What is Gynecomastia? Gynecomastia Surgery – Gynecomastia in Bursa
What is Gynecomastia? Gynecomastia Surgery – Gynecomastia in Bursa
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the development of more breast tissue than normal in men, which can lead to both aesthetic and psychological problems. Although medically it develops due to hormonal imbalances, it can sometimes be a sign of other health problems. Because it causes a feminine breast structure, it can lead to problems such as loss of self-confidence, embarrassment, and social isolation.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a term of Greek origin meaning “feminine breast.” Medically, it is the benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of glandular (secretory) breast tissue in men. Although it is usually bilateral, it can also be unilateral. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of true breast tissue; it should not be confused with fat accumulation.
Types of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is divided into 3 main types:
– True gynecomastia: This involves enlargement of the breast glandular tissue.
– Pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia): There is only an increase in fat tissue (due to obesity).
– Mixed type: Both mammary gland and fatty tissue are enlarged.
Causes of Gynecomastia
A. Physiological (Natural) Reasons:
– Neonatal period: A temporary response to the mother’s hormones.
– Adolescence: Due to hormonal fluctuations, it often resolves on its own.
– Old age: Increased estrogen effect due to decreased testosterone levels.
B. Pathological Causes:
– Hormonal imbalance: Low testosterone and high estrogen levels.
– Liver and kidney failure
– Thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism)
– Tumors (testis, pituitary, adrenal)
C. Drugs and Substances:
– Spironolactone, digoxin, antidepressants, anabolic steroids
– Alcohol, cannabis (marijuana), heroin
D. Idiopathic (Cause Unknown):
– Approximately 25–30% of all cases
Signs and Symptoms
– Tenderness, swelling, or hardness in the nipple
– Symmetrical or asymmetrical breast enlargement
– A hard, disc-shaped mass under the nipple
– Psychological distress (loss of self-confidence, social shyness)
– It is usually painless. If there is unilateral enlargement and discharge from the nipple, the man should definitely be evaluated for male breast cancer.
Diagnostic Methods
A. Physical Examination:
– During palpation by the doctor, the actual mammary gland tissue is distinguished from the fatty tissue.
B. Imaging Methods:
– Ultrasonography (USG): Evaluates the structure of breast tissue.
Mammography: Used to detect suspicious lumps or to differentiate between cancer and other diseases.
C. Laboratory Tests:
– Testosterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, prolactin, thyroid hormones
– Liver and kidney function tests
– The key to diagnosis is accurately differentiating between gynecomastia and breast cancer.
Conditions That Can Be Confused with Gynecomastia
– Male breast cancer (rare, unilateral, hard and painless lump)
– Lipoma (fat tissue tumor)
– Breast abscess or infection
– Pseudogynecomastia (fat accumulation only)
Treatment Methods
A. Medical (Drug) Treatment:
– It can be used in early-stage gynecomastia caused by hormonal imbalance.
– Tamoxifen: Estrogen receptor blocker (most commonly used)
– Raloxifene, Clomiphene: Alternative treatments
– Treatment is effective in the first 6–12 months, when breast tissue is soft and breast growth is recent.
B. Surgical Treatment:
It is applied in advanced or persistent cases. It is especially recommended if there are aesthetic complaints, pain, or psychological distress.
Surgical Methods:
– Liposuction (Fat Removal):
– It is applied if there is excess fat tissue.
– It is done through small incisions, leaving minimal scarring.
– It does not affect glandular tissue.
– Excision (Open Surgery):
– The mammary gland is removed directly.
– An incision is made around the nipple.
– Excess skin can also be removed if necessary.
Combined Method:
– Liposuction and excision are performed together.
– Both fat and glandular tissue are effectively removed.
Surgery Process and Recovery
Surgery Duration:
– Approximately 1-2 hours
Anesthesia:
– It can be performed under general or local anesthesia.
Hospital Stay:
– Patients are usually discharged the same day.
Recovery Process:
– Return to daily life within 1 week
– Wearing a sports brace for 3-4 weeks is recommended.
– Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4–6 weeks.
– Swelling may last for a few weeks, the final result will be seen in 2–3 months.
Expectations After Gynecomastia Surgery
– Flattening of the breast area and masculine contour
– Increased self-confidence, psychological improvement.
– Scars are minimal and fade over time.
– Regrowth is rare (it may recur if the hormonal imbalance continues)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by SGK (Turkish Social Security Institution)?
– Gynecomastia that develops due to pathological reasons (such as hormonal imbalance) may be covered by the Social Security Institution if documented.
– For aesthetic purposes, it is usually a fee-based procedure in private hospitals.
Is the surgery permanent?
– Yes, the removed glandular tissue will not regenerate. However, it can recur if new hormonal imbalances occur.
Will the surgery leave a scar?
– When done around the nipple, the scar is minimal.
– It fades over time and becomes almost invisible.
The content of this page is for informational purposes only; please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
