majority of boys during adolescence (13-15 years), and approximately 70-90% of cases resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years, returning the breast to its normal size. The reasons for undergoing this procedure can be listed as follows:

• Swelling, pain, and tension in the breasts
• Physical and psychological discomfort caused by breast enlargement
• Patients being at risk of breast cancer

At What Age is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed starting from the end of adolescence (17 years). It is not recommended before this age due to incomplete physiological development. Individuals under adolescence should wait approximately 2 years before making a decision about surgery. However, the possibility of breast cancer in adult males should be kept in mind, and caution should be exercised.

Methods Used for Gynecomastia Surgery

Before the surgery, a doctor's examination determines the type of gynecomastia. This helps identify whether the enlarged tissue is fat or glandular tissue causing the breast enlargement. In cases where gynecomastia is caused by the growth of glandular tissue, the enlarged parts of the mammary glands are removed. If mammary tissue needs to be removed, a surgical incision around the nipple area will be made, attempting to conceal it within the colored part of the nipple. In cases where gynecomastia results from an increase in fat tissue, liposuction surgery is performed to remove the fat. In individuals with significantly enlarged breasts, after removing the fat, additional skin tightening procedures may be required to remove excess skin.

Anesthesia Method and Duration

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia administered is decided based on age and breast size under the supervision of a doctor. The surgery typically lasts between 1-2 hours. After gynecomastia surgery, you can leave the hospital on the same evening or the following day.

Recovery Period

Patients can return to their normal lives the day after surgery. Bathing can be resumed 2-3 days after the surgery. Post-Operative Considerations

• If mammary tissue is removed during surgery, silicone drains will be placed in the incision site to drain blood and fluids. These drains will be removed within 1-2 days after surgery, and the procedure is painless.
• A compression garment recommended by the doctor should be worn regularly for 3-4 weeks.
• In cases where mammary tissue is removed during surgery, there may be accumulation of blood or fluids in the surgical area. Regular check-ups will be conducted to drain these fluids. Recurrence is not observed since all mammary tissues are removed.

Ebopras; European plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery qualification. As can be viewed on the official website at Ebopras.org, it is a postgraduate qualification given as a result of the written and oral exams organized once a year by the European Plastic Surgery Association. Ebopras is a Quality Recognition.

Op. Dr. Hakan TEYMUR received this certificate on 6 November 2016.