Enlarged Breasts in Men (Gynecomastia)
In certain instances, the male breast starts to enlarge on its own, resembling the shape of a female breast. This condition is medically recognized as "gynecomastia."
What is the Cause of Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can have many causes. Some diseases, for example, severe liver disorders such as cirrhosis, and some drugs, for example, a stomach medicine (cimetidine) once popularly used, can cause gynecomastia. However, in the vast majority of gynecomastia cases, there is no cause. In other words, this disease mainly occurs spontaneously without any reason.
Most bodybuilders have gynecomastia. This is due to the high amount of male hormones they use as stimulants. When the male hormone is destroyed after it is used in the body, an intermediate substance similar to the female hormone emerges, and this causes the breasts to grow in high amounts. The most commonly used drugs in Turkey are Primobolan, Sustanon, and Napoleon. Anapolan especially causes severe gynecomastia, but these athletes prefer it because it is both very effective and can be taken as a pill.
Can there be Non-Surgical Solutions?
Unfortunately no. Once gynecomastia occurs, the growing breast tissue must be removed. It is not expected to regress with hormonal treatments.
SURGERY
There are two types of surgeries.
If the enlarged mammary gland is soft and fatty, only liposuction may be sufficient, meaning a fat removal surgery. However, complex and significant gynecomastia must be removed with an open technique. However, this is not an operation that leaves a scar. A semicircular incision is made under the nipple, at the junction of the skin and the colored part, and the mammary gland is removed from here. If necessary, liposuction is also performed.
This is a minor surgery. It takes an hour on average, and it's not painful. There is no need to stay in the hospital. The dressings are removed after two days, and patients can take a shower on the third day. They can return to work on the fourth day.
Who Should Have This Surgery
I recommend this surgery for all men with gynecomastia. This is a difficult situation for a man to bear, and it creates psychological problems, especially in young people.
COMPLICATIONS AND PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR
There is almost no chance of severe bleeding in this type of surgery. Bleeding may be in the form of blood accumulation on one side of the breast or "hematoma." Your doctor may want to take you back to the operating room to clean this build-up and stop the bleeding if it continues.
Likewise, a unilateral swelling around the fifth day after the operation may indicate infection. Again, the solution will be to clear the infection and take an antibiotic treatment. Asymmetry is among the problems that may be encountered after this surgery. In rare cases, a retouching operation may be required in severe asymmetries.
TIPS: It is necessary to investigate whether there is an underlying cause by performing tests before the operation.
What to Expect Before and After the Surgery
This is a small operation in terms of size and difficulty. It is not a painful surgery. Generally, patients can be discharged on the same day and return to work after 3-4 days.
The first night can be relatively rough. Usually, a simple oral painkiller is sufficient. This surgery is an intervention where severe bruising and swelling are not expected.
If you are working, allocating four days for this surgery will be enough.
ABOUT THE SURGERY
Anesthesia type: Local anesthesia is sufficient.
Where should the surgery be performed: : In a hospital or an operating room.
Duration of surgery: 1 hour.
Length of stay in hospital: You can be discharged on the same day.
Post-operative pain – distress: A slight tingling may occur for a few days. Arm movements may cause little pain, especially in the first few days. Usually, a simple oral painkiller is sufficient.
Swelling, bruising: 5-10 days, moderate.
Drain:It is a low possibility that drains should be used. Drains are taken the next day.
Dressing:It is completely removed in 2-3 days.
Stitches: Usually, there are no stitches to be taken.
When to return to work: 3-4 days.
Returning to daily life: Arm movements may cause mild pain a few days after the operation. This pain is caused by the movements of the chest muscles on which the breast is located.
Going back to daily life: A few days after the operation, there is mild pain in arm movements. This is the pain caused by the movements of the chest muscles on which the breast is located.
Exercise: Patients can have long walks after two weeks and start jogging after three weeks. Sports such as fitness and tennis, in which the arms are used, can be started after four weeks.
Final shape: The hardness in the first weeks passes after the third month.
