GYNECOMASTIA

The Term "Gynecomastia"

The term gynecomastia is formed by combining two words of Latin origin: gyneko (woman) and masti (breast). Gynecomastia literally means "female breast". The exact equivalent of this word in Turkish is expressed as "female type breast". In today's literature, female type breast that can be seen in men is called "gynecomastia". This condition may be seen in one breast or in both breasts. An enlarged breast size can deeply affect a man's social and psychological life. So, exactly for what reason or reasons does gynecomastia occur?

 

The Causes of Gynecomastia

There may be various reasons for the development of gynecomastia. Hormonal disorders and some drugs that are used regularly can cause the development of gynecomastia. In addition to chronic liver, thyroid and kidney diseases, cirrhosis and drug use are among the causes of gynecomastia. Steroids and similar drugs taken to gain weight and look muscular are also the cause of gynecomastia. Finally, it should not be forgotten that some types of hormone-secreting cancers or direct male-type breast cancer may also cause gynecomastia. However, most of the time, the cause of gynecomastia is idiopathic, that is, it cannot be determined.

 

The Types of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia may originate from the breast tissue (glandular gynecomastia), adipose tissue (lipomatous gynecomastia) or both tissues (mixed type gynecomastia). The number of mixed gynecomastia in the community is higher than the other two groups of gynecomastia. Because of that understanding from which tissue or tissues the gynecomastia originates will determine the treatment plan, your doctor will consult you in detail before the surgery and will ask you for a breast ultrasonography.

 

The Gynecomastia Periods

Gynecomastia is more common in men especially in three stages of their life. Transient gynecomastia can be seen in babies due to the estrogen hormones which passed from the mother. Follow-up is sufficient for the treatment. Transient gynecomastia can be seen in adolescence due to hormonal reasons. This type of gynecomastia usually disappears in 18 months. The third time of gynecomastia is adulthood. This type of gynecomastia is most often treated with surgical methods.

 

The Treatment of Gynecomastia

Investigation of the underlying cause of gynecomastia is of great importance and necessity to make the treatment complete and appropriate. The most appropriate treatment for a gynecomastia, which is rich in adipose tissue, will be liposuction. In this process, the fat in the breast is taken out by entering two holes of 1 cm from each breast. The normal liposuction may be insufficient in the gynecomastia which is rich in breast-tissue. In this case, special tips may be required to divide the breast tissue and take it out. In very advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove the tissues through a small hole called 'pull through'. Again, in cases with severe excess skin, skin tightening can be achieved with VASER or Laser liposuction system. Sometimes, all these methods are not sufficient, and in very advanced cases, direct skin removal may be required along with the breast tissue. In relatively small, fatty breasts, the local numbing and sedation procedure is sufficient for patient comfort and the success of the procedure, while general anesthesia is preferred for larger breasts or with more breast tissue. If your procedure was performed under local anesthesia or sedation, it is possible to be discharged on the same day. If you have general anesthesia, it is recommended to stay in the hospital for 1 night.

 

"High Definition" Gynecomastia Treatment

In addition to gynecomastia treatment, tissues can be reshaped to provide a muscular appearance in this technique. However, for this process, your tissues must first be suitable. Technically, VASER or Laser liposuction methods can be used for this purpose.

 

Recovery After Gynecomastia

Recovery after gynecomastia surgery is quite fast. The operation takes an average of 1-2 hours. After your procedure is finished, a bandage is wrapped around your chest area. This bandage is replaced the next day with a special corset. You will be asked to continue using the corset for the next 1 month. It will be possible for you to return to your normal life in approximately 3 to 5 days. However, if you are doing sports actively, you may need to stay away from this activity for 1 month. In the 6th month after the operation, your recovery will be completed, your edema will have disappeared, and your result will be clear.

 

The Alternative Methods

Some special clothes are designed to hide the gynecomastia condition. After wearing these corsets, people suffering from gynecomastia can comfortably wear whatever they want. However, such clothes can temporarily hide gynecomastia. It will not be possible to use this type of clothing on the seaside in summer.

 

Can Gynecomastia Be Eliminated By the Use Of Medicine?

If the factor causing gynecomastia can be determined, the treatment of this condition may provide regression in gynecomastia. In the presence of a hormonal imbalance, gynecomastia can be partially treated with the use of anti-estrogen medication. This type of drugs must be used under the supervision of an endocrinologist (hormone diseases specialist). However, in 80% of the patients, the expected regression is not complete and the use of medication does not eliminate the need for surgery.

 

Can Breasts Grow Back After the Gynecomastia Surgery?

Because of that the excess breast tissue is completely removed with this surgery, recurrence is not expected. However, if the person gains serious weight such as 20-30 kilos after the surgery, a similar situation may occur as the fat accumulation will occur in this region along with the whole body. Therefore, the utmost care should be taken not to gain excessive weight after the operation.

 

What is the Right Age for a Gynecomastia Surgery?

The earliest age for this surgery is 17. Because, as mentioned above, gynecomastia that develops during adolescence until this age may regress on its own and may not require any treatment.

 

Can Gynecomastia Be Life-Threatening?

In the long term, gynecomastia has no risk other than aesthetic problems, except for the risk of accompanying breast cancer due to the increase of the tissue in the breast. On the other hand, the risk of breast cancer increases 10 to 20 times in Klinefelter syndrome.

 

The Gynecomastia Surgery Costs

Prices of gynecomastia surgery vary according to the scope of the correction and the surgical technique that is used. Your treatment plan will be realized in line with your needs and demands, and you will have learned a clear price during your consultation. On the other hand, the pricing is applied in such a way that the same price applies to all our patients who will do the same amount of work. Otherwise, those who pay more may feel bad and this attitude is unethical. In this way, you can be sure that no one who comes after you will pay less than you for the same amount of work under normal inflation conditions. Due to the related legal regulations, it is not possible to share information on gynecomastia surgery prices on our website. However, you can contact us directly at 03122855521 to learn about gynecomastia surgery prices in general and for more information about gynecomastia surgery in Ankara.

 

Wish you all the happiness and good health.