Gynecomastia
(Male Breast Enlargement)
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast gland tissue in men. It is common during puberty and often goes away on its own. When it becomes permanent, however, it can affect both appearance and self-confidence.
In short: Gynecomastia is caused by hormonal changes, certain medications or diseases. If there is only fat build-up, liposuction is enough. If there is firm breast gland tissue, it is removed through a small incision at the edge of the areola. The surgery takes 1–2 hours, and you can usually go home the same day.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Unlike fat build-up from weight gain, gynecomastia is caused by enlargement of the breast tissue itself. The most common causes and how they develop:
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Hormonal imbalance: The main cause is a shift in the balance between testosterone (the male hormone) and estrogen (the female hormone) in favor of estrogen.
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Physiological periods: Temporary or permanent gynecomastia can develop due to hormonal changes in infancy, puberty and older age.
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Medications and substances: Some blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding, and alcohol can cause breast tissue to grow.
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Systemic diseases: Liver failure, thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism) and kidney disease can disrupt hormone metabolism and lead to gynecomastia.
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Rare causes: Rare conditions such as tumors of the testes or adrenal glands can also cause gynecomastia. That is why a detailed work-up is done, especially for gynecomastia that is one-sided, grows quickly or is painful.
A consultation is needed to get detailed information about gynecomastia and evaluate personalized treatment options.
What are the types of gynecomastia?
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Glandular type (true gynecomastia): The enlargement mainly comes from excess firm, dense breast gland tissue. It usually originates from hormonal changes during puberty.
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Fatty type (pseudogynecomastia): There is no increase in gland tissue; the enlargement is caused entirely by fat build-up from general weight gain.
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Mixed type: The most common type in clinical practice. Firm breast gland tissue and a large amount of surrounding fat are present together.
What happens before the surgery?
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A general medical evaluation
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Investigating conditions such as diseases and medications that may cause gynecomastia
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Ultrasound or MRI evaluation if needed
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Personalized treatment planning according to the type of gynecomastia
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Tests needed for anesthesia
How is gynecomastia surgery performed?
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In cases with only fat build-up, liposuction is enough.
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If there is increased breast tissue (glandular type), it needs to be removed surgically. The breast gland is removed through a small half-moon incision at the lower edge of the areola; the scar is hidden along the border of the darker skin around the nipple.
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If there is excess fat and breast tissue (mixed type), liposuction and surgical removal are done together.
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In advanced cases with excess skin (e.g. after weight loss surgery), skin removal is added to the procedure.
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Performing the surgery under general anesthesia is more comfortable.
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Depending on the extent of the surgery, it can take 1–2 hours.
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Using modern liposuction technologies (VASER/laser) helps achieve a smoother, more satisfying result.
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At the end of the surgery, a special compression vest is put on to reduce swelling.
Recovery period
After gynecomastia surgery, you can go home the same day. A special compression vest is worn to reduce swelling. You can return to normal life the next day. However, mild pain in the first days, which can be controlled with painkillers, is normal. Swelling and bruising may occur around the chest. The compression vest is worn for about 3–4 weeks on average, and this period can be extended depending on your condition.
For 6 weeks after the surgery, it is recommended to avoid sports and environments that can increase swelling, such as saunas and steam baths. Most of the swelling goes away in 6 weeks; the final look appears within 3–6 months.
If you are coming from abroad, plan to stay in Türkiye for about 5–7 days, until your first check-up is complete.
Risks of gynecomastia surgery
As with any surgery, gynecomastia surgery has some risks.
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Asymmetry and contour irregularities: Because tissues heal at different rates during recovery, slight asymmetries between the two sides may occur.
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Hematoma or seroma: Blood (hematoma) or body fluid (seroma) may collect in the operated area.
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Numbness or hypersensitivity of the nipple: This is rare and usually improves on its own within a few months.
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Skin loss or tissue necrosis: Very rare.
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Infection and poor wound healing: Infection along the incision lines or noticeable scars are among the risks.
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Nipple depression: If too much tissue is removed from under the nipple, a depression can form. To prevent this, a thin layer of tissue is left under the nipple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercising or losing weight completely eliminate gynecomastia?
Losing weight and developing chest muscles can help reduce fatty tissue in the breast area (pseudogynecomastia). However, if the underlying cause of the enlargement is hard breast tissue (glandular gynecomastia), this tissue will not respond to exercise or diet.
Can breast tissue regrow after gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia does not recur unless there is excessive weight gain after the procedure. However, it can recur if certain habits such as medication use, excessive alcohol consumption, or the development of certain systemic diseases are present. Furthermore, old age and excessive weight gain increase the risk of gynecomastia recurring.
Does breast enlargement that begins in puberty resolve on its own?
Temporary gynecomastia, caused by hormonal fluctuations, occurs in approximately 60-70% of adolescent boys. In the vast majority of cases, this condition resolves spontaneously within 1 to 2 years as hormonal balance stabilizes.
Is wearing a gynecomastia compression garment after surgery really necessary?
Yes, wearing a medical corset continuously for 3-4 weeks is beneficial. The corset prevents fluid accumulation (seroma) in the surgical area, reduces swelling, and allows the skin to adapt seamlessly to the new breast contour.
Is wearing a gynecomastia compression garment after surgery really necessary?
Yes, wearing a medical corset continuously for 3-4 weeks is beneficial. The corset prevents fluid accumulation (seroma) in the surgical area, reduces swelling, and allows the skin to adapt seamlessly to the new breast contour.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery
The cost of gynecomastia surgery may vary depending on:
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The technique used
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The extent of the surgery
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The medical materials or devices used
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Hospital costs (anesthesia, hospital stay, postoperative care)
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The services offered by the clinic
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The surgeon’s experience
Because each person’s chest structure, tissue elasticity, skin condition and the procedure needed to achieve the desired result are different, the cost is determined individually. The most accurate cost information becomes clear after our consultation and evaluation.
Gynecomastia Prices
When treated with the right method, gynecomastia can be corrected with a lasting, natural result. If you have chest enlargement that does not shrink with exercise and diet and affects your choice of clothing or your self-confidence, we can determine the type of gynecomastia at the consultation and plan the most suitable treatment together. You can send a photo to our WhatsApp line for a preliminary assessment. If you live abroad, this also helps us plan your trip and your stay in Türkiye.
Body Aesthetic Surgeries
This page was prepared and reviewed by Op. Dr. Nurgül Altuntaş.
Last update: November 2026