Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

The involuntary growth of the breast area in men as in women is called gynecomastia in the medical language. This situation, which many men encounter in their growth period, can cause problems both physically and psychologically when it is permanent.

It is one of the problems caused by some hormonal sources, also known as gynecomastia.  This problem, which is described as the problem of male breast growth as in female breasts, is generally caused by hormones. In males, this breast growth is generally more common in adolescents because there is an abnormal hormonal balance problem in the body, which can lead to disproportionate changes.

Gynecomastia is considered as a disease in the medical language because it causes psychological disorders, stressful life and self-confidence problems in the individuals which this problem is seen. That's why men who suffer from  breast growth problem are provided treatment with psychological counselor. 

Side effects of hormone drugs, various endocrine originated tumors or testicular development disorders; these are the other causes of this disease in general. Nowadays according to the researches, it is stated that it is seen in 40% of adult men. Breast growth may be unilateral or bilateral. This depends on what kind of hormonal structure a person has. The hormonal structure of the human body usually acts at equal levels and at normal levels; however, when the hormones are unstable, there is a different rate of secretion. In this case, disproportionate growth  occurs in one of the breasts, while the other may be smaller.

Why Do Breast Growth Occur in Men?

A growth of more than 2 cm in the breast tissue of men is called gynecomastia. Although there is no definitive diagnosis of gynecomastia, there are many effecting reasons. It is not right to seek a single reason for growth to occur.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

• thyroid dysfunction,
• renal insufficiency,
• severe liver disorders,
• endocrine originated tumor,
• testicular growth disorders,
• Kleinfelter Send and Orhiectomy, where testosterone production decreases,
• Testicular tumors with increased production of estrogen,
• the presence of diseases such as adrenal gland tumors in the individual is effective in the occurrence of gynecomastia.

In addition to these diseases; taking some antidepressant drugs and the formerly used gastric medication called Cimetidine can cause gynecomastia in the individual. Besides, obesity is a very effective cause of gynecomastia, usage of high amount of male hormones by bodybuilding athletes such as Primabolan, Sustanon, Anapolan are also an effective cause. Apart from these reasons, hormone imbalances in the person is one of the most common causes.

Gynecomastia occurs in two types: false and real.
In false gynecomastia, growth is seen in the breast of the adolescent, but this growth is lost in about 18 months. In real gynecomastia, gynecomastia occurred in adolescence is still not lost in individuals over the age of 18 and growth continues.

What is the Cause of Gynecomastia?

The diagnosis of the majority of men admitted to hospitals for this disease is described as the deformation of the body due to obesity and irregular nutrition. However, diseases that affect the hormonal system such as cirrhosis and thyroid can cause gynecomastia, in other words breast growth. In such cases, it should be observed that whether the patient previously had complaints of gynecomastia.

It is known that gynecomastia is diagnosed due to estrogen (femininity) hormone-containing drugs and some pleasure-inducing substances. These problems are not encountered in the majority of patients applied forgynecomastia. Generally, it can be said that it is caused by genetic problems.

How Does Gynecomastia Identified?

In particular, it is stated that the breast regions of adolescents are sagging but this situation is temporary. For this reason, it is not possible to diagnose gynecomastia by hand. Depending on the obesity, the sagging of the fat masses in the chest area is observed. In this case, the recommendation made by the doctors will be to have a dietitian examination and a healthy appearance by this way.

However, in such cases, as a result of the examination of the doctors, treatment decision can be made according to the patient's request. Gynecomastia, if it has emerged genetically and tissularly, is not possible to be eliminated by sports. Although temporary reduction is achieved, patients are more likely to return to the same appearance as soon as they leave the sport.

Gynecomastia Treatment Methods

Firstly, the history of the patients who are admitted with suspicion of gynecomastia is listened to by the doctors. Then, in order to find the reason for the growth, hormone test is performed. The hormone values can be determined in a short time from the blood samples of the patients.
After the diagnosis of the doctor, if a surgical intervention is decided according to the patient's decision, an appointment is given to the patients. The patient is examined by anesthesiologists to prevent any problems during anesthesia.

The most effective solution of gynecomastia is the removal of fats in the breast area consisting of fat and breast tissue.
Depending on the condition of the disease, the operation is successfully completed by the specialist doctors within 2 hours. In order for the patient to look perfect by taking into account the physical appearance of the patient after the operation, the drawings made in accordance with the physics of each patient, and the fat tissue is removed. At this point, there are different surgical methods:

Open surgery and liposuction. After the decision making by the doctor and the patient on which method to use, the small incisions in the chest area of the patient are sutured after the tissues are removed, and the chest region of the patient is wrapped in bandages. When liposuction is performed, the patient wakes up painlessly. After the operation, the patient is taken to the observation room and awakened under control.

Recovery Process After Gynecomastia

Patients are usually recommended to rest for 1-2 days; on the first day after surgery, since the patient will be under the effect of anesthesia, it is recommended to rest, but still in the situation that can walk. Ache and pain are not feltafter the operation. Considering the advice of the doctor, solid food is not preferred for the first few days in order not to damage the sutures. It is mandatory to wear a corset for 3 weeks during treatment.

Approximately one week after surgery, patients can fully return to their daily lives; however, activities that will physically force the region must be avoided.
Finally, the medication given by the physician should be used to fully heal the scars of the operation, and the patient should not expose the chest region to the direct sunlight for the time period the doctor recommends -generally first three months-. Monthly checks are recommended during this process.

Gynecomastia is a disease that can be solved permanently and it rarely repeats after treatment. However, there is a slight chance of sagging in patients who receive especially excessive weight after treatment. Even in this case the front side of the chest will still be flat; fat deposition will occur due to weight gain around the breast.

New Appearance after Gynecomastia Surgery

Patients who return to their daily lives after surgery begin to feel more self-confident. They believe that they enjoy life more. At the same time, almost all of the patients stated that they were satisfied with the operation because they were free from an uncomfortable situation.

Recommendations to The Individuals Who Have Suspicions

Everything in life exists for people and you don't have to spend the rest of your life in a way you don't want to be. You are not alone in this and thousands of gynecomastia surgery is done every year in Turkey. Please do not forget to talk to a specialist, knowing that this is a disease like a cold.