Gynecomastia

According to doctors, gynecomastia can be either congenital or develop at various stages of life—during adolescence, puberty, or later in life. Several factors can influence the enlargement of breast tissue, including an excess of female hormones or hormonal imbalances, obesity, liver, kidney, thyroid, or testicular diseases, and medications. Additionally, gynecomastia can sometimes be associated with breast cancer and may be an early sign of the disease, so it’s recommended to consult a doctor and undergo an ultrasound examination if breast tissue enlargement occurs. Men with gynecomastia often complain about painful breasts, discomfort during physical activity or exercise, and frequently suffer from psychological issues, feeling embarrassed to undress, unable to relax at the beach, or experiencing discomfort in intimate situations. Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed on patients who are at least 18 years old, as enlarged breasts during puberty may resolve on their own once hormone levels stabilize. It’s important to note that gynecomastia surgery is not performed if the patient has a viral or bacterial infection or a severe breast condition.

Before the surgery, the desired outcome is discussed with the doctor, necessary tests are performed, and any medications, medical history, and allergies are reviewed. It is recommended to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications before the surgery as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Smoking should be avoided at least 4 weeks before and after the surgery.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 2 hours. During the operation, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon makes an incision along the lower edge of the nipple areola and removes the excess glandular tissue. If the cause of the breast enlargement is fatty tissue, liposuction (fat removal) is performed during the same procedure. A drain may be left in place for 24-48 hours after the surgery.

Special Care If dissolvable stitches are used during the operation, they do not need to be removed. Immediately after the surgery, a surgical compression garment is put on the patient, and it is recommended to wear it for at least 4-6 weeks. For at least a month, sleeping on your back and avoiding heavy lifting is advised. Healing and Scarring After the surgery, some pain may be felt for a few days, and the chest may be partially numb. If pain occurs, medications prescribed by the doctor for pain and inflammation can be taken. A small scar will remain at the incision site, but it will gradually fade over time and become less noticeable. To accelerate healing, lymphatic drainage massage sessions are recommended. Physical Activity Normal daily activities can be resumed after a few days, but it is advisable to avoid sports and intense physical activities for at least a month.