Gynecomastia: More Common Than You Think
Gynecomastia — the enlargement of breast tissue in males — affects a significant proportion of men at some point in their lives. Studies suggest that up to 65 percent of adolescent males experience some degree of gynecomastia during puberty, and persistent or adult-onset gynecomastia affects an estimated 30 to 40 percent of adult men.
Despite its prevalence, gynecomastia remains a source of significant distress and embarrassment for many men, affecting clothing choices, confidence in intimate relationships and willingness to engage in physical activities. Surgical treatment produces permanent results and consistently achieves some of the highest patient satisfaction rates in aesthetic surgery.
Understanding the Causes
Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal imbalances (oestrogen-testosterone ratio), certain medications (including anabolic steroids, anti-androgens and some antidepressants), recreational drug use (marijuana), underlying medical conditions (liver disease, kidney failure, hypogonadism) or may be idiopathic (no identifiable cause).
A thorough medical evaluation is essential before treatment to identify any underlying cause that may need to be addressed. True gynecomastia involves actual glandular breast tissue, while pseudogynecomastia involves fatty tissue without glandular component. The two require different treatment approaches.
Surgical Treatment Options
Liposuction
For pseudogynecomastia and mixed cases with predominantly fatty tissue, liposuction — particularly VASER ultrasonic liposuction — can produce excellent results with minimal scarring. Small incisions allow the cannula access to suction out the fatty tissue.
Glandular Excision
True glandular gynecomastia cannot be removed by liposuction alone. A small incision at the edge of the areola allows direct excision of the glandular tissue. This incision heals to become virtually invisible in the natural boundary between the areola and surrounding skin.
Combined Approach
Most cases of moderate to severe gynecomastia are best treated with a combination of liposuction and glandular excision, addressing both the fatty and glandular components for the flattest, most contoured result.
Recovery
A compression vest is worn for four to six weeks. Most patients return to desk-based work within five to seven days. Exercise can be gradually resumed after four weeks. The final result, including complete resolution of swelling, is visible at three to six months.
Cost in Turkey
Gynecomastia surgery in Western Europe costs €3,000 to €7,000. In Turkey at an experienced, accredited clinic, the procedure costs €1,500 to €3,500 all-inclusive. Connect with verified specialists at drvisor.com.