Gynecomastia

Causes of Gynecomastia

Testosterone and estrogen hormones secreted in men and women are related to sexual functions. They have very important roles in the reproductive system. Testosterone is known as male hormone while estrogen is known to be female hormone.

Testosterone is effective in muscle and bone development whereas estrogen is related to breast size and similar functions. In men, these two hormones are in a certain balance. If this balance is disrupted in favor of estrogen, that is, if estrogen is secreted more than it should be, the breast skin in men will begin to swell and become fatty. This will cause the breast to be larger than normal. This condition can be seen in a single breast or in both breasts at the same time.

Gynecomastia can also occur due to genetic factors. Especially in adolescence, these conditions are very common, but the problem is resolved by the end of puberty. It also occurs due to hormone changes in men over 50 years of age. Approximately 25% of this age group suffers from this problem.

There are also different factors that cause gynecomastia. One of these is the side effects of drugs. Some of these drugs can be listed as follows:

• Herbal treatment
• Stomach medications
• Cancer medications
• Methadone
• AIDS drugs
• Androgen
• Anti-androgen
• Calcium
• Anxiety-preventing drugs
• Muscle building drugs

Hormone change, side effects of drugs and obesity are among the main causes of this problem.

 

What Are the Different Types of Gynecomastia?

The fact that your physical image is just as you want will affect you psychologically. With gynecomastia surgery, you can solve the problem in your breasts. In this process, excess breast tissue is removed and the areola is repositioned. Gynecomastia surgery has different types in itself. Details are given below.

1. Intra Areolar

It draws attention as the most commonly used technique. Here, an incision is made up to the brown chest area to remove excess tissue by the surgeon.

2. Skin Resection

It is a method used in severe cases. In addition to the removal of excess tissue, repositioning of the areola is also performed.

3. Pull-Through

The pull method is easy to understand from its name. A small incision is made into the brown section. Excess fats here are taken up with liposuction. Compared to other techniques, the process is performed on smaller incisions.

4. Ultrasonic Lipo

Gynecomastia is a preferred method in cases where the main cause is excessive fat. In this method, fats are first turned into liquid by using sound waves. They are then taken out.

 

Stages of Gynecomastia Process

There are steps to be followed from the very beginning to the end of gynecomastia surgery. This includes preparation for surgery and preliminary interviews with the doctor. The steps of gynecomastia surgery are explained step by step.

1. Consultation

If you intend to have gynecomastia surgery, you should first talk to the surgeon that you prefer for your operation. At this meeting, the surgeon will decide whether you are eligible for gynecomastia surgery. You can ask the questions in your mind and adjust your expectations accordingly.

2. Anesthesia

General anesthesia or sedation method is used for gynecomastia surgery. General anesthesia can only be given in the operating room. After this step, all of your body functions will be monitored by doctors.

3. Incisions

After anesthesia, incisions are made as planned in the examination process. If liposuction is to be applied, the incisions will be small in size. The healing time of such incisions is very short and the possibility of scarring is low. When the surgical procedure is performed on the areola, larger incisions will be created.

4. Surgical Procedure Technique

The technique to be used in surgery is very important. If the liposuction technique is to be used, cannulae are inserted into small incisions. With this process, fats are melted and removed.

In the other technique, the fat tissue is removed from the incisions. Depending on the patient’s condition, the areola and nipple may be re-positioned.

5. Closing the Incisions

The incisions are closed with sutures. Drainage tubes can be attached to the surgical site to remove swelling and reduce the risk of infection by draining the fluid inside. These tubes are removed after a few days.

 

What Should Be Considered in Gynecomastia Surgery?

There are some issues that need to be considered for gynecomastia surgery to give successful results and the healing process to proceed smoothly. These can be listed as:

• Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
• Limit alcohol consumption as much as possible and follow the doctor’s advice.
• Stop using aspirin and acetylsalicylic agents at least 1 week before surgery.
• Find someone to accompany you as you will need to rest for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Also get medical leave from your business for this period.
• Discuss eating and drinking issues with your doctor. Buy and start using the prescribed medicines on a regular basis.
• Do not use products such as deodorants, gels and lotions that increase the risk of infection.

 

Recovery Period

The recovery period varies according to the patients but it is usually 2 weeks. During this process, patients should avoid tiring activities and rest.

After the first 2 weeks, patients may return to work. Daily routines can also be started. Exercise can be done even after 3 weeks. It is normal for bruising and swelling to occur after surgery and they will diminish and disappear over time. A full recovery can be observed after 6 months.

 

What Should I Expect from Gynecomastia Surgery?

Results can be seen immediately after surgery, but these will not be exact results. The swelling and bruises that occur due to surgery will sometimes disappear after weeks and sometimes it may take several months. As the swellings begin to descend, the curves become clearer. It is possible to reach the exact results of the surgical procedure within 3 to 6 months.

Scars of the incisions are visible at the beginning, but over time these scars will disappear or become less apparent. Depending on the expertise of the doctor, small incisions will be opened and the risk of scarring will be eliminated.

After surgery, regular and healthy nutrition is required. In case of clumping, the massage movements that the patents should do will be explained by the doctor. After this operation, not only the physical appearance of the patients, but also their psychology will be improved.

Before & After Photos

You can examine the successful results closely by comparing the pre- and post-photographs of our patients having undergone gynecomastia surgery in our clinic. These results will help you in your decision-making process.