Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia, the enlargement of the glandular component of the male breast, which removes excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a firmer, flatter, and more masculine contour to the chest. Gynecomastia is not normally a serious problem, but research shows that it can affect self-confidence and cause embarrassment.

All men and women have breast glands, but they are not noticeable in men, because they tend to be small and undeveloped. Due to hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, the use of certain medications, or other unspecified reasons, some men develop the appearance of enlarged breasts. Thus, gynecomastia does not mean that someone has extra fat from being overweight. It is caused by additional breast tissue. Doing exercise or losing weight will not reduce the breast tissue in gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can present at any age, and gynecomastia surgery can be performed safely and successfully on teenagers and adult men alike.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

Swollen or prominent breast gland tissue
Tenderness in the breast area
Nipple discharge in one or both breasts
Pain
Asymmetrical chest tissue

If there is unusual and persistent swelling, tenderness, pain, or nipple discharge, or a combination of these, it is important to see a physician.

Why have Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is the only consistently effective treatment for gynecomastia that has long lasting results. It can cause emotional discomfort, affect social functioning and impair self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities simply to hide their condition, but following this surgery, patients report an enhanced sense of self-confidence, and say they feel comfortable going shirtless for the first time in years.

If you find yourself avoiding certain activities because of being afraid to show your chest, gynecomastia surgery is an option to consider. With the help of the qualified cosmetic surgeon, the procedure offers dramatic improvements with minimal scarring.

Who is a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for gynecomastia if you:

are generally in good health
are dissatisfied with the appearance of your chest
have enlarged breast tissue and excess skin
have sought medical treatment for the underlying cause of gynecomastia
are within normal body weight
do not smoke
have realistic expectations for surgical cosmetic achievement
experience physical discomfort from oversized breasts
have exhausted appropriate exercise and dieting routines

What does Gynecomastia Surgery Involve?

Gynecomastia surgery is usually carried out under general anesthesia.

Generally, the surgery involves:

making an incision around the nipple
using liposuction to suck out excess fatty tissue
if there is a lot of tissue to remove, extending the incisions and repositioning the nipples may be necessary

The surgery takes about 1-2 hours and you usually need to stay in hospital overnight.

Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure

Liposuction Technique

Liposuction techniques alone may be used in cases where, gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. So the surgeon makes a very small incision measuring 3-4 mm under each arm, and inserts a cannula into it to draw away any fatty deposits in the area. A smooth, thin layer of fat is left under the skin to ensure there is no rippling or irregularities in the area.

Next, he makes a small, crescent-shaped incision at the base of the areola, through which any excess glandular tissue is removed. Both incisions are left open to drain and should heal within a few days after surgery.

Excision Technique

In cases where, glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia, excision techniques are recommended. Excision is also necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. There are different incision patterns depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Combination of Liposuction and Excision Techniques

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

After your surgery, you will need to wear an elastic garment in order to control any post-operative swelling and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour.

Recovery

During the recovery period, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used day and night to minimize swelling and support the new chest contour as it heals after surgery. The stitches will be removed or may dissolve after a week or two. You should avoid stretching, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for up to six weeks after surgery.

Although the recovery process depends on the recovery pace and your health condition, the average man who has a combination of liposuction and minimally invasive endoscopic gland tissue excision is able to return to work in about a week. So you may need to take a few days off work.

Results

You will notice a more contoured chest profile immediately after your procedure, with improved results as post-operative swelling subsides. Incision lines are permanent, but will continue to fade over time. It can take up to 3-6 months to see the full results. Gynecomastia surgery produces permanent results, as long as you maintain a stable body weight and avoid using steroids and other medicines or drugs that affect your testosterone levels.

Risks

Gynecomastia surgery risks include:

Reactions to the material used in the surgery, such as glues, tape, and dressings
Reaction to anesthesia
Blood clots
Excessive bleeding
Changes in sensation in the nipples and/or breasts
Deep vein thrombosis
Infection
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Scarring
Poor healing of the wounds