Gynecomastia - Correction of Enlarged Male Breasts

Is gynecomastia right for you
What to expect
The surgey
Your new look

A word about breast reduction in men...
Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it's actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

If you're considering surgery to correct gynecomastia, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.

The best candidates for gynecomastia correction
Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.

Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk When male breast-reduction surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and rare. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are risks. These include infection and adverse reaction to anesthesia. The temporary effects of breast reduction include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year. ^UP

Many men have gynecomastia -- enlarged, female-like breasts--causes by excess glandular tissue or fat (or both).

Planning your surgery
The initial consultation with your surgeon is very important. Your surgeon will need a complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information. First, your surgeon will examine your breasts and check for causes of the gynecomastia, such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids. If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you'll be referred to an appropriate specialist.

Don't hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you may have during the initial consultation- including your concerns about the recommended treat- ment or the costs involved.

Preparing for your surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications.

Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of one or two weeks before surgery and during recovery. Smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing. Therefore, it is essential to follow all your surgeon's instructions.

Where your surgery will be performed
Surgery for gynecomastia is always performed at Aurora Surgical Center as an outpatient procedure. The surgery itself usually takes about 1.5 - hours to complete.

Type of anesthesia
Correction of enlarged male breasts may be performed under general, or in some cases, under local anesthesia plus sedation. You'll be awake, but very relaxed and insensitive to pain. More extensive correction may be performed under general anesthesia, which allows the patient to sleep through the entire operation. Your surgeon will discuss which option is recommended for you, and why this is the option of choice. ^UP

The surgery If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be excised, or cut out, with a scalpel. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made in an inconspicuous location (on the lower aspect of the areola). Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions. After your surgery Whether you've had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

Glandular tissue must be cut out, usually through a small incision near the edge of the areola.

Fatty tissue can be removed by liposuction. A small, hollow tube is inserted through a tiny incision, leaving a nearly imperceptible scar.

You'll be swollen and bruised for awhile--in fact, you may wonder if there's been any improvement at all. To help reduce swelling, you'll be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for 4-6 weeks (this garment is not visible under clothing). Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. You'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough--which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will dissolve in about 2-4 weeks following the procedure.

You'll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities.

You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock. ^UP
 

Your new look Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with your plastic surgeon. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you'll be very satisfied with your new look. ^UP

Following surgery for gynecomastia, the patient has a more masculine chest contour.

For more information, contact us at 262-691-7546
info@cosmeticplasticsurgeon.net