Gynecomastia (Male Breast Enlargement)

Q&A

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery

• Q. I am generally lean compared to other men, but my chest seems slightly protruded. Could this be gynecomastia?

  Gynecomastia is classified into two main types: pseudogynecomastia and true gynecomastia. Pseudogynecomastia occurs when excessive fat accumulates in the breast area, making the chest appear similar to a woman's. If the chest feels soft and has a noticeable volume, similar to other areas of the body with fat, it is likely pseudogynecomastia. This condition is primarily treated with liposuction, but if there is also significant glandular tissue, additional tissue removal may be necessary. True gynecomastia is characterized by the development of glandular tissue in the breast area, with fat distributed underneath this tissue, resulting in a female-like appearance. For true gynecomastia, surgical intervention is required to remove the excess glandular tissue and, if necessary, perform liposuction to address any accumulated fat.
• Q. Protruding nipples are stressful, but are they gynecomastia?

  One of the symptoms of gynecomastia can be protruding nipples, which may cause stress when wearing clothes. After accurately diagnosing the symptoms, it can be improved with gynecomastia surgery or areola reduction surgery.
• Q. Can men with gynecomastia get breast cancer?

  Male breast cancer is a rare condition, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. However, since gynecomastia and breast cancer can present similar symptoms, men with gynecomastia should be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer. If you feel a lump (lymph node) in the armpit, experience skin rash or retraction around the nipple, notice blood-stained discharge from the nipple, or if one side of the chest becomes enlarged, a thorough examination for male breast cancer is necessary. Since self-examination alone cannot provide an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a specialist if any of these symptoms are present.
• Q. Can inverted nipples be improved during gynecomastia surgery?

  In the development of gynecomastia, excessive glandular tissue and fibrous tissue between the glandular tissue and the nipple can cause the nipple to be pulled inward, resulting in an inverted nipple. By properly removing the glandular tissue and carefully separating the fibrous tissue, the inverted nipple can be improved
• Q. Can gynecomastia recur after surgery?

  If the underlying cause of gynecomastia is not addressed, there is a significant risk of recurrence after surgery. For example, if underlying conditions such as liver disease, thyroid disorders, or genetic conditions are not resolved, or if medications such as steroids, hair loss treatments, or antifungals are repeatedly used, recurrence can occur. Additionally, even if the surgery initially results in improvement, weight gain after the procedure can lead to the accumulation of excess fat, which may result in pseudogynecomastia. Therefore, proper weight management and regular exercise are essential after gynecomastia surgery.
• Q. I feel like my sensation has become dull after gynecomastia surgery. When will the sensation return?

  During gynecomastia surgery, either the glandular tissue around the nipple is removed or liposuction is performed on the fat tissue. This may cause the sensory nerves that provide sensation to the nipple-areola complex and the entire chest area to become stretched or partially damaged. As a result, you might experience decreased sensation, tingling, or heightened sensitivity. This is typically a temporary condition and should improve within about six months, so there is generally no need for concern.
• Q. Can minors also undergo gynecomastia surgery?

  Even if gynecomastia appears during adolescence, it is likely to be a temporary pseudogynecomastia related to growth rather than true gynecomastia. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until adulthood, when growth is complete, to get an accurate diagnosis and then consider surgery.
• Q. Is it possible to undergo gynecomastia surgery during a military leave period?

  The surgical plan will vary depending on the severity of the patient's gynecomastia, so recovery times can differ between individuals. For mild cases of gynecomastia, if the leave period is at least 2 weeks and you can avoid strenuous activities involving the chest and arms for an additional 2 weeks upon returning to light duties, surgery should not pose significant issues. However, for severe gynecomastia that requires extensive glandular removal and liposuction, if adequate recovery time is not possible after returning to duty, there may be complications with recovery. Typically, the space left after removing breast tissue may not be fully healed within the first month, so it is recommended to work closely with a specialist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan considering this factor.