GYNECOMASTIA
Breast tissue is a special type of gland that is extremely sensitive to hormonal stimuli (most importantly oestrogen), with its function and size determined by these hormones. Abnormal breast growth can occur in both men and women at different stages of life. In men, female-type breast growth is primarily referred to as gynaecomastia.
Treatment Process
1 - 2 hours
Same day
3 - 7 days
4 - 6 weeks
Causes of Gynecomastia
During a man’s life, estrogen increases occur in three distinct stages. The first stage is infancy, where the source of estrogen is maternal breast milk. Babies who breastfeed are exposed to high levels of estrogen, which is why the chests of breastfeeding infants may appear prominent. This change is expected to disappear after breastfeeding ends.
The second stage occurs during puberty, when males are again exposed to elevated estrogen levels. In this stage, the main source of estrogen is the adrenal glands. Simultaneous increases in testosterone trigger sexual changes in the body. These hormonal changes are expected to conclude by the end of puberty (ages 22–24).
The third stage occurs in old age, when increased body fat stimulates estrogen production in adipose tissue, leading to breast enlargement. Gynecomastia refers to male breast enlargement caused by hormonal or environmental factors outside of these physiological changes, which may require medical or surgical intervention.
Types of Gynecomastia
There are three types of gynecomastia:
- Glandular Gynecomastia (True Gynecomastia):
Permanent development of functional breast tissue in men, similar to female breast tissue. - Lipomatous Gynecomastia (Pseudo-Gynecomastia):
Occurs due to abnormal fat accumulation (lipodystrophy) in the chest, resulting in excessive fatty tissue in the male breasts. - Mixed (Combined) Gynecomastia:
Permanent breast enlargement that contains both glandular breast tissue and fatty tissue.
Patient Reviews
Gynecomastia Treatment
The type of gynecomastia can be determined by experienced physicians through patient history and clinical examination. However, ultrasonography should be used for confirmation. Pathological examination of the tissue removed during the procedure confirms the diagnosis of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia of the lipomatous and mixed types can usually be treated with liposuction alone. At this stage, the use of VASER technology can increase the success of the surgical intervention. In glandular gynecomastia, complete removal of breast tissue is not possible with liposuction alone. Therefore, crescent-shaped surgical incisions around the nipple are used to excise the breast tissue.
Postoperative Period After Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery, whether performed with liposuction or surgical excision, is done under general anesthesia. The average surgery duration is 1 hour, and the patient is discharged on the same day or the following day. After surgery, it is recommended that the patient wears a special compression band for 4 weeks. In both types of procedures, no visible scars remain on the chest.
Gynecomastia Surgery Costs
The cost of surgery varies depending on the patient’s existing condition and the chosen treatment method.
Male Breast Reduction
It is a common misconception that all pathological outcomes of male breast enlargement and their treatments are considered gynecomastia treatment. However, in cases of excessive weight gain or, conversely, significant weight loss, if there is noticeable sagging or enlargement of both the breast tissue and skin, the surgical treatment approach changes completely. In such cases, it is more accurate to refer to the procedure as male breast reduction surgery.
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