Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue, making it resemble a female breast. The term originates from the Greek words “gyne” meaning woman and “mazos” meaning breast. Gynecomastia is often observed during puberty and in older men due to hormonal changes. In adolescence, gynecomastia typically resolves on its own within a year. However, if gynecomastia persists beyond puberty, it may occur without a specific reason, as a result of certain hormonal disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications.
How should gynecomastia be treated?
Patients presenting with gynecomastia undergo a breast examination, followed by hormonal tests and breast ultrasonography. If no underlying issues are detected after these evaluations, gynecomastia surgery can be performed.
Is gynecomastia surgery performed under anesthesia?
Gynecomastia surgery should be performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. The surgery typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
How is gynecomastia surgery performed?
The decision to perform liposuction or tissue excision depends on the size of the breast tissue and the proportion of fat and glandular tissue. In cases treated with liposuction, no incisions are made apart from the entry point for the cannula, and this method is preferred for moderate gynecomastia. In cases of excessively large breasts, tissue excision may be performed through an incision around the areola to remove the excessive breast tissue.
Is gynecomastia surgery painful, and what should be considered during recovery?
Post-surgery pain is not severe and can be managed with painkillers on the first day if necessary. A special compression garment must be worn for 6 weeks after surgery. It is advised to refrain from sports activities for 3 weeks.
In the first few days after surgery, the breasts may feel swollen, firm, and bruised. Bruising typically subsides by the end of the first week. Swelling, firmness, and edema in the breast tissue are most noticeable during the first 3 weeks. These begin to diminish after the third week, and the breasts take their final shape around the third month. To accelerate the resolution of edema, treatments like lymphatic drainage and radiofrequency can be applied after the third week. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled at the 3rd week, 3rd month, 6th month, and 1st year unless there is a specific issue requiring additional monitoring.