Gynecomastia surgery

Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

What is gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia is a condition of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity or the use of certain drugs.

Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair self-confidence, especially in teenagers.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

• Excess localized fat
• Excess glandular tissue development
• Sometimes excess breast skin
• It may be unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

The first step

The medical appointment is the first step and it is the time to discuss why you want to have this surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome.

At this stage the patient should report his health history, previous surgeries, current medications and the use of alcohol or tobacco. Use of certain substances, especially steroids, is a cause for the onset of gynecomastia and should also be informed.

Procedure steps

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used.

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference, but usually are localized around the areola.

Most commonly gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

The most common complications of gynecomastia correction surgery are bleeding, irregularities in the contour and shape of the breasts, poor wound healing and fluid accumulation (seroma).

During the recovery period of the surgery, a support garment should be used to minimize swelling and favor the new thoracic contour. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

The final results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent in many cases. However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs (including steroids) or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results.

Source: www.plasticsurgery.org