Gynecomastia means enlargement of breast tissue in men. It may not be only fat accumulation; in true gynecomastia there is also an increase in glandular breast tissue. This distinction directly affects the approach to be applied.
It may be seen during adolescence due to hormonal changes, and some cases may resolve on their own. In adults, weight gain, certain medications, hormonal conditions or underlying medical causes may play a role.
For this reason, the first step is not surgery but evaluation. Whether there is an underlying cause needs to be investigated; if necessary, the opinion of the relevant specialties is obtained.
Suitability can be assessed only after an examination and the necessary tests.
1. Assessment. An examination is carried out; the history, medications used and, if necessary, hormone tests and imaging are assessed.
2. Planning. The approach is determined according to whether fatty tissue or glandular tissue predominates. Liposuction comes into consideration when fat predominates, and removal of glandular tissue when glandular tissue is pronounced. Often the two are applied together. If there is marked excess skin, skin adjustment may also be needed.
3. Procedure. Incisions are generally planned to be concealed around the nipple.
4. Follow-up. Use of a compression garment is recommended.
Swelling, bruising and tenderness are expected in the chest area in the first days. The compression garment helps the swelling subside and the skin adapt to the new contour.
As with every surgical procedure, this one carries certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
If the condition is due only to fat accumulation, it may regress with weight control. However, if there is a true increase in glandular breast tissue, this tissue does not disappear with exercise.
Yes. It is important to investigate whether there is an underlying hormonal or medical cause. The assessment begins with an examination.
Recurrence may be seen if the underlying cause (medication use, a hormonal condition, marked weight gain) persists.
Incisions are generally planned to be concealed around the nipple. Scar healing varies from person to person.
Gynecomastia surgery falls within the specialty of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Op. Dr. Harun Tekin carries out assessments in Antalya as a specialist physician in this field. Before surgery, it is necessary to investigate whether there is a hormonal or other medical cause underlying the enlargement.
The condition commonly called "chest enlargement in men" is medically termed gynecomastia. However, not every enlargement has the same structure: in some it results from an increase in glandular breast tissue, and in others from fat tissue. The distinction is made by examination and, when necessary, imaging, and it directly affects the treatment plan.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
