Gynecomastia Surgery In Albania | American Hospital

What Causes Male Breast Enlargement?

Hormonal imbalances

Gynecomastia occurs when the balance between testosterone and estrogen shifts in favor of estrogen, leading to the growth of male breast tissue. This imbalance can happen during puberty, aging, increased body fat, or due to medical conditions that affect hormone production, and while it sometimes resolves naturally, it often persists into adulthood.

Medications and substances

Certain medications and substances can disrupt hormonal balance and trigger gynecomastia, including some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, steroids, and ulcer medications. Anabolic steroid use, marijuana, other recreational drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption are also well-known contributors.

Weight gain and obesity

Excess body fat increases estrogen production and can lead to both true gynecomastia and fat-related chest enlargement known as pseudogynecomastia. Many men experience a combination of glandular tissue growth and fat accumulation in the chest area.

Grades Of Gynecomastia Severity

Grade I (Mild) – Small amount of glandular tissue limited to the nipple area, no excess skin, minimal enlargement that is usually not visible under clothing, often treatable with liposuction alone.

Grade II (Moderate) – Moderate breast tissue extending beyond the areola, noticeable chest feminization without significant skin excess, typically requires liposuction combined with gland excision.

Grade III (Moderately Severe) – Significant breast enlargement across the chest with moderate skin excess, clearly feminine appearance, usually requires gland removal and selective skin excision.

Grade IV (Severe) – Large, sagging breasts with substantial excess skin similar to female breasts, requires extensive tissue and skin removal and often nipple repositioning, sometimes performed in stages.

Why grading matters – Identifying the gynecomastia grade helps determine the correct surgical technique and sets realistic expectations for results and recovery.

Recovery After Male Breast Reduction

First 24–48 Hours: Moderate chest tightness, swelling, and bruising are normal and managed with pain medication, continuous compression garment use, rest with the upper body elevated, and very limited activity.

Days 3–7 (First Week): Pain decreases noticeably, swelling and bruising remain visible, drains are removed if present, showering is usually allowed after clearance, and light daily activities may resume without lifting or exercise.

Weeks 2–3 (Visible Improvement): Most discomfort resolves, swelling continues to reduce, bruising fades, a flatter chest contour becomes noticeable, and desk work and light walking are typically allowed while wearing the compression garment.

Weeks 4–6 (Increasing Activity): Minimal discomfort remains, swelling significantly improves, compression may be reduced or discontinued, light exercise and driving are usually approved, and results become more apparent.

Weeks 6–12 (Return to Full Activity): Most restrictions are lifted, normal exercise including weight training gradually resumes, swelling continues to fade, and the chest looks natural and masculine.

Months 3–6 (Final Results): Complete healing is achieved, swelling fully resolves, scars continue to fade, sensation normalizes, and the final chest contour is stable and permanent.