Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia treatment becomes clear after the patient’s endocrinological examinations are completed.

Before deciding on surgery, the patient’s age is taken into consideration. In younger patients, gynecomastia may resolve spontaneously after puberty is completed, so they may be advised to wait. In rare cases, gynecomastia can also occur as a side effect of medication use. In such situations, before making a surgical decision, it is observed whether the gynecomastia resolves on its own after the medication is discontinued.

Jinekomasti

Gynecomastia Treatment

Once the decision for surgery is made, the choice of surgical technique depends on several factors such as the patient’s gynecomastia grade, type, aesthetic concerns, and overall health condition.

  • If breast enlargement is mostly due to excess fat, the surgery is performed using the liposuction technique. In this method, a thin cannula is inserted through a small incision, and the excess fat is removed by vacuum. This method leaves minimal scarring.
  • If the enlargement is due to glandular tissue growth rather than fat, the excisional technique is used. Through a half-moon incision made along the border of the areola, the excess glandular tissue is removed, and if necessary, some skin can also be excised. This technique may leave a faint scar around the areola, and the recovery time is longer compared to liposuction.
  • If both fat and glandular tissue excess are present, a combination of the two techniques is applied.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast beyond normal size. While rare before puberty, it most commonly occurs after puberty.

Patients presenting with breast enlargement undergo physical examination and, if needed, radiological imaging.

The causes of gynecomastia vary:

  • Hormonal imbalances (the most common cause)
  • Use of hormonal medications
  • Endocrine-related tumors
  • Testicular developmental disorders

During puberty, 60–70% of boys experience temporary breast gland enlargement, but it usually is not prominent and resolves within 6–18 months.

In adults, about 40% show signs of gynecomastia, which may be unilateral or bilateral.

Surgical Treatment

The most suitable surgical methods are liposuction and gland excision techniques, chosen according to examination findings:

  • In patients with excess fat tissue, liposuction yields good results.
  • In patients with both fat and glandular tissue excess, liposuction is combined with excision of the glandular tissue.
  • If skin excess is also present, skin removal is performed in addition to fat and gland excision.

After surgery, bandaging is applied for about 3 weeks, and patients are scheduled for monthly follow-ups.

Doç. Dr. M. Beşir Öztürk

Specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery