Gynecomastia: What You Need to Know

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by excessive development or enlargement of the breast tissue in males, resulting from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. Newborns, adolescents, or elderly men can develop gynecomastia due to hormonal changes, genetics, obesity, or the use of certain medications. Excessive localized fat, overgrowth of glandular tissue, occasionally excess skin over the breasts, and the presence of gynecomastia on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) are characteristic features.

While gynecomastia is not life-threatening, it can cause emotional distress and loss of self-confidence. Many males with gynecomastia may not exhibit symptoms. Swollen breast tissue and tenderness in the breasts are the most noticeable signs of gynecomastia. Pain is especially common in adolescents, while it is rare in adult men. Additionally, nipple tenderness is another symptom to consider. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as breast swelling, pain, or tenderness, or nipple discharge in one or both breasts should consult a doctor without delay.

Gynecomastia can be treated both surgically and with laser liposuction procedures. Laser lipolysis involves the treatment of specific fat tissue associated with gynecomastia and the removal of fat accumulated in the breasts due to excessive weight. Gynecomastia also has stages. Factors such as the size of the breast, the presence of skin sagging, among others, determine the preferred treatment method. If the breast is significantly large and there are issues such as skin sagging, then surgery is the only option. During surgery, fat is removed along with excess skin over the breast tissue. Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both laser lipolysis and excision.

Factors Contributing to Gynecomastia Formation Gynecomastia, a pathological condition, can develop over a wide age range from childhood to adulthood. Childhood and pubertal gynecomastia are due to physiological reasons and usually resolve spontaneously.

Causes of adult gynecomastia include:

Hormonal imbalances, Use of certain protein powders, Use of performance-enhancing drugs, Genetic factors, Klinefelter syndrome, Liver and kidney diseases, Increased body fat that can elevate estrogen levels.

Who is Eligible for Gynecomastia Treatment?

Gynecomastia treatment is performed on healthy individuals over 18 years of age (can be performed from the age of 17 with parental consent) who are suitable for treatment, do not smoke, and have stabilized breast development. Additionally; Men who, despite alternative medical treatments and methods, have seen no change in their condition, Men who have a positive outlook on improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia and have specific goals, Men who feel uncomfortable due to the perceived excessive size of their breasts are suitable candidates for gynecomastia treatment.

Gynecomastia Treatment with Laser Lipolysis Laser lipolysis, or lipolaser, is a laser-assisted technique that allows fat tissue to be removed with less trauma and more safely. The technique involves the application of two types of lasers with different frequencies under the skin, which destroy fat tissue, tighten the skin, and induce collagen formation.

Laser lipolysis is performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. The goal of laser lipolysis for gynecomastia treatment is to remove 85% of the glandular tissue and excess fat in the breasts. To remove the glandular structure and fat tissue, the doctor will make a small incision or two incisions if the person is obese.

First, the glandular structure of the breast tissue is removed to eliminate the pubertal breast appearance. Then, a thin and flexible cannula with an optical fiber at the end is inserted under the skin. The optical fiber reaches the breast fat tissue and liquefies the fat. The liquefied fat is removed using the liposuction method. Finally, the skin is tightened with the help of the optical fiber. The person can return home on their own after 1 hour of the procedure and can resume normal activities after 48 hours.

Surgical Gynecomastia Treatment Surgical gynecomastia treatment, also known as male breast reduction, involves correcting excessively developed or enlarged breasts in men through surgery. Gynecomastia surgery is performed under sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes about one to two hours to complete. The person may need to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed through an incision surrounding the dark area (areola) around the nipple. Some surgeons prefer an incision referencing the natural fold under the breasts. After the incision is made, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed. In many cases, liposuction technique is used alone or in combination to remove fat and glandular tissues. If there is sagging of the breast due to the weight of excess breast tissue, the surgeon repositions and resizes the areola. After surgery, the chest area is wrapped with a bandage or compression garment. The recovery period is approximately one week. It may take several months for all swelling to subside and for the scars to fade.