Best Gynecomastia Surgeons in Turkey

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is enlargement of the breast gland tissue in men. It can affect one or both sides and often feels like a firm disc under the nipple. It is different from pseudogynecomastia, where the chest looks enlarged because of fat alone. Gynecomastia surgery is part of breast aesthetics, where the general principles of breast surgery are explained.

Gynecomastia is common during puberty, when it often goes away on its own. Other causes include hormonal changes with age, some medicines, anabolic steroids, alcohol and cannabis use, and liver, kidney or thyroid disease. A doctor should look for the cause before surgery is considered.

How is gynecomastia surgery performed?

Surgery usually takes one to two hours and is done under general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation in milder cases.

1. Assessment: The chest is examined, and blood tests or imaging may be requested to check the cause.
2. Marking: The areas of gland and fat are marked.
3. Liposuction: Fat around the chest is removed with a cannula through small incisions.
4. Gland removal: Firm gland tissue under the nipple is removed through a small incision at the lower edge of the areola.
5. Closure: Incisions are closed, a drain may be placed and a compression vest is fitted.

In men with a lot of loose skin, often after major weight loss, skin may also need to be removed, which leaves longer scars.

Who is gynecomastia surgery suitable for, and who is it not?

Surgery suits adult men whose gynecomastia has lasted for a long time, has not improved after the cause was treated and bothers them physically or emotionally.

• Teenagers whose breast development may still regress
• An untreated hormonal or medical cause
• Ongoing use of medicines or substances that cause gynecomastia
• A one-sided, hard or rapidly growing lump, which needs investigation first
• Significant excess weight, where weight loss may be advised first
• Smoking

These situations need assessment first. The surgeon decides on suitability after an examination.

What is recovery like after gynecomastia surgery?

Most men return to desk work within a few days to a week, and recovery usually takes around ten days. Swelling, bruising and tightness are common. A compression vest is worn for several weeks. Upper body exercise and heavy lifting are usually postponed for a few weeks. The final contour appears over a few months as swelling settles.

Removed gland tissue does not usually grow back. However, gynecomastia can return if its cause continues, such as steroid use, certain medicines or significant weight gain.

What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?

The specific risks include:

• A saucer-shaped dent under the nipple if too much tissue is removed
• Residual fullness if too little is removed
• Asymmetry between the two sides
• Fluid or blood collection under the skin
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Visible scars at the areola edge or, with skin removal, on the chest
• Infection

Removed tissue is usually sent for pathology examination.

How does gynecomastia surgery differ from other breast surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery creates a flat, male chest contour, while breast surgery in women aims to change the size or shape of a breast. Techniques overlap with breast reduction, but the goal is different. Unlike breast augmentation, no implant is involved.

What affects the cost, and how do you choose a surgeon?

The cost depends on the technique, whether skin removal is needed, anaesthesia, operating time, pathology, the compression vest and the city. The exact fee is set after an examination. Choose a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, and ask whether the cause has been investigated, how much tissue will be left under the nipple and how symmetry will be checked.