Breast Growth in Men and Breast Reduction Operation (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia can be defined as excessive growth of the breast tissue in men. In more than 90% of the cases, there is no reason behind breast growth in men, and it is called idiopathic gynecomastia. However, various drugs of a wide spectrum, some types of cancer, hormonal disorders, nutritional supplements, some hormonal substances passing through the nutrients can cause gynecomastia. Gynecomastia operation implies a male breast reduction operation.

When should people with gynecomastia think of having the operation?

Physiological gynecomastia can be seen in the newborn period, adolescence and old age, due to the deterioration of the hormonal balance in the body, and it can recover by itself. As a general acceptance, it is not recommended to perform an operation immediately for gynecomastia emerging in adolescence. In case of gynecomastia lasting more than a year, people are then candidates for surgery, because self-recovery is not expected in long-term cases.

What are the problems of people with gynecomastia and what are their expectations from the operation?

Gynecomastia is a condition, that causes social phobia in men. Especially in the summer, this situation makes itself apparent. Wearing thin T-shirts and shirts makes people uncomfortable, and most people do not want to go swimming because of this situation, although they love it too much. In adolescence, gynecomastia causes serious psychological problems and avoiding to have girlfriends, due to teasing behaviours of the environment.

This operation is aimed at eliminating all these problems, preventing self-isolation of the person from social environments, and increasing self-confidence of the person.

How is gynecomastia operation performed?

In gynecomastia operations, usually, the closed technique is used except for extremely large breasts. In the closed technique, an incision of 4-5 mm is made approximately 5-6 cm below the areola and the breast and fat tissue in the chest are discharged with the help of the liposuction cannulae. Since the mammary glands are tighter than the fat tissue and are more difficult to be detached, the breast tissue is discharged with a special fork tip cannulae. In cases, where the breast tissue is more intense, a less traumatic operation can be performed with power-assisted liposuction techniques (ultrasound and laser or mechanical shredding).

How long does gynecomastia operation take and should I stay in the hospital?

The operation lasts for 1-1,5 hours on average. Patients are discharged 6 hours after the operation if they wish.

Should I use a corset after the operation?

I suggest that our patients use corsets for at least 1 month to ensure that there will not be blood accumulation in the operation area and the emptied skin will recover without waviness.

When can I return to work following the gynecomastia operation?

If you will not be doing a job that requires hand power like lifting weight up and down, you can return to work within 3-5 days. A longer period of time is required for heavy physical activities.

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