Gynecomastia (Correction of enlarged male Breasts)
The Basics:
Gynecomastia is a medical term that is derived from a Greek words which means " women –like breasts." Though it’s actually quite common, people feel shy about coming forward for the treatment.
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 over development, 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 and or glandular tissue from the breast, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.
BEFORE SURGERY:
The initial consultation with your surgeon is done to ascertain thecause for this condition. Medical conditions which may be the cause of gynecomastia such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids, are looked into first. If a medical problem is the suspected cause, a consultation with an Endocrinologist is must.
Next your surgeon will examine your breast and check for type of the gynecomastia.It could fall under one of these categories;
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Increase glandular tissue only
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Increased fat
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Increased both fat and glandular tissue.
THE PROCEDURE:
The procedure is usually carried out under local or general anesthesia on and out patient basis. A combination of liposuction to remove the extra fat and surgical removal of the glandular tissue through tiny incision in the brown portion of the nipple is the procedure of choice. This procedure is relatively simple with a shorter recovery time as compare to the previous operation of mastectomy which used to require, large incisions ,prolonged recovery time and hospital stay.
If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, your surgeon will likely use only liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola-the dark skin that surrounds the nipple. Or, the incision may be placed in the underarm area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula which is attached to a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision. Using strong, deliberate strokes, the surgeon moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fact and suctioning it out. Patients may feel a vibration or some friction during the procedure, but generally no pain. Most of the incisions for the surgery are small and inconspicuous.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA:
Correction of enlarged male breasts may be performed under general, or in some cases, under local anesthetic plus sedation. You'll be awake, but very relaxed and insensitive to pain. More extensive correction may be performed under general anesthetic, 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.
POST OPERATIVE PERIOD:
You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can easily be controlled with medications. 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.
You'll be swollen and bruised for a while 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. The elasticated garment is custom made for this surgery two days before the commencement of operation.
Although the worst of your swelling will disappear 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 take atleast 3 or 4 days minimum after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.
Your surgeon may advise you to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, and heavy exercise for about three weeks. 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.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
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 to anesthesia, and excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia. 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, as 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.
