Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) in Istanbul

Usually not, but it can if the cause continues. Anabolic steroids, some medicines such as finasteride, and weight gain are known causes, so avoiding them and keeping a stable weight matters. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own; talk to the doctor who prescribed it first.

It depends on the surgeon. NHS guidance mentions wearing it day and night for 1–2 weeks, while Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker usually asks patients to wear it for 4–6 weeks. The vest supports the reshaped chest while it settles, so follow the plan you are given.

Avoid stretching, strenuous exercise and lifting for about 3 weeks, then build up gradually; most men return to full activity around week 6. Dr. İlker allows sport after week 6 as long as the chest is protected from knocks. Ask before restarting chest exercises or heavy weights.

Yes. Most men have a scar around the edge of the areola, plus small marks where the liposuction cannula went in, and very large reductions leave an anchor-shaped scar. Scars are permanent but fade over the months, and their final look depends partly on your genes.

Only if the fullness is mainly fat. Liposuction does not remove glandular tissue, so firm gland behind the nipple has to be cut out, usually through the edge of the areola. Many operations combine both: gland removal for the firm tissue and liposuction for the fat around it.

Usually, yes. Up to half of teenage boys have some breast enlargement, and most cases settle without treatment within 6 months to 2 years, so doctors usually monitor it every 3–6 months first. Surgery is possible in teenagers, but if the breasts are still developing, a second operation may be needed.

If the fullness is only fat (pseudogynaecomastia), weight loss is the recommended first step and surgery is not suitable. True gynaecomastia is an enlargement of the glandular tissue itself, which is why the examination looks at what the fullness is made of before anything is planned.

Sometimes. Tamoxifen, raloxifene or aromatase inhibitors may help some adults, but they are not specifically approved for gynaecomastia, and testosterone is used only for proven hypogonadism. Surgery is mainly considered for long-standing, firm (fibrotic) gynaecomastia or when it causes marked distress.

The chest is quite tender for the first few days, and the tenderness usually eases within about a week. Some discomfort, swelling and bruising are normal. Pain that keeps getting worse, or rapid swelling on one side, should be reported straight away, as it can be a sign of bleeding.

Usually within a few days to 2 weeks. A desk job may be possible after a few days, but work involving lifting or physical effort needs longer, because stretching, strenuous effort and lifting are avoided for about 3 weeks. Do not drive until a seatbelt feels comfortable.

NHS guidance is to wait 5–7 days after breast surgery or liposuction before flying, because surgery and flying both raise the risk of blood clots. Plan your stay around this, have your wounds checked before you leave and agree who will see you once you are home.

After week 6. Dr. İlker asks patients to avoid the sea and pools in the early weeks and allows them after week 6, as long as the chest is protected from knocks. Many men plan this surgery before summer, so leave enough time for recovery before a beach holiday.

A medical history, including medicines and supplements, and an examination of the breasts, abdomen and testicles. Blood tests look for a hormonal or other cause, and imaging is added if needed. A one-sided enlargement or a hard lump is checked for male breast cancer before surgery is planned.