During adolescence, it is natural for some men to experience growth and fullness around the breast as a result of hormonal changes. These changes are typically temporary and subside later, but once they become permanent, you’re likely dealing with a condition called gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia has no serious health complications, but is a source of self-esteem issues among those affected and negatively influences their lifestyle choices from clothing to posture.
Although gynecomastia mostly occurs as described above, sometimes unilateral or bilateral gynecomastia may be encountered depending on hormonal changes, tumoral reasons, or as a side effect to particular drugs. Classical Gynecomastia occurs in adolescence but other conditions can trigger the development of Gynecomastia at any age.
Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
- Men within a healthy weight range
- Men with abnormal breast growth
- Men with sagging around the breast
- Men who are healthy with no life-threatening conditions
Preparing for Gynecomastia
Preparations for Gynecomastia surgery involve an inspection of your medical history, imaging such as MRI or ultrasound, and hormone analysis.
Defining the underlying cause of gynecomastia is a crucial step in starting the right treatment plan.
Instructions you should practice in the weeks leading to your gynecomastia
- Do not take aspirin or medications containing aspirin 10 days before surgery
- Inform your doctor of any chronic conditions you suffer and the medications you’re using
- Don’t smoke tobacco, drink alcohol, or use any form of stimulants for 2 weeks before gynecomastia.
The 3 Types of Gynecomastia
In stage one of gynecomastia, the symptoms are present but aren’t severe. There is no sagging or loose skin in the area.
In the second stage of gynecomastia, breast tissue development begins to look like a large female breast, but there is no sagging of the skin.
In the third stage gynecomastia, there is additional skin and sagging in the area that requires treatment.
Procedure of Gynecomastia
Pre-surgery
Our surgeons will begin by sterilizing the area and making the necessary drawings on your chest to plan out the surgery. Following this, our anesthesiologists will administer your anesthesia which varies between local and general depending on your treatment plan.
Surgery
The stage of gynecomastia is important in creating the treatment plan. If stage one gynecomastia is in question, treatment can be achieved by applying liposuction.
If the structure of the breast consists of tissue overgrowthwithin the mammary gland in addition to adipose tissue, as is the case with stage 2 gynecomastia, the treatment plan involves removing this tissue with a small incision around the nipple.
If the sagging of the skin is advanced in third stage gynecomastia, then some surgical plans to remove the excess skin come into question. There’s liposuction followed by removing excess skin. The second option includes surgically removing both excess tissue.
All your incisions will be sutured.
Post-surgery
If your gynecomastia surgery was invasive, you’ll have drains underneath the dressings on your breast. The purpose of the drain is to remove serum or blood that may accumulate in the operation area and to avoid complications associated with them. The drain is usually removed within 24-48 hours.
Recovery
You’ll have to wear an elastic bandage right after surgery, but by the 4th or 5th day of the gynecomastia, you’ll have to wear a special compression vest instead. You will have to wear your compression vest consistently and as instructed for three weeks.
During the first days after gynecomastia, edema, tenderness, pain and even bruising may affect the treatment area. These symptoms usually begin to decrease gradually after the first 2-3 days.
From time to time, numbness, stinging, and burning may affect the area.
For the next 6 weeks, avoid activities that may cause edema such as steam baths, sauna, and solarium. Similarly, it is necessary to avoid strenuous exercise and any activity that involves jarring movements.
Do not smoke or consume alcohol for two weeks from gynécomasties.
Duration of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery can average between one to five hours depending on the type and stage of your condition.
Results of Gynecomastia
Results of gynecomastia are immediate but improve over time. They’re long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight to avoid affecting skin development around the breasts.
