Gynecomastia is the uncontrolled and disproportionate growth in the breast tissues of men. When surgical intervention is performed on the growths in question, this surgery is expressed as gynecomastia surgery. As it is known, the anatomy of men is different from women’s. For this reason, large breast tissue in men is an unwelcome condition. Men who have problems in their social lives due to this breast size apply for gynecomastia operation.
Gynecomastia is a surgical procedure designed to remove enlarged breast tissue. Excess fat in male breasts can prevent men from achieving the firm and toned breasts they desire. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess adipose tissue to create more attractive breast lines. It is one of the most common plastic surgeries performed in men.
Common features of gynecomastia are:
- Localized fat deposits in the chest area
- excessive glandular tissue
- Excess breast skin
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of the mammary gland in men. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts. Although in most cases the cause is unknown, certain medications or medications and certain hormonal disorders can trigger it.
Hormonal imbalance during pubertal development may cause a temporary increase in breast tissue in adolescence. However, this condition usually resolves spontaneously. In adulthood, testosterone levels decrease as we age. This causes the development of breast tissue. Gynecomastia is also related to some kidney, thyroid or pituitary diseases. Abuse of certain substances such as alcohol, anabolics or corticosteroids stimulate breast development in men.
Individuals with gynecomastia problems may experience a serious change in their self-esteem. At this point, individuals may tend to avoid certain social situations that involve exposing their bodies. Close or partner relationships may be affected due to the insecurity created by feminine-looking breasts. They avoid clothing that clings to the body so as not to mark their flaws. This low personal security is more noticeable the younger the patient.
How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
When gynecomastia is mainly a result of excess fat tissue in the chest area, liposuction is usually performed to permanently remove these fat cells. After small incisions are made in the folds under the breasts, a cannula is inserted under the skin to absorb the unwanted fat deposits. When gynecomastia is more common, breast skin and glandular tissue may also be removed.
Another method used in gynecomastia surgery is the open method. The fat in the breast tissue of the patient is removed from the area with incisions. The open method, which is much less demanding than the liposuction method, also has a long recovery time. In this direction, the possibility of leaving scars on the body is also extremely high.
Recovery Process After Gynecomastia
After the gynecomastia operation, the patients are wrapped with a tight dressing to prevent internal bleeding. The dressing in question is not removed for 2 days. During the operation, a special suture is used. Therefore, there is no need to remove the sutures after the operation. The threads will dissolve on their own.
Swelling and bruises may occur in the area after the operation. These swelling and bruises vary according to the age of the patients, the fat tissue removed and the preferred technique. Mild scars are likely to remain in the area after the gynecomastia operation. These scars will disappear within 1-2 months.