Male Breast Diseases (Gynecomastia)

The breast area in men consists of a small tissue area located directly behind the nipple. In this area, there is a small amount of milk duct-like structures, fatty tissue, and connective tissue. Compared to the female breast, it has a very limited volume; however, it is still a region where various diseases can develop.

What are the Breast Diseases Seen in Men?

Problems affecting the breast area in men are generally evaluated under four main headings:

• Gynecomastia
• Breast Cyst
• Breast Cancer
• Breast Infections

In addition to these, different formations originating from the skin around the breast, fatty tissue, or vascular structures can also be seen.

Categories of Male Breast Diseases

Disorders occurring in the breast area in men are generally gathered into three groups:

Adipomastia (Pseudogynecomastia)

This is the occurrence of only fat accumulation behind and around the nipple. In this case, there is no growth in the actual breast tissue.

It is known among the public by names such as pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia. Weight gain is the most common cause of this condition.

Gynecomastia and Other Benign Conditions

This is the most common breast problem seen in men.

Gynecomastia occurs with the benign proliferation of the ducts belonging to the breast gland and the surrounding connective tissue.

This condition is not associated with tumor development; that is, it is the growth of breast tissue due to physiological or hormonal reasons.

The majority of masses felt by hand are caused by gynecomastia.

Primary Breast Cancers

Although it is quite rare compared to women, breast cancer can also occur in men. Due to the low amount of breast tissue, it is usually noticed earlier, but it can progress rapidly when a tumor develops.

Other Lesions Outside the Ductal Tissue

Various benign or rarely malignant formations can also develop from the skin, fat, vascular, and nerve tissues located in the breast area.

This group includes different structures such as;

• Masses originating from the skin
• Formations of lymphoid tissue origin
• Fatty tissue tumors

Adipomastia

Adipomastia is the enlargement of the breast area in men due solely to lubrication. In this case, there is no increase in the breast gland.

Weight gain, a sedentary lifestyle, and some metabolic changes are among the most common causes of adipomastia. Although it resembles gynecomastia in appearance, it is structurally completely different.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the most common growth problem of the male breast.

It occurs with the benign proliferation of the milk duct-like structures located under the nipple and the surrounding connective tissue.

This growth can be caused by:

• Hormonal changes,
• Certain medications,
• The puberty period,
• Aging,
• Weight changes

The majority of complaints of hardness, fullness, or swelling felt in the breast in men are caused by gynecomastia.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a benign growth of breast tissue that occurs in male children or adult men due to the overdevelopment of breast tissue. This condition develops as a result of an increase in the estrogen hormone, which is naturally present at low levels in the male body, due to various reasons. Although it does not pose a vital danger, the volume gain of the breast tissue may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer in men. It is most commonly seen in adolescents during puberty and in the older age group of men.

Visibly prominent breast enlargement can create a bothersome appearance when entering the sea or a pool, or when wearing tight-fitting clothes. In the long run, this situation can lead to a loss of self-confidence and hesitation in social life. For this reason, many men prefer to apply for breast reduction surgery to eliminate gynecomastia.

The cause of this breast enlargement is not fat accumulation, but directly the volume gain of the breast gland. The proliferation of glandular structures, which are present in small amounts in men, due to hormonal changes constitutes the basic mechanism of gynecomastia. This growth becomes more prominent in three periods of life: in the first days after birth (due to hormones passing from the placenta), during the puberty process (due to temporary hormonal fluctuations), and in advanced ages (due to the decrease in testosterone and the increase in estrogen conversion in fatty tissue). Gynecomastia can be seen in both breasts at the same time, or it can develop in only one breast or asymmetrically. Typical symptoms include a round, rubbery-textured tissue behind the nipple, a feeling of fullness, and sometimes sensitivity.

The most critical point of this diagnosis is the difference between true gynecomastia due to glandular tissue growth and pseudogynecomastia due only to lubrication. While glandular tissue is at the forefront in true gynecomastia, there is only an increase in fatty tissue in pseudogynecomastia. This distinction is of great importance in terms of determining the correct treatment.

Factors that can cause gynecomastia include certain medications, hormone irregularities, thyroid diseases, alcohol consumption, liver or kidney problems, and some testis-related disorders. Therefore, a detailed evaluation should be made to determine the underlying causes in men who apply with a complaint of breast enlargement. Although gynecomastia is often seen as a visual problem, it can sometimes be the first sign of hormonal changes in the body or another disease.

What is Pseudogynecomastia (Adipomastia)?

Pseudogynecomastia is the name given to the situation where the enlargement seen in the breast originates entirely from an increase in fatty tissue. There is no question of hormone changes or a proliferation in glandular tissue as in true gynecomastia. This condition is usually associated with excess weight or an increased tendency of the body to store fat.

This picture, also known as pseudogynecomastia, mimics gynecomastia in appearance but is completely different texturally. In the examination, a soft, diffuse fatty tissue is felt instead of a hard glandular tissue around the nipple. When necessary, imaging methods such as ultrasound clarify the distinction between fatty tissue and glandular tissue.

Although estrogen production is theoretically increased in this case where regional lubrication is high, this increase is not strong enough to lead to the growth of the breast gland. Therefore, the problem arises entirely from the excess of regional fatty tissue. The treatment approach is shaped accordingly.

The primary solution for pseudogynecomastia is regular exercise, training that strengthens the chest area, cardio studies that lower the overall fat rate, and a balanced nutrition program. If significant lubrication continues in the region despite the lifestyle change, removal of this excess fat with the liposuction method can provide a permanent solution. This procedure is different from true gynecomastia surgery as it targets only the fatty tissue.

What are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia? How is it Noticed?

Gynecomastia is a condition that manifests itself with the enlargement of breast tissue in men. Beyond the noticeable prominence in the image; it can also appear with findings such as sensitivity when touching, pain in the breast area, and occasionally discharge.

The most common signs of gynecomastia are:

• A noticeable increase in glandular tissue in the breast
• Pain or sensitivity to touch in the chest area
• Asymmetry in chest appearance or abnormal volume increase
• Sensitive nipples that become prominent with clothing contact
• Discharge from the nipple
• A feeling of enlargement in the lymph nodes in the armpit

Why Does Gynecomastia Occur?

The primary cause of gynecomastia is the disruption of the balance between the male hormone (testosterone) and the female hormone (estrogen). When hormone levels change for different reasons, growth can be seen in the breast tissue. Some diseases related to the liver or lungs, thyroid problems, pituitary gland problems, adrenal gland-related conditions, or testis-related tumors can pave the way for this picture. Gynecomastia is common, especially during the puberty period due to the fluctuation of hormones.

Common factors that can trigger gynecomastia include:

• Decrease in testosterone levels in individuals aged 65 and over
• Intense hormonal changes in puberty
• High fat rate that can increase estrogen activity in the body

In addition to these; hyperthyroidism, tumors, kidney failure, Klinefelter syndrome, and some pituitary-related disorders can also lead to gynecomastia.

How is Gynecomastia Treated?

After a definitive diagnosis is made, gynecomastia surgery may be recommended to the individual to permanently correct the problem. In this procedure, excess fat and breast tissue are removed by surgical methods to create a flatter chest structure.

In addition, hormonal status and general health are evaluated to determine underlying causes. If hyperthyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, or another systemic disease is detected, it is aimed to eliminate these problems first. Thus, complaints related to gynecomastia can be alleviated.

What is Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)?

Gynecomastia operation is an aesthetic surgery application in which the fatty tissue and, when necessary, the glandular tissue that creates the breast size in men are removed by vacuum or surgical techniques. Although this condition is mostly associated with the disruption of the testosterone-estrogen balance, the cause may not always be clearly established.

Since the volume increase in the chest area can create discomfort both physically and psychologically, many men prefer this operation. The goal of the surgery is to provide the chest area with a flatter, natural form suitable for the male body structure.

Who is Gynecomastia Surgery Applied to?

This procedure can be performed if there is a growth in men that would create a female-type breast appearance. Today, gynecomastia is encountered more frequently even at young ages due to hormone-containing foods, environmental chemicals, and some agricultural products.

Besides this, cortisone, anabolic agents, steroid derivatives, excessive alcohol consumption, and various liver diseases can also lead to this condition.

Although gynecomastia sometimes leads to pain, it is mostly seen as a serious aesthetic problem affecting the person's body perception. Health problems such as hormonal imbalances, disorders related to the adrenal and pituitary glands, thyroid diseases, and kidney failure can also cause breast tissue to grow.

A similar picture can be observed in some tumors or lung diseases. In addition, certain medications and narcotic substances can cause gynecomastia to appear.

For this reason, every man deemed suitable after the necessary medical evaluations can undergo a gynecomastia operation.

How is Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction Surgery) Applied?

In order to decide on gynecomastia surgery, the correct diagnosis must first be made and suitable candidates for the operation must be determined. Although physical examination is often sufficient to understand the suspicion of gynecomastia; in cases such as pain, sensitivity, or newly developing growth, liver, thyroid, and kidney function tests, blood tests showing hormone levels, and imaging such as ultrasound or mammography may be required.

The primary goal of the surgery is to remove the growing breast tissue and give the chest area a natural and flatter shape. As a result of the evaluations made, it is determined which technique will be applied according to the degree and structure of the growth. The gynecomastia correction procedure can be performed with two methods:

• Surgical Removal Or Liposuction

Liposuction is generally preferred in mild and moderate gynecomastia cases. By opening small holes of about half a centimeter, fatty tissue is sucked with special cannulas. In cases where mammary tissue is significantly excess or sagging is at an advanced level, the surgical method is inevitable. An incision of around 1–1.5 cm is opened under the breast and excess glandular tissue is removed. If the breast tissue is very voluminous, it may be necessary to remove all the tissue by removing skin from around the nipple. Liposuction is usually sufficient in cases where only fat is excess. In this method, laser-assisted liposuction is preferred more because it tightens the skin surface. Heating the lower layer of the skin with laser ensures that the skin looks more recovered after the surgery.

• T or Lollipop-Shaped Scars May Form

If the glandular tissue within the breast is more dominant than the fatty tissue, liposuction alone is not enough. In this case, the process is not limited to liposuction; a small semi-circular incision is opened at the edge of the nipple and the glandular tissue is also removed. In this combined method, the visibility is quite low since the scar remains in the natural lines of the skin.

In some advanced gynecomastia cases, both skin excess is prominent and the breast size can reach a size resembling the female breast. More comprehensive open surgery is required for these individuals. Following such surgeries, scars in the shape of an inverted T or lollipop, as seen in breast reduction aesthetics, may form.

What are the Advantages of Gynecomastia Surgery?

The most obvious gain of this operation is the disappearance of the disturbing chest image. The chest attains a flatter, athletic, and aesthetic structure. The visibility of the muscles increases, and the person feels better. In men whose self-confidence has decreased due to gynecomastia, the psychological relief after the operation is at a remarkable level. This positive change is reflected in both social and professional life.

Gynecomastia surgery does not only offer a physical transformation; it provides a broad recovery that positively affects the person's mood and social relationships. Reducing the breast tissue and eliminating sagging gives the chest area a masculine form. With the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue, the rib cage becomes more prominent, which helps balance body lines. Thus, the need for the person to hide themselves in social areas such as the beach, pool, or sports disappears.

The other important contribution of the operation is the rebuilding of self-confidence. Gynecomastia can lead to the deterioration of posture, restriction in clothing choice, and the person constantly hiding themselves with baggy clothes, especially at young ages. The flat chest appearance obtained after surgery positively changes the individual's body perception and allows them to be more comfortable in social relationships. Additionally, physical discomforts such as sensitivity or a feeling of a mass in the breast tissue are also eliminated.

Why is a Gynecomastia Corset Used?

The special compression corset used after gynecomastia surgery is very important for the successful progress of the recovery process. This corset applies a constant and balanced pressure to the chest area, ensuring that the result obtained from the surgery is smoother and more permanent.

The main purposes of the corset are as follows:

To reduce edema and swelling:

After surgery, fluid accumulation occurs in the tissues. The corset helps the swelling to decrease and the patient to feel more comfortable by ensuring that this fluid disperses faster.

To help the skin adapt to the new shape:

After the breast tissue is removed, the skin may loosen. The compression corset ensures that the skin adheres better to the new contours in the chest area and reduces the risk of sagging.

To support the healthy healing of internal tissues:

The corset prevents the internal tissues in the surgery area from being strained during movement. Thus, the tissues heal faster and more properly.

It is generally recommended to use this corset for between 2–6 weeks. The duration of use and other details are determined according to the patient's surgery status.

Gynecomastia Treatment Prices

The cost of gynecomastia treatment varies according to the degree of breast tissue excess in the chest, the scope of the surgical intervention, and the technical equipment to be used. While liposuction or minimal surgery is sufficient for some patients, both removal of excess tissue and correction of the aesthetic chest shape may be required in advanced gynecomastia cases. In addition, examination, imaging tests, blood tests, and post-operative follow-up appointments made during the treatment process are also among the factors affecting the total cost. Since each patient's situation is different, it is not correct to determine a fixed price. For the most up-to-date and clear price information, it is recommended to contact the relevant health centers directly and have a patient-specific evaluation made.

Provinces Where We Provide Gynecomastia Treatment Service

Gynecomastia treatment is carried out by specialist surgeons in cases where breast tissue is overdeveloped in men. During the treatment process, removal of excess breast tissue, aesthetic correction of the chest shape, and, when necessary, liposuction or combined surgical methods are planned. In all stages, the patient's safety, comfort, and natural breast appearance are prioritized. This service is not limited to only one city, but is offered to patients living in provinces such as Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye, and Hatay with the same professional standards. High success rates are targeted in every province thanks to modern surgical techniques, advanced technology devices, and patient-oriented approaches. Each patient is evaluated individually in line with their situation and needs; thus, it becomes possible to obtain satisfactory results both physically and psychologically.