Gynecomastia Malpractice in Turkey – Your Legal Rights and How to Claim Compensation

Turkey has established itself as one of the world’s leading destinations for cosmetic surgery, attracting thousands of patients each year for procedures like gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction).
Turkey attracts both local and international patients because it offers affordable prices, skilled surgeons, and modern clinics. This combination makes it a top choice for cosmetic procedures.
Still, some surgeries do not go as planned. Mistakes, carelessness, or poor aftercare can result in medical malpractice. Patients may face serious problems, including physical injuries, emotional stress, and extra costs for further treatment.
This article explains what constitutes gynecomastia malpractice in Turkey, how to identify it, and what legal options you have to seek justice and fair compensation.

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, aims to correct the enlargement of male breast tissue caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, obesity, or certain medications.
The procedure may involve one or more of the following surgical techniques:
  • Liposuction – Removing excess fat deposits in the chest area.
  • Excision – Surgically removing glandular breast tissue or excess skin.
  • Combination Procedures – Using both liposuction and excision for more extensive cases.
If a skilled surgeon performs the procedure, it can greatly boost self-confidence, improve body shape, and increase comfort. But if medical standards are not met, patients may experience lasting harm.

Common Malpractice-Related Complications

All surgeries have some risks, but malpractice is different. It happens when a doctor fails to meet professional standards and causes harm. In gynecomastia surgery, this can result in:

1. Over- or Under-Correction

  • Removing too much tissue, leaving an unnatural contour or indentation
  • Removing too little tissue, resulting in minimal improvement

2. Excessive or Irregular Scarring

  • Caused by poor incision planning or suturing techniques
  • Hypertrophic or keloid scars affecting appearance and comfort

3. Asymmetry

  • Uneven results between the left and right sides of the chest
  • Often due to inadequate pre-surgical planning or imprecise execution

4. Infections

  • Resulting from unsanitary operating conditions
  • Caused by failure to follow proper aftercare protocols

5. Nerve Damage

  • Permanent or long-term loss of sensation in the chest area
  • Hypersensitivity or chronic pain after surgery

6. Hematoma or Seroma

  • Poorly managed bleeding or fluid accumulation under the skin
  • Often due to inadequate surgical drainage or follow-up care

What Constitutes Gynecomastia Malpractice in Turkey?

Under Turkish law, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional’s actions fall below the accepted standard of care and cause harm to the patient. In gynecomastia procedures, this may involve:
  • Inadequate Pre-Operative Assessment: Not checking your medical history, risk factors, or if you are a good candidate for surgery.
  • Lack of Informed Consent: Failing to explain possible risks, expected outcomes, or other treatment options.
  • Technical Surgical Errors: Errors made during surgery that lead to bad results or complications.
  • Negligent Aftercare: Not giving clear instructions or follow-up care needed for a safe recovery.

How to Identify If You Are a Victim of Malpractice

If you are unsure whether your unsatisfactory results or complications amount to malpractice, consider the following warning signs:
  • Unexpected Complications: Serious infections, unusual scarring, or chest changes that go beyond normal side effects.
  • Unclear Communication: The surgeon gives vague answers or avoids your questions.
  • Substandard Facilities: Surgeries done in clinics that are not licensed or are not well maintained.
  • Lack of Qualifications: The surgeon is not a specialist in gynecomastia or cosmetic surgery.

Your Legal Rights and Options in Turkey

If you have suffered due to gynecomastia malpractice, you have the right to seek legal compensation for your damages.

1. Filing a Gynecomastia Malpractice Claim

A successful malpractice claim starts with strong evidence. Key steps include:
  • Collecting Evidence: Gather your medical records, surgical notes, before-and-after photos, payment receipts, and any messages or recordings from the clinic.
  • Getting a Second Medical Opinion: Ask another specialist to check if your results or problems are due to malpractice.
  • Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer: Find a law firm that has handled cosmetic surgery malpractice cases in Turkey.

2. Types of Compensation Available

If your claim is successful, you may receive compensation for:
  • Corrective Medical Treatment: This covers revision surgeries, medications, and follow-up care.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of self-confidence.
  • Loss of Earnings: Money you could not earn during recovery or because of lasting harm.
  • Future Medical Costs: Expected costs for future treatment you may need.

3. Statute of Limitations

In Turkey, you usually have five years from the date of malpractice to file a claim. Waiting too long can make your case harder because evidence may be lost. It is important to get advice as soon as possible.

Challenges for International Patients

As a popular hub for medical tourism, Turkey treats thousands of foreign patients, but pursuing legal action from abroad poses challenges:
  • Language Barriers: Medical and legal papers are in Turkish, so you will need certified translations.
  • Geographical Distance: You might have to travel back to Turkey for expert reviews or court hearings.
  • Unfamiliar Legal System: Turkish laws and court procedures are different from those in many other countries.
Working with a law firm experienced in representing international clients can help overcome these challenges.

Why Choose Oran Partners for Your Case?

Oran Partners is Turkey’s only law firm exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice cases, with a strong track record in cosmetic surgery malpractice—including gynecomastia procedures.
Our advantages include:
  • Specialized Expertise: We know the surgical methods and the legal steps needed to prove malpractice.
  • International Client Focus: We offer support in different languages and work with clients in various time zones.
  • Proven Results: We have won important settlements and verdicts for people affected by cosmetic surgery malpractice.
  • Transparent Communication: We update you regularly throughout your case.

What to Do Immediately If You Suspect Gynecomastia Malpractice

  1. Document Everything: Save your surgical records, receipts, and photos of your chest before and after surgery.
  2. Seek Medical Review: Ask an independent surgeon to check how much damage has occurred.
  3. Contact a Lawyer Promptly: Getting legal help early improves your chances of gathering evidence and building a strong case.

Conclusion – Take Action to Protect Your Rights

Gynecomastia surgery can significantly improve lives. However, if malpractice happens, it can cause long-term physical and emotional harm. If you have been affected by mistakes or poor care in Turkey, you have the right to seek justice.
At Oran Partners, we leverage our legal and medical expertise to assist both local and international patients in securing the compensation they deserve.