Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast tissue in men that affects both breasts, caused by an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
Gynecomastia is an aesthetic problem that can occur for different reasons, although it usually develops due to hormonal imbalances that can be observed in all age groups in men. Currently, gynecomastia treatment can be provided with medication or surgery.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
The answer to the question “Why does gynecomastia occur?” is usually due to the decrease in the hormone testosterone compared to the estrogen levels of a man. A decrease in testosterone levels can develop due to conditions that reduce testosterone or increase estrogen levels.
The hormones testosterone and estrogen are hormones that control sex characteristics in both men and women. Testosterone controls male characteristics such as muscle mass and body hair, while estrogen controls various female characteristics such as breast growth. Although estrogen is considered a female hormone, it is also found in a certain amount in men. Imbalances between these two hormones can develop due to different conditions in each age group. The causes of gynecomastia include medication use, and drug or alcohol use, which trigger hormone levels, especially natural hormone changes. In addition, health conditions such as hypogonadism, aging and tumor development in the body can also cause the development of gynecomastia by creating hormonal imbalances.
What is the Treatment for Gynecomastia?
If the development of gynecomastia is detected in a man, two main treatment methods are applied. In case of gynecomastia development caused by hormonal imbalances in people, it is aimed to achieve hormonal balance by applying drug treatments initially. In advanced cases, if the gynecomastia does not improve, the increased breast tissue is removed from the body by resorting to gynecomastia surgery.
How is Gynecomastia Noticed?
Gynecomastia is usually noticed as it causes a noticeable physical difference. The observation of breast tissue growth in men although when they do not have excess weight, may indicate the development of gynecomastia in an individual. In some people, symptoms such as tenderness at the nipple can also provide an understanding of gynecomastia.
How Does Gynecomastia Go Away?
If gynecomastia is observed due to hormonal imbalances that develop periodically during infancy and adolescence, this condition goes away spontaneously over time. But in adults, gynecomastia is usually treated with gynecomastia medication or gynecomastia surgery, which eliminates gynecomastia.
What are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that is usually noticed by physical changes that do not show symptoms. However, in some people, the development of gynecomastia may bring along various symptoms. Among the symptoms of gynecomastia, the following are included.
Pain around the chest
Swelling in breast tissue
Tenderness in the breasts
A feeling of discomfort when the nipple rubs the clothes
Who Gets Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that a man can be affected by at any age group. It can be observed that babies are born with enlarged breasts under the influence of the estrogen hormone from the mother. During adolescence breast growth may develop again in adolescence due to hormone changes. In adults, gynecomastia may occur due to aging, weight gain, or medications used.
In addition to these conditions, the use of anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance is also a risk factor for gynecomastia. The development of gynecomastia can be observed in individuals with diseases such as liver, kidney, thyroid.
What is a Gynecomastia Corset?
Gynecomastia corset is a corset that is usually used after gynecomastia surgery. Gynecomastia corset, also called compression corset, is used to pull back the skin and control swelling in the tissue after surgery. It is recommended to wear a gynecomastia corset for the first 4 weeks after surgery.
Can Gynecomastia Be Corrected with a Corset?
Gynecomastia cannot be fixed with a corset. The purpose of using the corset is to speed up the recovery process after surgery and to ensure that the desired result is achieved.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Risky?
Gynecomastia surgery is a surgery that is generally considered safe. After surgery, most patients recover easily in an effortless way. However, it may be possible to encounter some complications after surgery. Surgery complications such as bruising, bleeding, fluid collection in the breast tissue, loss of nipple skin or visible scarring may be encountered.
Things to Be Considered After Gynecomastia Surgery
The first thing to be paid attention after gynecomastia surgery is the use of a corset as recommended by the doctor. The use of a corset is extremely important during the first 4 weeks after surgery. It is recommended that people rest for the first 1 or 2 days after surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided during the first two weeks. Exercises involving cardio and lower body activity can be started after the first two weeks. Chest exercises, on the other hand, can be started to be applied 4 weeks after surgery. If recommended by the doctor, breast tissue massage can be applied in some cases.
The Healing Process After Gynecomastia Surgery
The healing process varies according to the type of surgical technique used after gynecomastia surgery and the amount of tissue removed. In general, people recover completely within 4 or 6 weeks after surgery.
The Price of Gynecomastia Surgery
The price of gynecomastia surgery varies according to the hospital where the application will be performed and the current pricing list. It is recommended to contact the patient representatives of the relevant health institution in order to obtain price information for the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About "Gynecomastia”
How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that can occur in both breasts and is defined as a growth of breast tissue. In a true gynecomastia, a lump may also be felt under the chest. This lump is visible to the eye, as well as it can be felt when pressed against the area. The lump can move comfortably in the breast tissue and tenderness can be felt if it is touched.
What is False Gynecomastia?
False gynecomastia is a condition in which there is excessive fatty tissue behind and around the nipples of the male breast area. This condition, which develops due to excess weight rather than hormonal imbalances, can be treated with weight loss.
What Causes Nipple Enlargement in Men?
Nipple enlargement in men usually develops when there is an imbalance between the estrogen and testosterone hormones. Nipple enlargement can be observed if testosterone levels decrease compared to estrogen levels.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Take?
The duration of gynecomastia surgery varies depending on the preferred surgical method. If only liposuction is applied, the operation is usually completed within an hour. If a skin incision is made and breast tissue is removed, the operation may take 2 or 4 hours depending on the surgical technique to be applied.
Which Department or Doctor Should I Go to for Gynecomastia?
For gynecomastia, it is necessary to apply to the unit of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. After the examination to be performed by the plastic surgeon, the patient is referred to the endocrinology unit and the necessary hormone tests are performed.
How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
Gynecomastia surgery is determined according to the person's gynecomastia development. Usually, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed during surgery. For the removal of excess breast tissue, usually, the liposuction method is performed. If the weight of excess breast tissue causes the breasts to sag and stretch the nipple area, called the areola, the plastic surgeon repositions and resizes the areola. Gynecomastia surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, the operation can also achieve a successful result if liposuction is performed alone.
What Are the Medications That Cause Gynecomastia?
Some medications used can cause gynecomastia. Antiandrogen drugs used to treat prostate cancer can cause gynecomastia. In addition, some antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam, anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, heart medications such as digoxin, and medications containing amphetamines may increase the risk of developing gynecomastia.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Permanent?
Gynecomastia surgery is a permanent cosmetic surgery that means that the removed adipose tissue will not grow back.
People who plan to have gynecomastia surgery should apply to healthcare institutions with plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery units. Gynecomastia surgeries are performed by doctors specialized in the field of aesthetic surgery at Liv Hospital
Breast reduction is a type of breast aesthetic operation that can be performed for many different reasons. The operation is performed in the form of surgery at Liv Hospital Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. It is performed to make the breasts smaller, lighter and shaped. Women and men can benefit from this breast aesthetics operation.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty as it is medically called, is a procedure that serves to provide a breast size that is more proportional to the patient's body and to prevent disorders caused by excessively large breasts (macromastia). Disproportionately large breasts may lead to posture problems, physical and mental distress and pains. Patients with large breasts may have some physical activities restricted in daily life, they may have back pain, or people may be uncomfortable just because of their aesthetic appearance. Breast reduction surgery is an operation that provides a solution to such situations. Usually, surgery to relieve these and similar symptoms is also preferred by people who do not have symptoms but are not satisfied with the size of the breasts.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It usually takes between 2 and 5 hours. There are several different surgical methods that can be used. The specialist physician who will perform the procedure performs the operation by choosing one of these different methods depending on the shape and size of the breast. These methods are:
Liposuction Method: The surgeon inserts a tube into the vacuum device by opening small incisions in the area of the procedure. This tube works by pulling fat and liquids out of the breast. This method is preferred when less breast reduction will be performed, that is, if the breast is smaller and it is thought that the skin can compensate for the difference.
Lollipop Method or Vertical Incision: This method is preferred if a moderate reduction is to be performed or if sagging in the breast is desired to be corrected. The surgeon makes incisions from around the areola (the colored area around the nipple) to the area under the breast, and removes excess tissue and fat, shapes the breast and lifts the breast.
Reverse T Incision method (Anchor Method): This method is performed by making incisions along the lower fold of the breast, towards the bottom of the areola by the surgeon. It is usually preferred for large breast reductions and in cases where there is a lot of sagging or unevenness.
Since breast surgery is a major surgical operation (i.e., general anesthesia is used), the patient stays in the hospital for one day after the surgery.
For Whom Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Everyone with a large chest size is a candidate for problems caused by this condition. A large chest is the cause of back pain. In addition, it can restrict various physical activities, negatively affect psychological and physical health, and lead to aesthetic discomfort. However, whether or not to have surgery is entirely the choice of people. When women and men need it, they can have this surgery and see the benefits.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed on Women?
Large breasts, especially breasts that are not proportional to the size of the body, can lead to many problems in women. Back, neck, breast and shoulder pain are foremost problems. There may be pain and injury caused by a bra strap on the shoulders. Difficulty finding clothes suitable for the upper body is also a common condition. In addition, large breasts can also cause difficulties during physical exercise. Breast reduction surgery gives positive results in women suffering from these conditions.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed on Men?
The condition in which one or both breasts are larger than normal in men is called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can occur as a result of hormonal imbalance or as a result of breast tissue growth due to excessive weight-increasing estrogen levels. Breast reduction surgery is a good option for men with gynecomastia. If there is a proportional size in the breasts due to just being overweight, or obese, this surgery is not performed.
What are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The risks associated with breast surgery exist, just like with any surgery. As for general anesthesia, there are problems such as allergic reactions, chest infections, blood clots, heart attacks, stroke, and death, just like all surgeries with general anesthesia. The problems that may occur due to breast reduction surgery can be listed as follows: scars, heavy bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, pain, healing problems, asymmetry, decreased sensation, damage to deeper structures, and allergic reaction.
It is possible that these problems will arise, but this does not mean that they will definitely occur. Factors such as being healthy and not smoking increase the chances of success of each operation, as well as they are important factors in breast reduction operations. If you need breast reduction surgery but are afraid of these disadvantages, you can find out how much risk you are at by consulting your specialist physician about these fears.
Is There an Age Limit For Breast Reduction Surgery?
There is no age limit for breast reduction surgery. Only breast development should be completed. In the medical literature, this is defined as Tanner stage 5. The doctor you consult can tell you after the examination whether the surgery is suitable for you.
How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
Each operation differs depending on various variables. However, to say a general time value; the operation is expected to take at least 2 hours and at most 5 hours. The time may be prolonged depending on the complications that may occur.
What to Pay Attention to After Breast Reduction Surgery
After surgery, a one-day hospitalization is an expected result, as general anesthesia is administered. After the operation, you can walk and do light work within two weeks. It is considered normal for the first two weeks to pass with pain and swelling. During these two weeks, you should not lift heavy things and be alert to the symptoms that your doctor tells you to watch out for. It may take about six weeks for you to return to your normal exercises.
Since breast reduction surgery is performed with different methods, in different sizes, what needs to be paid attention to after surgery for each person will also vary. However, when you see an unexpected symptom after surgery, that is, if your wounds heal late, if you see swelling in an unexpected area, or if you suspect problems such as inflammation or loss of sensation, it may be useful to contact your doctor without wasting time.
Breast Reduction Surgery Prices
Breast reduction surgery prices will vary depending on where you prefer to have the surgery. You can consult the healthcare institutions where you want to have surgery to get information about this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does a scar remain after breast reduction surgery?
Scars may remain on the skin after any operation. Even if there are no problems after surgery, the places where the surgery was performed may look redder, slightly lumpy and puffy. You can help heal these wound sites with dressings and then creams recommended by your doctor. It has been stated that most people do not have very visible scars after recovery. However, this healing process of the skin can take up to two years.
As with any operation, this situation varies from person to person. If you are already prone to scarring, it may be good to discuss this with your surgeon before surgery.
Why do breasts sag?
Breasts of any size can sag, but due to gravity, large breasts are more prone to sagging. In addition, aging, hormone changes, pregnancy, weight gain and loss, and menopause can also cause sagging breasts. There are no studies showing that breastfeeding causes breast sagging.
Is breast reduction surgery an obstacle to breastfeeding?
If you are planning to breastfeed in the near future, it may be a good idea to postpone breast surgery. It is important to remember that the breasts, like the entire body, change during pregnancy and this will affect the outcome of the surgery. Most plastic surgeons prefer to wait for the breast to return to its normal shape after the breastfeeding process for surgery. This is also between 6 and 12 months.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .