Gynecmastia is a common condition in which men develop enlarged breasts due to excess fat or glandular tissue. In essence, it’s the medical term for male breast enlargement. It can be disconcerting and lead to low self-esteem over time.
Surgery to address gynecomastia is sometimes required. Gynecomastia surgery extricates unwanted breast tissue from men. Before making any final decisions, read on for more information about this particular type of surgery.
A Look into Gynocomastia
Gynecomastia is highly prevalent, especially among males of certain ethnicities. It frequently causes social embarrassment, which can be extreme and isolating in some situations for many individuals.
Luckily, there is a solution to this setback called gynecomastia surgery. The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fatty and glandular tissue, resulting in more contoured and flatter chest anatomy.
How Do I Know If I Need Gynecomastia Surgery?
The best way to know if you need gynecomastia surgery is by securing a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During a consultation, a plastic surgeon will be able to examine your condition and determine the best course of treatment. This may include surgery or non-surgical treatments. A qualified plastic surgeon will be able to steer you through the process and help you make an informed decision.
Common reasons and findings that may prompt you to seek gynecomastia surgery include:
- Prominent breast swelling making it difficult to wear tight shirts without showing bulginess.
- Self-consciousness when taking off one’s shirt at the beach or in private.
- Overhang of the breast tissue requiring compression shirts or other support.
- Firmness behind the areola or breast pain.
How To Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
If you and your surgeon determine that surgery is the best course of action, there are some things you must do to prepare. These include:
- Have reasonable expectations for what surgery can accomplish.
- Don’t smoke or take nicotine in any form for at least 3 weeks and ideally longer before (and after) surgery.
- Stay well-rested and well hydrated and eat a nutritious diet balanced with plenty of protein
- If your diet is lacking in vitamins, take vitamin C and zinc supplementation, and ask your doctor about other supplements.
- Ask your doctor what supplements to avoid in the immediate pre-op phase to optimize healing and minimize bleeding risk.
- Designate a caretaker who can help you through the first 5 to 7 days after your gynecomastia reduction
- Make plans to stay out of the gym for a couple of weeks
- Identify whether any female relatives in your immediate family have any history of breast cancer.
Gynecomastia Surgery Details
The procedure is done under general anesthesia. You’ll be unconscious during the procedure and won’t feel a thing.
Depending on the degree of breast overhang, gynecomastia surgery can range from lipouction done through an incision around a section of the nipple-areola complex and a few small, discreet puncture sites at the side of the breast to a full, inverted T “anchor” pattern of incisions to remove extra skin. The most common procedure for males with mild to moderate problems is a semicircular periareolar incision (around the lower border of the areola) with direct tissue removal and Vaser-assisted liposuction. There is also a technique for patients with a lot of overhang that involves a horizontal incision in the crease to amputate the lower overhanging breast and then graft the nipple back on as a skin graft. This technique produces very nice results without bulging of the breast under the nipple. However, it does result in permanent nipple numbness. Drains may be used for a week or two.
Pain relievers can be prescribed by the doctor following surgery to alleviate pain, though many patients only require prescription-strength medication for a few days.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Gynecomastia surgery recovery is a form of progression that can take several weeks or months, depending on the individual. You may experience some pain and swelling. In addition to medications, it’s also essential to get some shuteye and avoid any activities that may increase your pain or discomfort. The most important thing is for patients to follow their aftercare directives given by the surgeon regarding personal pain management, medication, and physical activity. You may be asked to wear a compressive garment for many weeks following surgery to optimize results
It can take a few months for the surgical incisions to heal completely and for you to see the final outcome of your procedure. Your doctor will follow up with you on a regular basis to monitor your progress and ensure you’re getting the best results possible.
Interested In Learning More? Contact Dr. Tim Sayed Today
Gynecomastia surgery just might be the best “path to take” if you have the condition and want to improve your self-esteem by removing the excess fatty tissue in your chest. The best way to learn your course of action is to meet with an aesthetic plastic surgeon like Dr. Tim Sayed, who has locations in La Jolla and Newport Beach and proudly serves patients from throughout many regions in Southern California, such as Orange County and San Diego County.
