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Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction Surgery)
Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction Surgery)
Everything You Need To Know Gynecomastia Surgery
What is gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia is defined as an overdevelopment of breast tissues in male individuals. Typically, it is characterized by large breasts that grow unevenly. It is often caused due to the overexpression of female hormones (estrogen) in male individuals.
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, removes the excess breast tissue by flattening and enhancing the chest contours. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the excess breast volume may cause the breasts to sag and stress the areola. In such circumstances, the position and size of the areola can be adjusted surgically, and extra skin can be removed. The procedure may include liposuction and surgery, or a combination of both. This procedure may help males improve their self-esteem, enhance their appearance, and alleviate discomfort caused by larger breasts.
Who is a suitable candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery may be performed on men:
- Whose condition cannot be improved through other alternative medical treatments.
- Who are healthy and do not have any life-threatening conditions or other chronic medical conditions such as obesity, heart conditions, etc., that may interfere with the healing process.
- Who do not smoke or take drugs.
- Whose breast development has stabilized.
Preparation for gynecomastia surgery
Before the gynecomastia surgery, the healthcare provider will likely:
- Look at the medical history and overall health of the patient.
- Examine, measure, and screen the breast tissue of the patient for any evidence of breast cancer.
- Discuss options, goals, and medical history with the patient.
- Take photographs of the breasts of the patient.
- Provide before and after images of previous patients who had undergone similar surgery.
- Explain about the sedative being used for the procedure.
- Ask for any allergies that the patient may have.
Before getting gynecomastia surgery, patients are required to:
- Get a mammogram.
- Not smoke for at least 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
- Take blood tests and scans to help understand the underlying cause of gynecomastia.
- Not take certain medications that may interfere with the healing process. E.g. Blood thinners, certain vitamins and supplements herbal supplements, etc.
Procedure for gynecomastia surgery
Before beginning the treatment, the patient is administered general anaesthesia via a vein in the arm. Gynecomastia surgery is performed in two stages. Initially, excess fat in the breast is removed using liposuction, which involves introducing a suction hose through multiple small incisions made on and around the breasts. Excision is then performed if there is extra skin, fat, or tissue left. Larger incisions are used to remove the breast tissue in this procedure. If necessary, the nipple and areola may be repositioned during excision. The pattern of incisions, their length, and position are entirely determined by the size of the breast and the desired outcome as discussed with the patient.
Post-procedure care and recovery for gynecomastia surger
The gynecomastia surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means the patient can be sent home the same day of the surgery. However, post-procedure care is an essential step in the early healing of wounds, decreasing the chance of any additional surgeries, avoiding complications, and optimal surgery results. It includes:
- Avoiding any strenuous activities for the first 2 to 3 weeks of surgery.
- Delaying workouts that involve the upper body or chest until after four weeks of the surgery.
- Using compression vest.
- Massaging the treated area with hands or a roller device starting 3 weeks post-surgery for 20 minutes or more in breaks.
Maintaining good posture.
Risks and complications of gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is generally considered to be safe; however, like any surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks associated with this procedure, including:
- Blood clots or excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Uneven breast size or shape
- Scarring
- Loss of sensation in the breast area
- Persistent pain
FAQs
The healing period following gynecomastia surgery will be a few weeks (typically 2 to 3). Individuals are recommended to follow the instructions provided by their doctor for better surgical outcomes. The outcomes of the procedure may not be visible for 3 to 6 months since reduction in swelling and breast tissue healing take time.
Gynaecomastia surgery in India is performed only on adults who are 18 years of age or older.
Blood tests and mammograms are a must before the gynecomastia surgery. However other tests may also be recommended to screen for any possibility of breast cancer or know the underlying cause of gynecomastia. These include:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
- Tissue biopsies
- Testicular ultrasounds
Enlargement of breasts in men may be caused due to other conditions that may give similar symptoms to gynecomastia such as fatty breast tissue, breast cancer, or a breast abscess.
Gynecomastia surgery involves the removal of fat from within the breast as well as the excision of breast tissue. Once removed, it will not grow back. To sustain the acquired results, individuals are urged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, have a proper posture, stop smoking, etc.