Gynecomastia (Male Breast)
Gynecomastia is the growth of breasts in men. In Latin, it means female breast enlargement and as the name suggests, it creates the appearance of the opposite sex in men. This condition can be very damaging to self-confidence. Many men with this condition can go out in social life in loose shirts with large pockets. Summer is more difficult. Going to the sea, doing sports, sexual intimacy can make the person unhappy. It is difficult to carry this image of the opposite sex.
The majority of people do not have problems with the male hormone. The male organs show normal development. It may be preferable to wait instead of surgical treatment in adolescence. Unnecessary waiting affects the psychology of the person very negatively. Although there are different drug treatments, they are not preferred in many patients. The definitive treatment is plastic surgery. In my opinion, it is the most necessary surgery of aesthetic breast surgery in men and women. Most patients are treated with liposuction surgery performed through a 3 millimeter incision. The remaining scar is too small to be seen. The procedure can be performed with regional anesthesia (local anesthesia) without anesthesia. The patient returns home the same day. Postoperative pain is very little. There is some bruising and it disappears within two weeks. The patient can start sports such as running after one week. The condition does not recur.
What causes breast enlargement in men, is it common?
It can be seen in newborn boys and disappears spontaneously in a short time. At the age of 10-12 years, a small growth under the nipple is very common. If it is this small, it does not require immediate intervention. It is followed up by pediatricians. In many people, this condition disappears after the age of 17. If there is more growth and there is no shrinkage despite advancing age, hormone tests are performed. The medications used by the patient are checked. It also occurs frequently in older men. In rare cases, breast cancer may occur.
Why should female breast enlargement in men be treated?
It is very important for men to look like a man. Every man wants to be able to take off his shirt when necessary, wear a t-shirt and not be embarrassed and this is his most natural right. This disease often causes men to question their masculinity. It is much more hurtful than breast aesthetic problems in women. The person cannot share this shame with his/her environment and treatment is often delayed. This condition is not only treated today. Even 1400 years ago, people were operated on this issue. It was an important problem even for the people of that time. Today, I cannot imagine it not being treated.
How is the treatment decided?
Of course, first of all, the person should be uncomfortable with this condition. It is possible to perform the procedure with local anesthesia in most patients. Excess tissue is removed through small holes of three millimeters. The advantage of this procedure is that the scar is not visible. If the breast tissue is too large (in many patients it is not), then the excess skin needs to be removed. This is decided during your consultation with your plastic surgeon.
Will the breasts grow again?
Not if there is no obesity such as 10 or 20 kilograms. Even in this case, since the breast area will remain smaller than the abdomen, the appearance of a woman does not occur.
Is there no medication for this condition?
If there is a problem with hormones, hormone therapy is given by pediatricians and endocrinologists (hormone specialists). Otherwise, surgical procedures are more successful than drug treatments.
At what age is gynecomastia treated surgically?
Until the age of 17, if breast growth regresses, it regresses. If there is no improvement, one should pay close attention to the psychology of the person. Many young people cannot share their discomfort with their family because of shame. Walking around in thick and layered clothes, not wanting to go to sports, staying away from the sea, not wanting to take off their clothes in front of people, introversion are situations that parents should pay attention to. It is important to remember that it is much more difficult for young people to overcome this condition than for adults. After the age of 17, treatment is always possible. If there is significant growth in the breasts, even if not at the age of 17, treatment can be performed at an earlier age.
Can older men also be treated?
Advancing age does not mean that men will accept to look like women. Particular attention should be paid to unilateral breast enlargement in patients of this age. Breast cancer is also seen in men, albeit rarely, and early diagnosis is very important. In case of doubt, consult a general surgeon immediately. Gradual enlargement of both breasts over many years can be corrected with aesthetic interventions.
