Enlarged Breasts in Men (Gynecomastia)
In some cases, the male breast begins to grow on its own and almost takes the form of a female breast. This is a disease and is called "gynecomastia" in medicine.
What is the Cause of Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can have many causes. Some diseases, for example severe liver disorders such as cirrhosis, somedrugs, 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 mostly 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 primabolan, sustanon and anapolan. Especially anapolan causes serious gynecomastia, but it is preferred by these athletes 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, onlyliposuction, meaning a fat removal surgery may be sufficient. But hard and large gynecomastia needs to be removed withan 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 a painful surgery. No need to stay in hospital. 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 serious 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 be a sign of infection. Again, the solution will be to clear the infection and of course taking 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
• Before the operation, it is absolutely necessary to investigate whether there is an underlying cause by doing some tests.
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 can return to work after 3-4 days.
The first night can be relatively rough. Usually, a simple oral pain killer is sufficient. This surgery is an intervention where serious bruising and swelling are not expected.
If you are working, it will be enough to allocate 4 days for this surgery.
ABOUT THE SURGERY
Anesthesia type: Local anesthesia is sufficient.
Where should the surgery be performed: In a hospital and operating room.
Duration of surgery: 1 hour.
Length of stay in hospital: You can be discharged on the same day.
Post-operative pain – distress: There may be a slight tingling for a few days. There is slight pain in arm movements, especially in the first few days. Usually, a simple oral pain killer 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.
Driving: After 3-4 days, patients can drive, especially when the sensitivity of arm movements decreases.
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 2 weeks, and start jogging after 3 weeks. Sports such as fitness, tennis, in which the arms are used, can be started after 4 weeks.
Final shape: The hardness that occurs in the first weeks passes after the third month.
