Breast surgery · Patient information
Content owner: Dr. Zafer Atakan Practice · Nişantaşı, Istanbul · Updated: July 11, 2026
Gynecomastia is enlargement of glandular breast tissue in the male chest; fat accumulation alone is considered pseudogynecomastia. Before treatment, medications, hormones, weight, liver/thyroid/testicular diseases and suspicious mass findings should be investigated.
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia during puberty may regress over time in most people. Adult-onset, one-sided, firm, rapidly growing changes or those accompanied by nipple discharge require medical evaluation before moving directly to aesthetic surgery.
In surgery, liposuction may be used for predominantly fatty cases, excision through an incision for glandular tissue, or a combination of the two. With significant excess skin, additional skin correction may be needed.
The basis of personalized planning
| Planning 1 | The duration of the enlargement, pain, whether it is one- or two-sided, weight and use of medications/performance-enhancing substances are reviewed. |
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| Planning 2 | Gland, fat, excess skin and mass findings are examined; ultrasound/mammography is requested when necessary. |
| Planning 3 | If a hormonal or systemic cause is suspected, an endocrinology, urology or other relevant specialty assessment is planned. |
| Planning 4 | The scars of the liposuction, gland excision and skin removal options are explained. |
Who May Be a Candidate?
- Adults whose medical causes have been evaluated and who have persistent excess gland/fat tissue
- People whose weight is as stable as possible and whose general health is suitable for surgery
- People who fully disclose steroid, hormone or related medication use
- People who understand scarring, asymmetry, changes in sensation and the compression garment period
How Does the Process Work?
- Excess fat tissue can be reduced with liposuction using the appropriate technique.
- Firm glandular tissue can be removed through a limited incision around the nipple or another suitable approach.
- Pathological examination of the tissue sample is carried out according to clinical need; the compression garment and drain plan are determined.
Possible risks and complications
- Bleeding/hematoma, seroma, infection and wound healing problems
- Changes in nipple sensation or circulation
- Hollowing, contour irregularity, asymmetry and excessive/insufficient tissue removal
- Recurrence and the need for revision if the underlying cause persists
Recovery and follow-up
Swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness and early differences between the two sides may occur. Compression garment and activity restrictions are given according to the scope of surgery. Rapidly increasing one-sided swelling or bleeding should be assessed.
Results, scars and limitations of the method
The goal is to achieve a more balanced contour with the chest wall. Skin quality and the cause of the enlargement affect the result; no guarantee of being “completely scarless” or “definitely not recurring” can be given.
Alternatives and complementary options
For fat accumulation due to excess weight, weight management comes first; for medication-related cases, medication adjustment with the relevant physician; and for hormonal disease, treatment of the cause. Exercise alone does not eliminate persistent glandular tissue.
Frequently asked questions
Does gynecomastia go away with exercise?
Exercise can reduce body fat; true glandular breast tissue may not disappear completely with exercise.
Is gynecomastia cancer?
It is mostly benign. If there is a firm one-sided mass, rapid growth or discharge, causes including breast cancer should be evaluated.
Is liposuction alone enough?
It may be enough in predominantly fatty cases; with firm glandular tissue or excess skin, additional surgery may be needed.
Will there be a scar?
Depending on the technique used, there may be small liposuction entry scars or a scar around the nipple; scar quality varies from person to person.
Before deciding: Breast imaging, pregnancy/breastfeeding plans and individual risks can change the choice of procedure; online information does not replace a definitive surgical plan.