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Frequently Asked Questions about
Gynecomastia
Who is a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
How is gynecomastia surgery performed?
What can I expect after surgery?
How soon can I resume my normal activities?
Are there any risks or complications associated with
gynecomastia surgery?
What kind of results can I expect from gynecomastia surgery?
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a term that comes from the Greek word for "woman-like breasts". Even though this condition is not talked about, it is extremely common. Gynecomastia effects approximately 40-60% of the male population.
Breast enlargement is usually noted during childhood and puberty. However, in many cases, it disappears by the late teens or early twenties. I advise my patients to wait until they have fully matured before undergoing surgery.Who is a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
All men with enlarged breasts are candidates but the more extreme cases of gynecomastia will require more extensive surgery and possibly skin excision. It is important for the patient to be healthy and emotionally stable. Men whose gynecomastia is exacerbated by drugs should take this into consideration prior to surgery.How is gynecomastia surgery performed?
The surgical management of gynecomastia, in the past, consisted mainly of surgical excision techniques. The invention of liposuction in 1983 made a major breakthrough in the treatment of gynecomastia. The combination of the two techniques, glandular excision and liposuction ha now become the gold standard. Newer techniques such as ultrasonic assisted liposuction has also added to our armamentarium. This technique is good for removing fat in dense, fibrous areas such as the chest.
Before anesthesia is given, a surgical marking pen is used to draw a detailed "map" on the chest. This architectural plan enables the doctor to make the accurate changes from the sitting to the lying position.
After anesthesia is given, a small 3.0 cm incision is made at the breast crease and liposuction is performed. Next, an incision is made near the edge of the areola. The gland is appropriately excised and liposuction is used again to blend in the areas.
On rare occasions the gynecomastia is purely excessive fatty tissue and all that is required is liposuction.
Fine sutures are placed for skin closure and a bulky dressing and a compression garment is placed.What can I expect after surgery?
The first few hours after surgery will be spent in the recovery room. When you are fairly alert, you will be able to go home with the assistance of a friend or a family member. At this time it is important to sleep with the head and back elevated to reduce the swelling in the area. The initial dressing is kept in place for approximately five days to reduce the amount of swelling, to re-adhere the skin to the chest area, and to reduce any fluid accumulation. After that time, the garment and the dressing can be removed and you may shower daily and the garment reapplied.
The chest will be uncomfortable for a day or so, but the pain is generally characterized as minimal. Patients may take medications during the first day or two in order to be comfortable during their recovery. By the third day, typically patient will no longer feel the need for pain medication. The recovery period is generally two weeks.How soon can I resume my normal activities?
Once the bruising and tenderness is gone, which is generally about one week, the patient can return to work in normal activities. Most patients may drive a car and return to work or social activities after one week. Strenuous exercise is avoided for three to four weeks following surgery.Are there any risks or complications associated with gynecomastia surgery?
When male breast-reduction surgery is performed by qualified plastic surgeon, the complications are infrequent. In spite of this, there are risks and complications to every surgery, including infection, bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia. If asymmetry is present, a "touch up" procedure can be done in the future to equalize this asymmetry.What kind of results can I expect from gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your self-confidence and give your chest a more masculine contour. The outcome of the procedure is significant and permanent. If you have realistic expectations, the chance of great satisfaction is extremely high.