Gynecomastia

What Is  Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is characterized by the benign, excessive growth of the breast and nipples, mostly seen in glandular tissue in men. Although the structural forms of female and male breasts are the same, the reason for the smaller size of the male breast compared to the female breast is the presence of sufficient estrogen hormone in men. It is common in newborns, adolescents, and men over middle age. While it may cause pain and discomfort in some patients, it does not pose a health risk. However, in young and adult men, it can cause discomforting feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness during physical activities such as swimming or exercising. Gynecomastia in many men leads to feelings of insecurity, introversion, and posture problems. Gynecomastia can occur in one breast or both breasts.

How Does Gynecomastia Resolve?

Although gynecomastia surgery is preferred for a definitive solution, aside from surgical methods, the problem can be alleviated with a proper diet and regular exercise. With a good dietary plan, reversing insulin resistance, and an exercise routine, you may be able to minimize the problem of gynecomastia. However, your surgeon will still make the most accurate decision.

Can Gynecomastia Be Treated with Sports?

The appearance of gynecomastia can be alleviated with methods other than surgery. The effect of exercise can be considered in the natural treatment of male breast enlargement.

The regression of gynecomastia appearance with exercise occurs only when the person is excessively overweight and loses weight as a result. When a person loses excessive weight, the fat in the chest area also decreases. However, in individuals who have shown signs of gynecomastia due to hormonal reasons since a young age, despite being of normal weight, gynecomastia does not regress with exercise. On the contrary, in individuals who exercise, the sagging fatty part may sag even further downwards. This situation may lead to a more advanced degree of gynecomastia for those who exercise.

For individuals with gynecomastia, opting for surgical methods instead of exercise as a treatment method may yield better results. Nevertheless, the most appropriate treatment method should be determined by a plastic surgeon.

How Is Gynecomastia Recognized?

The symptoms of gynecomastia are important for the individual’s initial diagnosis.

If there is a significantly larger size of breast tissue in men compared to what is normally present, a protrusion forward in the nipples, or swelling in the nipples, it may be considered a problem. An examination by a plastic surgeon is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

In gynecomastia surgery, breast tissue is removed through small incisions. It is generally performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia may also be preferred depending on the situation. The patient can be discharged after the surgery. It is recommended to use a gynecomastia corset or shirt for approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery. Additionally, individuals who want to conceal the appearance of gynecomastia without surgery can also benefit from a gynecomastia corset or shirt.

Which Department Deals with Gynecomastia?

Breast enlargement in men is a common health problem. It falls under the field of aesthetic and plastic surgery. All doctors in this field can perform gynecomastia surgery.

How Can I Tell If I Have Gynecomastia?

An ultrasound is required for a definite diagnosis. Additionally, the diagnosis is made by aesthetic and plastic surgeons. If necessary, intervention can be performed with gynecomastia surgery.

How Is Gynecomastia Reduced?

In the treatment of gynecomastia, also known as male breast reduction, surgical intervention is primarily important. Surgical intervention is performed in two ways: direct surgical removal and liposuction, which is a method of suctioning fat. Depending on the condition of gynecomastia, these methods can be applied alone or together.

What Helps with Gynecomastia?

If breast enlargement in men is caused by an underlying condition such as malnutrition or cirrhosis, this condition may need to be treated.

Doctors may advise discontinuing the intake of medications that may cause this condition or prescribe another medication.

In cases of gynecomastia that occur during adolescence and do not have a clear cause other than normal hormonal changes, the doctor may recommend periodic re-examinations every three to six months to see if the condition resolves on its own. In many cases, gynecomastia, which is commonly seen in such situations, can resolve spontaneously in less than two years without treatment.

At What Age Does Gynecomastia Go Away?

Most cases of gynecomastia seen in infancy resolve spontaneously. During adolescence, it commonly occurs earliest at the age of 10-12, often between 13-14, and 85-90% of cases resolve within 6-36 months without treatment. It can persist up to the age of 17. However, some cases may persist into adulthood.

At What Age Does Gynecomastia Begin?

The problem of breast enlargement in men is frequently observed in males entering puberty, typically between the ages of 18-25. After puberty, approximately 30% of cases experience regression and spontaneous improvement as hormone levels stabilize. Gynecomastia is observed in approximately 40-60% of men to some extent.

Why Does Male Breast Enlargement Occur?

It can result from hormonal changes and medications. Men secrete small amounts of the female hormone estrogen. Gynecomastia is observed when there is an excess secretion of estrogen. Gynecomastia seen in babies is natural and typically resolves within a few weeks.

Gynecomastia occurring during puberty is due to hormonal imbalances. About 90% of cases of breast enlargement during puberty disappear within a few years.

In adult men, it is usually diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.

Certain medications can also cause gynecomastia. Some medications that can cause gynecomastia include:

• Antiandrogen drugs
• Some antidepressant drugs
• Antibiotics and ulcer medications
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Some heart medications