Gynecomastia - Correction of Enlarged Male Breasts
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| Details Procedure Risk/Side Effects Recovery Results FAQ |
It’s actually quite a common condition
The term Gynecomastia comes from the Greek words meaning "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.
Details
The procedure for correction of enlarged male breasts removes fat and or glandular tissue and, in extreme cases, excess skin. The result is a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured.
Surgery 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.
Procedure
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be excised (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, either on the edge of the areola or in the under arm area. Working through the incision, Dr. Patterson cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions resulting in more conspicuous scars. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.
In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly readjust to the new contour.
Length: Gynecomastia surgery usually takes about one hour or more.
Anesthesia: Correction of enlarged male breasts may be performed under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia plus sedation in which you'll be awake but very relaxed and insensitive to pain. More extensive correction may be performed under general anesthesia which allows you to sleep through the operation.
In/Outpatient: Surgery for gynecomastia is most often performed as an outpatient procedure, but in extreme cases, or those where other medical conditions present cause for concern, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended.
Side-Effects / Risks
When male breast-reduction surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are risks. These include infection, skin injury, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. The procedure may also result in noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes in the breast area, or slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. If asymmetry is significant, a second procedure may be performed to remove additional tissue.
The temporary effects of breast reduction include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.
Recovery
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 probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night. 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 you can return to work when you feel well enough. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.
Results
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.
Following surgery for gynecomastia, you will have a more masculine chest contour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who are not the best candidates for the surgery to correct Gynecomastia?
A. 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 alcoholic 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.
Q. How soon after the surgery can I resume my regular activities?
A. Back to work: 3 to 7 days. More strenuous activity: 2 to 3 weeks.
