Causes and Solution of Breast Enlargement (Gynecomastia) in Men

Breast enlargement, namely gynecomastia, is one of the aesthetic problems that men frequently encounter. Gynecomastia, which is very disturbing for many men who have this problem, is a treatable condition. Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar shared important points about the causes and solution of gynecomastia with us.

You Don’t Have to Live With Gynecomastia

Stating that gynecomastia is caused by the growth of the glandular tissue in the male breast or the accumulation of fat under the breast area, Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar’s explanations continue as follows: “Gynecomastia is frequently seen in newborns, adolescents and elderly men. Sometimes it can affect one breast, sometimes both. Although the adult male breast contains minimal amounts of fat and glandular tissue, there is potential for growth if estrogen and progesterone levels are elevated. Therefore, when the estrogen-testosterone ratio is disturbed in men, the glandular breast tissue enlarges and gynecomastia occurs.

Side effects of some drugs used, drug addiction, hypogonadism, tumours, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure and cirrhosis may also cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Can Be Treated With Different Methods

According to the statements made by Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar, gynecomastia usually resolves spontaneously within 6 months, especially in adolescent boys. For this reason, the observation method is primarily adopted in this age group. While gynecomastia is a self-resolving problem in some people, it may not go away on its own in some people. When faced with breast enlargement in men, weight loss can also be an effective solution in some cases.

The method to be used in the treatment of gynecomastia is determined according to the underlying cause of the problem. In the treatment of gynecomastia caused by the side effects of the drugs used, the drugs are discontinued. If there are existing health problems that cause breast enlargement in men, these problems are treated first.

If the gynecomastia problem does not resolve spontaneously or seriously affects the patient’s quality of life, a surgical procedure may be required. In this case, liposuction or breast reduction surgery may be preferred for the patient. In the liposuction method, excess breast fat is usually removed, which causes gynecomastia, while the mammary gland tissue is partially or completely removed in gynecomastia surgery. Sometimes these two methods are applied together.