Gynecomastia

A personalized surgical approach that permanently eliminates breast tissue growth in men and provides a more masculine and athletic chest contour.

Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of breast tissue (glandular tissue) and fat accumulation in men as a result of hormonal changes, genetic predisposition or the use of certain medications. This condition, which cannot be resolved with diet or chest exercises, can cause both physical and psychological discomfort in the person. Gynecomastia surgery aims to obtain a natural, firm and flat breast profile by removing excess mammary gland and fatty tissue.

What is Gynecomastia?
How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed and Which Methods Are Used?
Who is Gynecomastia Surgery Suitable for?
What Should You Pay Attention to After Surgery?
Getting Gynecomastia in Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions

Anesthesia Type:
General

Surgery Duration:
1 Hour

Hospital Stay:
1 Day

Stay in Istanbul:
4 Days

Return to Life:
7 Days

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the unilateral or bilateral excessive development of breast tissue in men. In case of "pseudogynecomastia" that develops due to weight gain, only fat tissue increases; In true gynecomastia, there is hard and enlarged mammary gland (gland) tissue. Most of the time, these two conditions occur together.

Main Reasons:

Hormonal Irregularities: Changes in the balance of estrogen and testosterone (especially during adolescence and old age).
Medication and Substance Use: Certain blood pressure medications, bodybuilding supplements (steroids), or antidepressants.
Genetics and Lifestyle: Excessive weight variation and genetic predisposition.

How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed and Which Methods Are Used?

Gynecomastia surgery is performed with personalized techniques depending on the type of breast growth (fat, mammary gland or both). The surgery usually takes 1–2 hours under sedation or general anesthesia.

VASER / Laser Liposuction (Fatty Tissue Dominant Conditions):

* How to Apply? It is used if breast enlargement is predominantly caused by fatty tissue or if the tissue needs to be softened.

* Advantage: Fat cells are liquefied with ultrasonic sound waves (VASER) and pulled through millimetric incisions. It tightens the skin and minimizes tissue damage.

Surgical Excision (Glandular/Mammary Gland Dominant Conditions):

* How to Apply? Hard and developed mammary gland tissue cannot be removed with liposuction alone. The hard tissue is surgically removed by entering through a half-moon-shaped hidden incision made along the lower border of the nipple (areola).

* Simultaneous Combination: The most successful and smooth results are obtained with combined techniques where VASER Liposuction and Surgical Excision are applied together.

Skin Tightening / Reduction (Advanced Gynecomastia):

In patients who have lost excessive weight or have severe sagging, excess skin tissue is removed simultaneously.

Who is Gynecomastia Surgery Suitable for?

Gynecomastia surgery is performed on male candidates who have completed their physical development and whose general health condition is suitable for surgery.

Men who have completed puberty (usually 18 years of age or older) and whose hormonal levels have stabilized.
Those who cannot get rid of the excess chest area despite diet and regular exercise.
Those who have difficulty choosing clothes due to their breast structure or lack self-confidence in their social life.
People who have realistic expectations and are willing to follow instructions such as the use of a corset after surgery.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Surgery?

Proper care during the recovery process is as critical as a successful operation to ensure the fit of the breast contour.

Use of Medical Corset: After the operation, a medical gynecomastia corset should be worn for approximately 3-4 weeks to prevent edema accumulation and ensure that the skin adheres to the new chest wall.
Physical Activity and Sports: Heavy lifting and movements that strain the arm should be avoided for the first 2 weeks. Light walks can be done from the 3rd day. Heavy sports that exercise the chest muscles should be started after 4-6 weeks.
Wound Care and Hygiene: You can take a shower after two days with the approval of the physician. Since the incisions are hidden in the nipple ring, the scars become obscured over time; It should be protected from sunlight during this process.
Edema and Bruise Management: Bruises and swelling that occur in the first weeks are normal and will gradually recede within 2-3 weeks.

Getting Gynecomastia in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most popular centers for patients coming from both domestic and abroad in the treatment of gynecomastia, with its advanced surgical technologies, expert plastic surgeons and high standard hospital infrastructure.

Advanced Technological Approaches (VASER & Renuvion): In clinics and hospitals in Istanbul, state-of-the-art devices such as VASER (ultrasonic), which does not damage tissue, and J-Plasma (Renuvion), which tightens loose skin, are routinely used instead of standard liposuction techniques. In this way, healing time is shortened and smoother results are achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the condition recur after gynecomastia surgery?

Mammary gland tissue removed during surgery does not grow back. However, in case of excessive weight gain or use of mass-increasing hormones/steroids, expansion of the remaining fat tissue may occur. With a healthy lifestyle, the results last a lifetime.

Will there be any scars after the surgery?

The micro incisions made for liposuction cannulas are around 3-4 mm. When surgical excision is performed, the incision is hidden at the lower border of the colored part of the nipple. When healing is complete, the scars become difficult to notice.

Does gynecomastia respond to exercise or diet?

If the problem is only fat tissue, shrinkage can be achieved with diet. However, hard mammary gland (gland) tissue does not melt with exercise or diet; The only permanent solution is surgery.