Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
klinikest@gmail.com +90 (545) 191 49 19
- March 18, 2025
- 4 min read
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Gynecomastia is a condition of abnormal growth of breast tissue in men and surgical intervention can permanently solve this problem. However, many people wonder the question "Can the breast grow again after surgery?".
To give a short and clear answer: In most cases, no. Excess breast tissue is removed during surgery and this tissue does not regenerate spontaneously. So if a correct operation has been performed, no regrowth is expected.
Why might the breast area appear fuller again in some people? This is completely related to fat accumulation or hormonal changes. Weight gain can cause fat accumulation in the chest area and this can be perceived as breast enlargement. Also, if there are imbalances in hormone levels, the body may tend to store fat.
In summary, surgery is a long-term solution, but if you do not maintain healthy living habits, your breast area may regain volume. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are the best ways to maintain results.
Is gynecomastia surgery permanent?
Gynecomastia surgery is the most effective procedure to eliminate excess breast tissue in men. Well, are the results permanent? To put it briefly, yes, but with some conditions.
During the operation, excess breast tissue and fat cells are removed. These cells do not come back by themselves, so when the operation is done correctly, the results are long-term. However, there is a point to be considered here: Unhealthy lifestyle choices can affect the result. If you gain weight, fat can accumulate again in your chest area. Also, hormonal imbalances or the use of certain medications can cause your breasts to grow again.
So, what should you do? Eating healthy, exercising regularly and keeping hormone levels in balance are the best prevention methods. In short, surgery gives you a great advantage, but it is up to you to maintain the results.
What causes gynecomastia?
Breast growth in men is usually caused by a hormone imbalance. If estrogen is high and testosterone is low, breast tissue can expand. There are several reasons for this.
Obesity
Excess weight is a major factor. Obesity increases the level of the estrogen hormone, which causes breast growth, and causes breasts to appear more prominent.
Aging
Testosterone decreases as we age, and a certain increase in estrogen occurs. Body fat increases, which can cause gynecomastia.
Puberty
Temporary breast growth may occur in young men as hormones fluctuate during puberty. The problem usually resolves itself when hormones are balanced.
Some medications, liver diseases, and excessive alcohol consumption can also cause this condition.
Factors that may lead to recurring Man Boobs
You have had male breast reduction surgery and are now free of gynecomastia. So, what should you do to make the results permanent? Here are the things you should pay attention to:
Weight gain
The fat cells removed from your body during surgery do not come back, but serious weight gain can enlarge the existing ones. For this reason, patients who have gynecomastia surgery should eat healthy and do regular exercise to prevent recurrence.
Using marijuana
Did you know that marijuana use can cause breast growth in men? The main cause of breast growth, especially in men between the ages of 18-35, is marijuana use. This can reduce male hormones and increase estrogen levels. This results in the breast tissue growing back.
Underlying medical conditions
If your breasts become more prominent over time, this could be pseudogynecomastia, which occurs when fat accumulates in the breast area. In other words, there may be excessive fat accumulation on your breasts, not glandular tissue. In this case, liposuction may be a more suitable solution to remove excess fat tissue.
It is in your hands to maintain the results of gynecomastia. You can maintain the effects of the surgery in the long term by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
How to reduce swelling after gynecomastia surgery?
To make this process more comfortable, your doctor recommends a special compression garment. This garment helps reduce swelling by applying light pressure to the area and helps the breast shape to fit properly. Using it continuously for the first two weeks speeds up the healing process and provides comfort. Remember, being patient is one of the most important factors!
Who is a suitable candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
Your suitability for gynecomastia surgery is an important part of the process. This will be evaluated during a 1-on-1 consultation with our surgeon Op. Dr. Bora Yücel at our clinic.
In general, patients who are 20 years of age or older, who are;
- At their ideal weight,
- Want to shape their breasts,
- Have good general health, and
- Have completed puberty are ideal candidates for male breast reduction surgery.
As a result, gynecomastia surgery is a very effective solution for individuals who are in good general health, have a stable weight and want to change the appearance of their chest area. However, a plastic surgeon should definitely be consulted for the best decision.
Is gynecomastia surgery worth it?
Gynecomastia surgery is an effective solution for those who want to permanently get rid of excess tissue in the chest area. So, is it really worth it? The answer is largely yes. Gynecomastia surgery is an increasingly popular and preferred cosmetic treatment.
After the operation, the scars are still reddish and raised with a rough texture, but over time, during the healing process, they begin to turn pink and become smooth. Finally, they eventually turn into a colour close to your own skin colour.
After surgery;
- Breast tissue usually does not grow back, providing permanent and natural results,
- Clothes fit better, the chest line appears firmer and flatter,
- Beyond the physical change, this aesthetic surgery also makes a big difference psychologically.
- Have completed puberty are ideal candidates for male breast reduction surgery.
Feeling better affects social life and general happiness positively. Therefore, this surgery can be considered a worthwhile endeavour.