Gynecomastia Surgery

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is abnormal growth of breast tissue in men caused by an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It can affect one or both breasts, and the two breasts may become different sizes. Patients may find it difficult to cope with this condition and may experience psychological and emotional problems and feel embarrassed.

Breast swelling can also occur in some conditions other than gynecomastia, for example with excessively fatty breast tissue or when men have an excess fat layer on the chest. If enlargement is seen in only one breast or a hard nodule is felt within the breast, this sign should still be taken seriously with regard to breast cancer, even though it is rare in men, and the necessary checks should be carried out. Breast enlargement can also be seen with a breast abscess.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

• Natural hormonal changes (gynecomastia in infants, adolescents and adults)
• Gynecomastia in infancy and adolescence resolves on its own. In adults, the incidence of gynecomastia increases between the ages of 50 and 69.
• Changes in hormone levels,
• Conditions that lower testosterone levels or raise estrogen levels,
• Far higher than normal estrogen production,
• Estrogen production out of proportion to testosterone levels,
• Certain medications,
• Drug and alcohol use,
• Certain diseases (changes in hormone levels in people receiving dialysis for kidney failure, in various liver disorders and due to cirrhosis medications)
• Certain types of tumors (adrenal gland, pituitary and testicular tumors…)
• Herbal products.

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

• Swollen breast tissue
• Sometimes breast tenderness, pain, or nipple discharge from one or both breasts (if this occurs, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible).

Diagnosis

Diagnostic methods include a physical examination and blood tests. When necessary, advanced tests such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, testicular ultrasound and tissue biopsy may also be ordered.

How Is Gynecomastia Treated?

Gynecomastia often resolves on its own and does not require treatment. Sometimes, medication or surgery (male breast reduction surgery) may be needed to resolve the problem.

• Liposuction can also be called fat suction. In this operation, the fat in the breast is surgically removed.
• Mastectomy: The breast gland tissue is surgically removed in its entirety.

If there is an underlying disease or condition causing the gynecomastia, it should also be addressed. In addition, if medications being taken are causing the condition, the medication may be stopped or, if possible, another medication may be recommended.

A gynecomastia compression vest is a medical product recommended for use after gynecomastia surgery. It should be worn immediately after the operation, regularly and continuously, and should be worn for the specified period. This may take about 2–3 weeks. After the third week, it should be worn during the day and during strenuous activities.