Gynecomastia is the growth of male breast and it may be seen either unilateral or bilateral. Although gynecomastia is accepted normall for some terms like puberty, some ilnesses or some drugs may also cause it. Hormonal interactions have an effect on the growth of breasts. Although estrogen which is dominant in female cause breast growing, testosteron which is masculine hormon prevent estrogen effects. Klinefelter Syndrome, removal of testis which decreases testosteron level, reasons of increase at estrogen level like testis tumor, use of alcohol, marihuana and tricyclic antidepressant and obesity can cause gynecomastia. Anabolic steroids which are used for body-building and some hormonal drugs can also cause gynecomastia. Nevertheless there is not a particular reason for a particular reason fort he occurance of gynecomastia.
Any problems that might cause gynecomastia must be identified before the operation. If there are problems such as some ilnesses or use of drug which might cause to gynecomastia, firstly these problems are eliminated.
As the growth of breasts is regulates spontaneously after the puberty, decision of operation shouldn’t be taken during a period like puberty when gynecomastia is accepted normal. If gynecomastia still exists after puberty, operation may be planned.
Operation
Breast consists of mammary glands and fatty tissue. Different operation tecniques are used depending on the density of the mammary gland and fatty tissue. If the breast structure is dominantly consisted of mammary gland, excision technique is used. If breast structure is dominantly comprised of fatty tissue, gynecomastia is treated by vacuum application. Operation time is one or one and half an hour. General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation are used. Discharging time is either the same day or one day later.
After the operation
Corset must be used at least 3 weeks after the operation. Edema and buruises which occur after the operation disppear within few weeks. The person who undergoes operation may resume working within three or four days.