Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition defined as the growth of breast tissue in men. This condition can occur for various reasons such as hormonal imbalances, aging, obesity or side effects of certain medications. The discomfort can cause psychological effects as well as physical discomfort.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men. This condition is usually caused by hormonal imbalances. In particular, increased estrogen (female hormone) levels or decreased testosterone (male hormone) levels can cause breast tissue to grow. The discomfort can be seen at any age, but is more common in newborns, adolescents and older men.
What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?
The most obvious symptom of the discomfort is the growth of breast tissue in men. This growth is usually seen in both breasts, but can also be unilateral. Other symptoms include:
- Sensitivity or pain in the breast tissue
- Swelling in the breast tissue
- Discharge from the nipples (rarely)
- Hardness in the breast tissue
In addition to discomfort, these symptoms can also be a sign of other health problems. Therefore, when symptoms are noticed, a specialist should definitely be consulted.
What are the causes of gynecomastia?
There can be many reasons for breast tissue growth in men. The most common causes are:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen and testosterone imbalances are the most common cause. Hormonal changes are especially common during puberty.
- Aging: With aging, testosterone levels decrease and estrogen levels increase relatively. This increases the risk in older men.
- Obesity: In overweight men, increased fat tissue can increase estrogen production. This can cause breast tissue to grow.
- Medications: Some medications can cause discomfort. Especially steroids, antidepressants, heart medications and drugs used in cancer treatment can cause this condition.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Alcohol and some drugs can disrupt hormonal balance and cause discomfort.
- Health Problems: Liver diseases, kidney failure, thyroid problems and some tumors can cause breast enlargement.
What are the treatment methods for breast enlargement in men?
Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. In mild cases, it can resolve itself with treatment of the underlying cause. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. The methods used in treatment are as follows:
Drug Therapy: In cases where the discomfort is caused by hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy may be applied. This treatment can reduce estrogen levels and cause breast tissue to shrink.
Surgical Intervention: In cases where drug therapy is insufficient, surgical intervention may be required. In cases where there is excess breast tissue, methods such as liposuction or surgical removal of breast tissue are used.
Lifestyle Changes: In obesity-related breast enlargement, losing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help improve the condition.
Treatment of Underlying Health Problems: Treatment of health problems such as liver disease and thyroid problems that cause the discomfort can improve the discomfort.
What is the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia?
While gynecomastia is the growth of breast tissue, pseudogynecomastia occurs as a result of increased fat tissue. Pseudogynecomastia is usually associated with obesity and does not require surgical intervention. A specialist should definitely be consulted for a correct diagnosis.
What is gynecomastia surgery?
Surgeries are performed with different techniques depending on the patient’s condition. This surgery is performed to eliminate both physical and psychological discomfort. The main goal of the surgery is to provide the chest area with a flat and male anatomy-appropriate appearance.
Surgery is usually performed with two main techniques:
- Liposuction (Fat Removal Procedure)
- Surgical Removal of Breast Tissue (Excisional Method)
These techniques can be applied alone or together depending on the patient’s condition and the structure of the breast tissue.
What is liposuction in gynecomastia?
Liposuction is a preferred method in cases where the discomfort is caused by fat tissue. This method is especially effective in cases of pseudogynecomastia (breast enlargement due to fat accumulation).
How is liposuction performed in gynecomastia?
The liposuction procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. Small incisions are made in the chest area and the fat tissue is suctioned with the help of a thin cannula (tube). Since the incisions are small after the procedure, the scars are minimal and rapid recovery is achieved.
When is liposuction preferred?
Liposuction is generally preferred in the following cases:
- When breast growth is caused by fatty tissue
- When there is not much hardness in the breast tissue
- When the patient’s general health condition is suitable for surgical intervention
What is the surgical removal of breast tissue (excisional method)?
The excisional method is preferred in cases where there is excess breast tissue and it is too hard to be removed with liposuction. This method is used especially in cases where glandular tissue has grown.
How is breast tissue surgically removed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Excess breast tissue is removed with incisions made around the nipple or under the breast. If necessary, fat tissue is also removed with liposuction. The incisions are closed with aesthetic stitches and the scars become invisible over time.
In which cases is breast tissue surgically removed?
Surgeons may prefer to surgically remove the tissue instead of liposuction in the following cases:
- When there is hardness and excess glandular tissue in the breast tissue
- When breast enlargement is severe
- When liposuction cannot achieve results
What is the combined method and in which cases is it preferred?
In some cases, both fatty tissue and glandular tissue excess are found together. In this case, liposuction and excisional methods are applied together.
How is the surgery performed with the combined method?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. First, the fatty tissue is removed with liposuction. Then, the hard breast tissue is removed with the excisional method. This method provides a more comprehensive treatment and provides a more natural appearance to the chest area.
What is the recovery process after surgery?
The recovery process after surgery varies depending on the method applied and the general health status of the patient. In general:
- Liposuction: There is a rapid recovery process. Patients can usually return to their normal activities within a few days.
- Excisional Method: The recovery process is a little longer. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for a few weeks.
- Combined Method: The healing process is similar to the excisional method.
Using the corset or bandages recommended by the doctor after the surgery helps reduce swelling and bruising. In addition, following the medications and care instructions given by the doctor will speed up the healing process.
Are there any complications of the surgery?
Although surgery is generally a safe procedure, it carries some risks, as with any surgical intervention. These risks are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scar formation
- Decreased nipple sensitivity
- Asymmetrical appearance
These risks are minimal in surgeries performed by an experienced surgeon. You can minimize the risks by having a detailed consultation with your doctor before the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia
Is gynecomastia a symptom of cancer?
Discomfort is usually not a symptom of cancer. However, if there are symptoms such as hardness, pain or discharge in the breast tissue, an evaluation for breast cancer should be made.
Does gynecomastia go away on its own?
Breast tissue growth during adolescence usually goes away on its own. However, growth in adults may be a symptom of an underlying health problem and may require treatment.
How long does gynecomastia treatment take?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment method. While drug therapy can last for several months, the recovery process after surgery can take several weeks.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic WebMD
- Cleveland Clinic
- NHS
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Medscape
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine