Gynecomastia surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is a medical procedure performed to decrease the size of male breasts by removing excess breast tissue. This surgery can be done through liposuction, excision (using larger incisions), or a combination of both methods. People choose to undergo this surgery for different reasons, such as improving their looks, boosting self-confidence, and reducing any discomfort caused by enlarged breasts.

How do I know if I have gynecomastia?

Typically, gynecomastia occurs in both breasts, but sometimes it can be uneven or present in only one breast. When examining oneself, one may notice a visible, tender, and stable round lump of flesh that can be adjusted. This lump is softer than a cancerous growth and is located in the center beneath the nipple-areolar complex.

If there are solid masses in the breast that can be felt and are only present on one side, do not move, and are found close to the nipples along the outer edges of the breasts, along with unusual fluid coming out of the nipple, changes in the skin, or swollen lymph nodes, it is advisable to presume that it is breast cancer and go through a thorough examination that involves getting mammograms and MRI scans.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects males, characterized by unusually big or swollen breasts. This condition can occur at any point in life and can be caused by hormonal changes, genetic factors, excess weight, or the use of certain medications.

Gynecomastia can cause emotional suffering and impact one’s confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy entirely in order to hide their condition.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

• Excess localized fat
• Excess glandular tissue development
• Sometimes excess breast skin
• Being present can happen in either one or both breasts.

Causes Of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia, which refers to the enlargement of male breasts, can be caused by a range of different factors.

Hormonal imbalance. 

Uneven levels of estrogen and testosterone in the body, which can be inherited or caused by illness, are the primary causes of gynecomastia.

Weight gain. 

Men who have a higher body weight or are obese are more likely to have gynecomastia compared to those who are thin. This is due to the fact that having extra fat in the body leads to an increase in the production of estrogen. Therefore, losing weight could potentially improve or eliminate the symptoms of gynecomastia.

Medications that influence hormone levels.

It is crucial to recognize that certain drugs, such as antidepressants and birth control pills, can cause gynecomastia. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that certain medications used by athletes, like steroids, can also lead to this condition.

Who is eligible to have gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery candidates include:

1. Men whose condition cannot be improved using other medical treatments.
2. People who are in a state of good physical health and do not suffer from any serious illnesses or medical conditions that may impede the process of recovery.
3. Nonsmokers and non-drug users
4. Men who have a positive mindset and definite goals on improving the physical indicators of gynecomastia.
5. Men who possess good physical fitness and maintain a body weight that falls within the average range.
6. Men who have realistic expectations
7. Men whose breast development has ceased advancing.
8. Men who feel uncomfortable because they believe that their breasts are too big.

Teenagers may find surgery beneficial, but there is a possibility that further surgeries may be needed in the future if their breasts continue to grow.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

• Swelling of the breasts
• Enlarged breasts
• Pain in the breasts
• Lumps in the breasts

What are the necessary steps to get ready for the surgical procedure to treat gynecomastia?

Before undergoing gynecomastia surgery, you may be asked to complete the following measures:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• You have the option to either take certain medications or modify your current medication regimen.
• Stop smoking
• To avoid increasing the risk of bleeding, it is advised that you refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and natural supplements.

The success and safety of your gynecomastia treatment will greatly depend on your honesty during the consultation. You will be asked various questions about your health, personal choices, and lifestyle.

You can undergo surgery to reduce male breasts in a surgical facility that is registered, either within an office, certified outpatient surgical center, or hospital. It is important to arrange transportation to and from the surgery location and to have someone stay with you for at least one night after the surgery.

What happens during the gynecomastia surgery procedure?

In certain cases, surgeons depend exclusively on liposuction as a means to remove breast tissue. They achieve this by employing a suction tube inserted through several small incisions in order to extract excessive fat.

If you have excess skin, fat, and tissue, your doctor may recommend excision as a solution. This involves larger incisions to remove breast tissue. During the excision procedure, your doctor can also choose to move your nipple and areola. The specific incision patterns, lengths, and placements will be determined by the size of your breasts and the desired outcome.

Your doctor will determine if a combination of excision and liposuction is needed for your specific case, and they will recommend the appropriate approach. Before the procedure, you will receive general anesthesia intravenously in your arm. This will cause you to be unconscious throughout the surgery, ensuring that you do not feel any discomfort.

Recovery

Recovering from breast reduction surgery can require several weeks, potentially requiring you to take time off work. During this period, your breasts may be tender, swollen, and have bruising resulting in discoloration.

Following the surgery, it is important for you to wear a stretchy compression garment for 1 to 2 weeks, both day and night. This garment will give your chest the needed support as it heals.

The length of time you need to wear the dressings will vary based on how quickly your wounds heal. Typically, it takes around 1 to 2 weeks for your stitches to dissolve or be removed.

Avoid participating in vigorous exercise, lifting excessive weights, or stretching too far for about three weeks after the procedure. You will need to wait around six weeks before you can go back to all your usual activities without any limitations.

After the surgery, it may take a few weeks before you can drive again, as you should only do so once you can comfortably wear a seatbelt.

Gynecomastia surgery results

After having gynecomastia surgery, you will notice immediate results. Swelling will diminish over time and incision lines will become less noticeable. As you progress in your recovery, you will become increasingly satisfied with your new, transformed appearance.

The final results of your gynecomastia surgery may become noticeable after about 3-6 months. While the incision lines will be permanent, they will gradually fade and become less noticeable over time.

Having Gynecomastia surgery in Turkey?

The patient must carefully search for an appropriate service provider, have information, and ask about the surgeon and his experience. And also, checking examples of his previous operations.

Accordingly, we encourage you to contact the Health & Beauty to obtain all information and details, and to ensure that you have your operation done by the hands of the most skilled doctors working in this specialty.

Request a free consultation.