Gynecomastia(Male Breast Aesthetics)

Gynecomastia frequently arises in situations where the level of oestrogen (female hormone) in the body rises and the level of testosterone (male hormone) falls. This situation arises physiologically in babies, adolescents and the elderly. Gynecomastia is observed in 40% of adolescents and 35% of elderly men. Most gynecomastia in adolescence disappears within a few years.

Apart from this, gynecomastia may be observed in various hormonal disorders, in some types of cancer, above all lung cancer, and in systemic diseases such as AIDS. Various heart medicines, cancer medicines, hormone-containing medicines and narcotic drugs may also cause gynecomastia.

The condition that arises due to obesity, in which the breast appears large because of fat accumulation without growth of the mammary gland, is called pseudogynecomastia. Pseudogynecomastia is also a very commonly encountered problem.

First, the cause of the gynecomastia must be understood. If the cause can be found, eliminating the cause is the most correct form of treatment.

If the patient is thought to have a hormonal disorder, he is first evaluated by an Endocrinology Specialist. Hormone tests are carried out. If there is a disorder, treatment directed at it is given.

In gynecomastia occurring in adolescence, waiting is usually sufficient. Most of these resolve within a few years.

Gynecomastia other than these can be corrected with surgical procedures.

In most patients with gynecomastia, it is possible to obtain a sufficient result with liposuction alone. In patients who, apart from fat, also have excess and dense breast tissue, ultrasonic liposuction or laser liposuction can be used. Where this is not sufficient, the excess breast tissue is removed through a short incision made around the nipple. In patients with excess skin and a sagging nipple, skin is removed in such a way that the scar remains around the nipple. In male patients, care is taken not to leave any other scar unless it is unavoidable.

As in all operations, in breast reduction surgery it is necessary to stop aspirin and smoking 3 weeks before the operation. In the last 1 week it is necessary to stay away from medicines and similar substances that may thin the blood.

Things that should not be used:

Painkillers such as Apranax, Voltaren, Vermidon (when a painkiller is needed, Minoset, Novalgin can be used),

Multivitamin pills containing substances such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q,

Herbal products such as green tea, flaxseed, cherry stalk, tomato seed

Foods known to thin the blood, such as cherries and parsley

All slimming products

Gynecomastia surgery is an operation that must be performed in operating theatre conditions and under general anaesthesia.

Gynecomastia surgery takes 1-2 hours depending on the procedure to be performed.

The patient will feel some pain due to the liposuction procedure, but apart from this, gynecomastia surgery is not a painful procedure.

Three hours after the end of the operation, the patient can eat and get up. Usually the patient is discharged from hospital after 6 hours. There is a small dressing on the patient's incision site if there is one, or otherwise on the liposuction openings. Because of the liposuction, a special compression garment needs to be worn for 2 weeks. He can shower after two days. After three days he goes for a check-up and can then return to work and resume normal daily activities; he can even drive. He should not do any sport other than walking for the first 3 weeks. After the third week he can do all sporting activities except arm and chest movements. After the sixth week, all kinds of sporting activity are allowed.

In the first days after the operation, the breasts are oedematous and hard, and there may be bruises. The bruises pass by the end of the first week. Swelling and hardness are marked during the first 3 weeks. After the third week the swelling regresses rapidly. The breasts only take on their full shape in the third month. To speed up the reduction of oedema, procedures such as lymphatic drainage and radiofrequency can be applied after the third week. Unless there is a special situation, subsequent check-ups are carried out at the 3rd week, 3rd month, 6th month and at the end of the first year.

Gynecomastia operations are generally problem-free and gratifying procedures. Prolonged swelling in the first months may worry patients, but this is frequently temporary. In the long term, the most common problem that may occur is that the procedure performed has not reduced the breast sufficiently. In these situations a second procedure may be needed. Another problem that may be encountered is irregularities that may form after liposuction. Depressions and rippling may be encountered, but such problems can be minimised with good planning and meticulous surgery.

If the patient gains weight there may be some enlargement of his chest, but there is never a return to the state before the operation.