What is Gynecomastia Treatment?

Gynecomastia is defined as the excessive breast development seen among men. According to some studies, gynecomastia is seen in one out of every three men. It can be observed in infancy and old age and often occurs in adolescence.

Gynecomastia does not harm the general health condition of a person. However, numerous men are suffering from this situation, such as not dressing comfortably and being embarrassed. If gynecomastia has been going on for a long time, it cannot regress on its own. Therefore, medical treatment or surgical intervention is required according to the conditions.

What is Gynecomastia? How does it occur?

Gynecomastia occurs due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones. In other words, if the amount of estrogen increases while the amount of testosterone in the body decreases, gynecomastia may occur. There may be more than one reason for the hormonal change that occurs. Among these reasons;

· Natural hormone changes

· Drugs that can cause gynecomastia:

- Anti-androgen drugs used in the treatment of prostate cancer or preventing prostate enlargement,

- Anabolic steroids and androgens,

- Some anti-retroviral drugs used in the treatment of AIDS,

- Some anxiety medications,

- Ulcer medications and some antibiotics,

- Chemotherapies,

· Drugs and alcohol

· Health Problems: Health problems such as hypogonadism, tumors, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure, cirrhosis, malnutrition, and hunger can cause gynecomastia.

· Herbal Products: Gynecomastia may occur due to the low estrogenic activity in the tea tree and lavender oils in shampoos, soaps or lotions.

What are the symptoms of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is sometimes quite evident, but sometimes it can only be recognized by diagnosis. Swelling, pain, and tenderness can be seen in the breasts. In addition, fluid leakage from one or both nipples are among the symptoms of gynecomastia. The diagnosis of gynecomastia can be made primarily based on the physical and other examination results. The doctor first performs a physical examination. Afterward, he/she obtains information about the health history of both the patient and the patient's family.

During the physical examination, the doctor evaluates the breast tissue and performs other necessary system checks. The doctor may ask for tests such as muscle testing, tomography, magnetic resonance imaging scanning, testicular ultrasound, or tissue biopsy to get a diagnosis.

How is Gynecomastia treated?

Gynecomastia can recover or regress spontaneously. However, if spontaneous recovery does not occur, or if the situation creates pain, sensitivity, and psychological problems that affect the person's quality of life, treatment can be performed. Drug use or surgical intervention is applied in the treatment of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia surgery commonly has two surgical intervention approaches. The first of these is "Liposuction," in other words, fat absorption. In this surgical approach, breast fat is removed, and only mammary gland tissue is left. In the "Mastectomy" surgical intervention type, which is another approach, the mammary gland tissue is completely removed by the surgeon.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia Surgery is the most effective and definitive method in the treatment of gynecomastia. Here, what kind of intervention should be performed is decided within the framework of the surgeon's examinations. Generally, the type of surgical intervention is decided according to the breast's texture, size, and excess skin. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient can be discharged within a few hours after the procedure.

The development of the process after gynecomastia surgery varies according to the technique preferred in the surgery. For example, if vaser or laser is preferred in the treatment, the healing process is more comfortable and faster.