Gynecomastia, also known as male breast enlargement, is a disorder that can be seen in both breasts or in only one breast. Gynecomastia may lead to problems such as lack of self-confidence, introversion, and postural disorders, especially during adolescence. However, it is a condition that can be solved by surgery with permanent results. The plastic surgeon determines the method to be used in surgery by considering factors such as the degree of growth in breast tissue and sagging in breast skin. For the results obtained after gynecomastia surgery to be permanent, the patient should pay attention to his diet and avoid excessive weight gain.

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What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the name given to abnormal and benign growth in the amount of breast tissue in men due to the imbalance of estrogen and testosterone hormones. This condition can sometimes affect one breast and sometimes both. Newborns, adolescent males, and elderly men can develop gynecomastia due to natural changes in hormone levels, while this condition can also occur for other unknown reasons.

Although it is usually not a serious health problem, dealing with gynecomastia can be psychologically challenging. Gynecomastia, which can cause breast pain in some men, may tend to improve spontaneously depending on the cause of its formation, while in some cases interventions such as medication or surgery are required.

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What are the causes of gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is usually caused by fluctuations in the level of the hormone testosterone. This condition can be associated with testosterone deficiency resulting from conditions that block the effects of testosterone, reduce it, or increase estrogen levels. Hormonal balance can be disrupted for a variety of reasons. Causes of gynecomastia may include natural hormone changes, medication, drug and alcohol use, complications related to health problems, and the use of certain herbal products and supplements.

The hormones testosterone and estrogen regulate sexual characteristics in both men and women. Testosterone regulates male characteristics such as muscle mass and body hair, while estrogen modulates feminine characteristics, including breast enlargement.

Although estrogen is generally considered a female hormone, it is also produced in very low amounts in men under normal conditions. Abnormal estrogen production or imbalanced estrogen production with testosterone can lead to gynecomastia.

Newborn male babies can be born with enlarged breast tissue due to their mother’s estrogen during pregnancy. This swelling usually disappears spontaneously within two to three weeks after birth.

Since adolescence is a period of constant hormone changes, the possibility of experiencing gynecomastia is quite common. Most gynecomastia cases in adolescence can resolve on its own without the need for treatment.

Among adults, especially between the ages of 50 to 69, the prevalence of gynecomastia begins to increase. Research shows that at least one in every four men in this age group exhibits symptoms of gynecomastia.

Some tumors affecting the testicles, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland can affect hormone production, disrupting the male-female hormone balance and leading to gynecomastia.