Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

The gynecomastia is to be larger of the male breast than normal. It can affect the social life of the person, depending on the appearance disorder it creates. Although it usually does not cause complaints other than the appearance, some patients can also experience the complaints such as sensitivity or increased sensitivity.

Why the Gynecomastia Occurs?

The disorders in eating habits can cause the breast augmentation in men by causing the abnormal lubrication in the breast. Some hormonal disorders or drugs used can cause augmentation of the mammary gland without an increase in the adipose tissue. In the overweight people, an increase in the fat accumulation in the breasts and changes in the hormone profile of the person can occur. For this reason, the gynecomastia is seen in a significant proportion of the overweight men.

The physiological gynecomastia is seen in the neonatal period, adolescence and old age. About 60% of the newborn boys, there is gynecomastia due to the maternal estrogen. Depending on the amount of the estrogen secreted during the puberty, the gynecomastia can be seen in 50-60% of men. . It is usually expected to go away on its own within 1-2 years. While the gynecomastia can be seen in about 30-60% of middle-aged men, this rate increases even more in the 70s.

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Understanding Gynecomastia and Its Clinical Causes

Gynecomastia is a condition characterised by the abnormal enlargement of breast tissue in men, which can significantly impact an individual's social life and psychological well-being. This enlargement may affect one or both breasts and is often the result of an increase in the mammary gland tissue, abnormal fat accumulation, or a combination of both. While the primary concern for most patients is the aesthetic disfigurement, some may also experience physical symptoms such as breast sensitivity or increased tenderness. The condition can be triggered by several factors, including imbalances in eating habits, specific hormonal disorders, or the use of certain medications. For individuals who are overweight, an increase in fat deposits can lead to changes in their hormone profile, further exacerbating the breast growth. Gynecomastia is also observed physiologically during specific life stages, such as the neonatal period, puberty, and older age, though it often resolves on its own in adolescents. Ultimately, the objective of surgical intervention is to eliminate these deformations and restore a flatter, more masculine chest contour.

Preoperative Evaluation and Diagnostic Standards

Before proceeding with surgical treatment, every patient undergoes a thorough investigation to identify any underlying medical or risky conditions contributing to the breast growth. Dr. Andaç Aykan conducts a detailed physical examination to check for the presence of any masses that may be causing the enlargement. If necessary, a more comprehensive assessment is carried out using breast ultrasound to visualize the internal tissue composition and distinguish between fat and glandular tissue. In certain cases, an endocrinologist’s opinion is sought to rule out or treat specific hormone disorders before surgical planning. This comprehensive diagnostic framework ensures that the patient is a safe candidate for surgery and that the treatment is tailored to their specific anatomical needs. Only after these clinical evaluations are completed is the patient officially considered a candidate for the corrective procedure.

Surgical Techniques and Modern Technologies

The specific method used to treat gynecomastia depends on the severity of the enlargement and whether the tissue is primarily adipose or glandular. In mild cases where the breast size is caused only by excess fat, liposuction is utilized to remove the subcutaneous adipose tissue through small incisions. For advanced cases involving significant glandular growth, the tissue is surgically removed using an open technique through a semicircular incision made in the lower half of the nipple area. The clinic also integrates VASER technology, which uses ultrasonic sound vibrations to selectively break down fat cells while preserving surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This technology is particularly effective in the male breast area, where connective tissue is dense, as it promotes skin tightening and a smoother postoperative profile. In instances where there is prominent skin sagging, excess skin is removed in addition to the tissue excision to achieve a firm and natural result.

Recovery Milestones and Postoperative Care

Recovery following gynecomastia surgery is designed to be efficient, with most patients able to return to their professional lives and daily routines within three to five days. While the procedure is often performed under general anaesthesia to ensure a bloodless surgical field and minimize bruising, smaller fat removal interventions may be conducted under local anaesthesia. Significant pain is not typically reported. To support the new chest shape and manage edema, patients are generally required to wear a medical-grade compression corset for approximately four weeks. Adhering to these protocols allows the tissues to heal correctly, with a return to heavy exercise or bodybuilding typically permitted after the sixth week.