What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that results in the enlargement of breast tissue in men. This condition can lead to discomfort and distress due to changes in appearance. Understanding the causes of gynecomastia is essential for effective management.
Common Causes of Gynecomastia
Several factors can contribute to the development of gynecomastia, including:
- Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuations in testosterone and estrogen levels can lead to breast tissue enlargement.
- Genetics: Family history may play a role in the likelihood of developing gynecomastia.
- Weight gain: Increased body fat can lead to hormonal changes that promote breast tissue growth.
- Medications: Certain drugs can cause gynecomastia as a side effect.
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Men with gynecomastia may experience:
- Tenderness or sensitivity in the breast area
- Noticeable enlargement of the breast size
- Discomfort in social situations due to changes in appearance
Types of Gynecomastia
There are four gynecomastia types. This problem is classified into four based on the severity of breast growth.
- Grade 1; indicates small breast enlargement. In this grade, there is no excess skin. In
- Grade 2; more fat is accumulated but there is still no excess skin.
- Grade 3; indicates moderate fat accumulation with excess skin.
- Grade 4; is the most severe case with high-fat accumulation and excess fat.
When you visit your doctor, s/he will determine your gynecomastia grade. This grade is important as the doctor will decide what type of gynecomastia surgery you need. Depending on your grade, you might need more aggressive treatment.
Who Are Good Gynecomastia Surgery Candidates?
First thing you need to be gynecomastia candidate is dissatisfaction with your looks. If your enlarged breasts are causing you trouble, it might be time to see a specialist.
Types of Gynecomastia Surgery
Actually, there are two types of gynecomastia surgery. In severe cases like Grade 4, the doctor might combine these two methods. Gynecomastia operation will be determined after a detailed examination.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the most common method applied to solve gynecomastia problem. Before this operation, general anaesthesia is administrated. Afterwards, fat tissues in the breast are collected with the liposuction method.
In this method, small holes are opened on both breasts. Then, the special cannula is placed inside the breast. This cannula is moved forward and backwards repeatedly. During this movement, fat tissues are broken down. These fat tissues are collected with the vacuum.
After collecting the necessary amount of fat tissues, small holes are sutures. There is almost no mark or scarring after the surgery.
Excision
Excision technique is often applied for Grade 3 and Grade 4 types. In this technique, glandular breast tissue is removed. Also, if there is excess skin, excision can remove those skins as well.
As in liposuction, general anaesthesia is applied. Then, breast tissue is cut and removed. During excision, the nipple might be repositioned as well. This step will be necessary if too much skin or fat tissue is removed. Afterwards, patients are sutured and operation is completed.
Liposuction and Excision
In some severe cases like Grade 4, both liposuction and excision might be necessary. Combination of both methods will enable the doctor to remove excess fat and excess skin. When two techniques are combined, fat tissues are first collected by liposuction. Later, excess skin is removed with excision and nipple is repositioned.
Risks of Gynecomastia Surgery
In general, gynecomastia is considered as one of the safe surgeries. However, there are risks associated with general anaesthesia. Before the operation, it is important to make all necessary blood tests to reduce risks associated with general anaesthesia.
There are blood cloth and bleeding risks. However, these are rare complications. Also, in some cases, nipple sensation might be decreased. Generally, the nipple will get the sensation back in a few months. There is also infection risk as in all other operations.
Recovery Process After Surgery
After the surgery, you will spend the first night at the hospital. After your drainage is removed, you are free to go home. Gynecomastia surgery recovery is relatively easy and painless. You need to take all prescribed medication. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and pain killers. Antibiotics will prevent the risk of infection. On the other hand, you will need pain killers for the first couple of days.
Generally, you can go back to your normal life after a couple of days. But you need to take care of your breasts for a while. You need to avoid any damage or impact. The impact might cause pain. Also, you might need to avoid heavy sports for a couple of weeks. After fully recovering, you can go back to sports. You can have the flat chest you want after your surgery and spending some time at the gym.
Cost of Gynecomastia in Turkey
The starting cost of Gynecomastia in Turkey is $2400 on average. In the price for Gynecomastia, there is a hospital charge, hotel charge, transportation, medical services from surgery preparations up to afterwards treatments, and also consultations and follow-ups.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Permanent?
In most cases, gynecomastia results are permanent. But you might need to make some lifestyle changes. For example, you need to keep your weight under control. This way, you can prevent fat accumulation on your breasts.
Also, if your gynecomastia was caused by certain medication, you might want to stop using those medications if possible. Some steroids might also lead to breast enlargement. After your surgery, your results will be permanent if you consider all these factors. Doing sports and adopting a healthy lifestyle will also contribute to your operating results.