With the term gynecomastia we mean the benign hyperplasia of the male mammary gland. The condition is usually bilateral, and rarely occurs on only one side. It is distinguished from pseudogynecomastia in which there is accumulation of fat in the area, without increase in size of the male mammary gland.

Gynecomastia is often accompanied by an increase in the size of the nipple-areola complex, which aggravates the problem.

More often it is idiopathic, without pathological causes.

In some cases, it is secondary and may be due to:

• hormonal disorders
• drug intake
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases

These conditions should be investigated preoperatively.

Gynecomastia may adversely affect a man’s self-esteem and cause anxiety and depression. Incorrectly, this situation is associated with a reduction in manhood and sexual capacity of the individual.

The gynecomastia correction procedure is performed with general anesthesia and lasts 1½ to 2 hours. During surgery, liposuction and subcutaneous excision of the hard-fibrous hypertrophic mammary gland are combined. When the areola is oversized, it is corrected to its normal size. The whole process takes place through a small incision in the areola margin.

In cases of great skin laxity, it is necessary to remove the excess skin. For this purpose larger incisions are made in the area to correct the problem.

Postoperatively it is necessary to use compression garment for about 1 month. Patients can return to work after 1 week.

The surgical treatment of gynecomastia restores the smoothness of the chest contour and corrects, when necessary, the appearance of the nipple-areola complex. The relief from the negative feelings, the masculine appearance, the improvement of the overall image of the male body and the quality of life, highlight the treatment of gynecomastia in particularly popular.

The results are impressive and permanent.

Is gynecomastia linked to obesity?

Obesity involves pseudogynecomastia due to fat accumulation. It is a condition that should not be confused with the actual gynecomastia in which there is an increase in the mammary gland. However, it is not impossible for an obese person to experience true gynecomastia.

How do we deal with gynecomastia that occurs during adolescence?

This is a relatively common condition that appears to be due to hormonal changes. Laboratory and imaging testing, parental complacency and patience are required. Usually gynecomastia of adolescence is transient. In a small percentage of adolescents where the condition persists for more than 1 year or because of a high emotional load, treatment may be surgical.

When can breast enlargement hide health problems?

Sudden swelling in one or both breasts requires immediate investigation to exclude malignancy.

Are there long-term consequences after a gynecomastia procedure?

It is a completely safe operation. In addition to its main mission, the solution to the aesthetic problem, it also works preventively as a subcutaneous mastectomy takes place.

What are the hormonal tests that need to be done preoperative?

In cooperation with an Endocrinologist, the examinations to be made are:

• thyroid hormones
• testosterone-estrogen
• LH
• FSH
• prolactin

How is skin elasticity related to the success of surgery?

Good skin elasticity is a basic parameter for a good aesthetic result. In cases with reduced skin elasticity and great relaxation, it is necessary to excise excess skin to get a flat chest.

Is it possible after the surgery to lose the sensation in my chest?

It is possible to reduce the sensation in the area. It is usually temporary and will gradually recover in the upcoming months.