Since men do not have female hormones, their breasts do not typically develop like those of women. However, in some cases, breast enlargement can occur in men due to various reasons. The abnormal, feminine-like growth of the male breast due to familial or hormonal causes is termed Gynecomastia, and it accounts for 65% of male breast conditions.
Gynecomastia results from an increase in both fat and glandular tissue. There are three types of male breast enlargement:
- Glandular type gynecomastia; This type involves excessive growth of glandular tissue, not fat. Hormonal disorders are also observed in these individuals.
- Mixed (glandular and fatty) type gynecomastia; This type involves an equal increase in both glandular and fatty tissue. Hormonal disorders may also be observed in these individuals.
- Fatty type gynecomastia; This type involves excessive growth of fatty tissue. This is the most common type of breast enlargement, typically appearing in males between 15 and 18 years of age. Young men with enlarged breasts may experience psychological distress and develop a sense of inadequacy regarding their masculinity. Hormone tests in these individuals usually do not reveal any abnormalities. For this type of breast enlargement, gynecomastia surgery is performed, and after the operation, it is not possible for the breasts to grow back to their previous size. While historically reduction was achieved through excision, today it is simply treated with liposuction through a small incision. The use of Vaser technology in liposuction has further improved outcomes. Even if the underlying condition causing breast enlargement persists, since the fat receptors and tissues are removed, there will be no similar growth afterward. Recurrence is only a possible risk in young men whose breast development is not yet complete.
Other causes of breast enlargement in men include:
- Obesity
- Liver disorders, cirrhosis
- Lung disorders, lung cancer
- Kidney failure
- Obesity
- Thyroid gland problems
- Testicular problems
- Hepatitis
- Alcohol, drug use
- Long-term use of certain medications (Cimetidine, amphetamines, marijuana, tricyclic antidepressants, anabolic steroids used in bodybuilding, etc.)
- Problems related to low testosterone or increased estrogen.
If a man has breast enlargement, it is not possible to restore the excessively enlarged breasts to their former state with hormone therapy. Gynecomastia cannot be expected to be resolved with hormonal treatments alone, without surgery.
No surgical scars remain after gynecomastia surgery. Scarring is a very rare complication. In some individuals, scars may be very prominent depending on their skin type. However, with advancing technology, post-operative IPL and FRAXEL laser treatments provide significant benefits for surgical scars.
