The term gynecomastia is formed by the combination of two words of Latin origin: gyneko (woman) and masti (breast). Gynecomastia literally means "female breast". The appropriate equivalent of this word when translated into Turkish would be "female type breast". In today's literature, female-type breasts that can be seen in men are called gynecomastia. This situation may be unilateral or bilateral. A significant breast size will deeply affect a man's social and psychological life. So, for what exact reason or reasons does gynecomastia occur?
Causes of Gynecomastia
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There may be a variety of reasons for the development of gynecomastia. Hormonal disorders and some regularly used medications may cause 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 causes of gynecomastia. Finally, it should not be forgotten that some types of hormone-secreting cancer or male-type breast cancer may also cause gynecomastia. However, most of the time, the cause of gynecomastia is idiopathic, that is, the cause cannot be found.
Types of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia may originate from breast tissue (glandular gynecomastia), originate from fat tissue (lipomatous, i.e. pseudo-gynecomastia), or originate from both tissues (mixed type gynecomastia). The number of mixed gynecomastia in society is higher than the other two groups of gynecomastia. Since understanding which tissue or tissues the gynecomastia originates from will determine the treatment plan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamburoğlu will examine you in detail before the surgery and request breast ultrasonography.
When Gynecomastia Occurs
Gynecomastia is more common in men in three stages of life. Temporary gynecomastia may occur in babies due to estrogen hormones passed from the mother. Follow-up is sufficient in its treatment. Temporary gynecomastia may also occur during adolescence due to hormonal reasons. This type of gynecomastia usually disappears within 18 months. Fly The third time of occurrence is adulthood. This type is often treated with surgery.
Gynecomastia Treatment
In gynecomastia treatment, it is necessary to investigate the underlying cause in order to provide complete and appropriate treatment. The most appropriate treatment for gynecomastia rich in fatty tissue will be liposuction. In this procedure, the fat inside the breast is removed by entering two 1 cm holes in each breast. Normal liposuction may be insufficient in breast tissue-rich type gynecomastia. In this case, special tips may be required to divide and remove the breast tissue. In very advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove tissues through a small hole called "pull through". Again, in cases of severe excess skin, skin tightening can be achieved with VASER or Laser liposuction system. Sometimes all this is not enough, and in very advanced cases, it may be necessary to directly remove the skin along with the breast tissue. While local anesthesia and sedation are sufficient for patient comfort and procedure success in relatively small, fatty breasts, general anesthesia is preferred for breasts that are larger or have more breast tissue. If your procedure was performed with local anesthesia or sedation, it is possible to be discharged on the same day. If your procedure was performed under general anesthesia, it is recommended that you stay in the hospital for 1 night.
"High Definition" Gynecomastia Treatment
In this technique, in addition to gynecomastia treatment, tissues can be reshaped to provide a muscular appearance. However, for this process, your tissues must first be suitable. Technically, VASER or Laser liposuction methods can be used for this purpose.
Gynecomastia Healing
Recovery after gynecomastia surgery is quite fast. The surgery takes 1-1.5 hours on average. After your procedure is completed, a bandage will be wrapped around your chest area. This bandage is replaced with a special corset the next day. You will be asked to continue using the corset for the next 1 month. Your return to your normal life will take approximately 3 to 5 days. However, if you are actively doing sports, this benefit You may need to stay away from your home for 1 month. In the 6th month after the surgery, your recovery will be complete, your edema will have disappeared and your result will be clear.
Alternative Methods
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Some specially made clothes are designed to hide gynecomastia. After wearing these corsets, people suffering from gynecomastia can comfortably wear whatever they want. However, such clothes can temporarily hide gynecomastia. It is naturally not possible to wear this type of clothing by the sea in summer.
Can Gynecomastia Be Treated with Medication?
If the factor causing gynecomastia can be determined, treatment of this condition may lead to regression of gynecomastia. In the presence of a hormonal imbalance, gynecomastia can be partially treated with the use of anti-estrogen medication. The use of this type of medication must be accompanied by an endocrinologist (hormonal diseases specialist). However, in 80% of patients, this regression is not complete and does not eliminate the need for surgery.
Breast Enlargement Recurs After Gynecomastia Surgery. Is it?
Since excess breast tissue is completely removed with this surgery, recurrence is not expected. However, if the person gains a significant amount of weight, such as 20-30 kilos, after the surgery, a similar situation may occur as fat accumulation will occur in this area as well as in the whole body. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful not to gain excessive weight after the surgery.
What is the Suitable Age for Gynecomastia Surgery?
The earliest age for this surgery is 17. Because, as we mentioned above, gynecomastia that develops during adolescence up to this age may regress on its own and may not require any treatment.
The Presence of Gynecomastia Risks
Except for the accompanying risk of breast cancer due to the increase in breast tissue, gynecomastia has no risks other than aesthetic problems in the long term. On the other hand, the risk of breast cancer increases approximately 10 to 20 times in Klinefelter syndrome.
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