Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a medical condition, which can be defined as undesirable enlargement of the male breast.

Normally, men have such a small amount of mammary gland tissue that it does not stand out from the subcutaneous fatty tissue. In gynecomastia, the tissue typically increases and leads to a female breast. An unwanted breast enlargement occurs, either on both sides or on one side only. This excess breast tissue can have genetic or hormonal causes, but it can also be due to the consumption of alcohol or marijuana or the use of anabolic steroids. A non-male breast contour is a great psychological burden for many patients.

Gynecomastia is not a serious condition

In most cases, however, unwanted male breasts are hormonal. The reason is often a hormone imbalance during puberty, but it can also be caused by medication or an age-related hormonal change in the body. In most cases, a serious illness can be ruled out as the cause. However, before treatment, we have the family doctor and, if necessary, the endocrinologist, clarify whether a specific disease is responsible for the gynecomastia. In individual cases, a mammogram is performed to clarify the tissue composition of the breast or to rule out breast cancer.

Weight reduction as the first recommendation

If patients are struggling with being significantly overweight, we recommend weight loss before surgery. In many cases, this already leads to a clearly visible improvement in the appearance of the breasts. In such cases, one also speaks of lipomastia or pseudogynecomastia.

How can gynecomastia be treated?

We suck off small amounts of excess fat using liposuction via two access points in the breast crease. Liposuction scars are puncture-shaped and very inconspicuous. A skin incision on the edge of the nipple is required if the glandular body is very pronounced. The procedure and the healing process are uncomplicated. The surgeon performs the treatment on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. In some less severe cases, it is also possible to treat breast fat using the gentle coolsculpting method.

What should be considered after the operation?

You will have almost no pain after gynecomastia. At most, it can lead to an uncomfortable feeling such as a slight sore muscle or bruises. In any case, you should wear a compression garment for around six weeks after the procedure in order to quickly reduce swelling in the area of ​​the mammary gland and to optimize the surgical result. Although you will be mobile again after a few days, you should take it easy in the first two weeks following the operation and avoid work and other exertions. If necessary, the stitches will also be removed after 14 days.

Are there any risks in gynecomastia treatment?

There are no specific risks in the treatment of gynecomastia, although it must be pointed out that unwanted glandular tissue may form again postoperatively in men’s breasts. Unevenness of the breast and asymmetries can also occur, which may need to be eliminated by a repeat operation.