What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a medical term that is rooted from Greek
language, which means “women-like breasts”. This condition
actually affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men but to
different degrees. There is no distinct cause in the vast
majority of Gynecomastia, although certain drugs and medical
problems have been linked with male breast over-development.
Through Gynecomastia, or Male Breast Reduction, a flatter,
firmer and better-contoured chest is achieved.
Breast-reduction surgery may greatly benefit men who feel
self-conscious about their appearance. The procedure
eliminates fat tissue from the breasts, achieving a chest
that is flatter, firmer, and better-contoured.
Obesity, hormonal metabolism imbalance, liver disease, or
medicinal effects may be some of the causes of Gynecomastia.
Before taking a surgical solution to Gynecomastia, a period
of diet and exercise is required. A surgical intervention
may be performed should all else fail.
Back to Top
Effects of Gynecomastia
For young boys, having enlarged breasts may take only a few
years, and in most cases resolved at the age of 18.
However, enlarged breasts on men can be awkward, not to
mention socially and psychologically destructive.
In today’s demanding corporate world, looking your best is
essential. This is the reason why an increasing number of
men opt to have cosmetic surgery, a trend that studies have
proven is associated with career development. A study showed
that 84 percent of men surveyed deemed that physical appeal
is vital in attaining power and success on the job.
Many patients who went through breast reduction surgery are
pleased with their new, attractive shape and have boosted
their self-confidence.
Back to Top
Candidates for Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia surgery is best recommended for healthy men who
have overly developed breasts. Overweight or obese men who
have not sought exercise or weight loss as preliminary
solutions are discouraged from undergoing surgery.
Gynecomastia is also not recommended for individuals who
drink too much alcoholic beverages or smoke marijuana. These
drugs, combined with anabolic steroids, may cause
Gynecomastia. Patients are advised first to stop the use of
these drugs to know if the breast fullness will be reduced
before resorting to surgery.
Back to Top
Your
Consultation
BHMG’s Certified Surgeon will discuss with you your goals
and expectations of the surgery. The doctor will evaluate
the nature of your breasts and the elasticity of your skin
to determine the cause of your breast enlargement, which can
be brought about by fatty tissue and/or glandular tissue.
Your doctor may present you several pre- and post-surgery
photographs of patients having similar breasts. The
procedure will then be explained to you as well as the
possible outcome.
Back to Top
The Gynecomastia
Procedure
Male Breast Reduction is done on an outpatient basis with
the use of a general anesthesia. The procedure takes from 1
to 3 hours depending on the extent of correction.
Options
and Alternatives
Liposuction
Liposuction is preferred if your Gynecomastia shows fatty
tissues as the primary cause. Liposuction surgery is the
process used to actually take out unwanted loaclized
deposits of fat cells from the body. A straw-like cannula
is inserted through a tiny incision placed in an
inconspicuous location on the skin. With the use of a
vacuum system attached to the cannula, excess fat cells are
sucked out. The result is the transformation of bulging
breasts into more attractive contours.
Traditional Surgical Excision
Should your Gynecomastia prove to be a result of a glandular
disorder, liposuction alone may not likely be beneficial.
Traditional surgical excision may be the best way to go.
The excision may be done alone or in combination with
liposuction. The incision is typically placed on the edge
of the areola (colored area of the nipple) or in the
underarm area. What your surgeon will do is he will work
through these incisions to eliminate the excess glandular
tissue, fat, and skin from the breast. If your reduction
necessitates the removal of significant amounts of tissue,
larger incisions may be required.
In extreme cases where there are large amounts of fat and/or
glandular tissue that have to be removed, excess skin may
also have to be excised.
Pectoral Implants
Silicone implants for men are called "Pec" implants. These
are used to enhance the pectoral muscles of a man’s chest.
Pec implants can be inserted simultaneously with your breast
reduction surgery and may add an hour to the process.
Back to Top
Recovery
Bed rest is advised for the first day. You will experience
some pain for a couple of days. For the first few days
after your surgery, you will have to wear surgical dressings
which will be substituted for a special compression
garment. This will have to be worn for a period of two
weeks. Your surgeon may prescribe oral medication for the
control of discomfort related with breast surgery.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed.
A majority of men who undergo the procedure experience some
degree of swelling, bruising, and tenderness. These symptoms
should mellow down in a short time. Within about two weeks,
all sutures are cleared away. Your surgeon will discuss
with you the appropriate time of returning to your normal
activities. Most patients are back to work within the first
week.
Back to Top
Risks
As with
any other surgery, the risks with a procedure like this
involves bleeding, infection, numbness, poor healing or a
reaction to anesthesia. The specific risks of Male Breast
Reduction surgery can be discussed thoroughly in your
personal consultation with our doctors.
You
can minimize the risk of bleeding by terminating Aspirin
products a few weeks before your surgery, as well as two
weeks after your surgery. Patients can diminish the risk of
poor blood supply or dead tissue by not smoking before or
after the surgery.
Back to Top
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What
type of anesthesia will be used for this procedure?
A:
General or local anesthesia with sedation is often utilized
in Gynecomastia surgery procedures.
Q: How
long will the procedure take?
A:
The Gynecomastia surgery usually takes between 1 to 3 hours.
Q: How
will I feel after the procedure?
A:
The healing process of each patient varies. Some may
experience temporary pain, swelling, some bruising,
soreness, numbness, a burning sensation, or fatigue.
Q: How
long can I return to work after the surgery?
A:
Recovery periods may vary, but patients who have undergone
Gynecomastia surgery are oftentimes able to go back to work
within 5 days to one week following the surgery. It should
be noted though that exercise and any strenuous activities
should wait until after 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
Q: Will
the procedure leave scars?
A:
It will take a period of time for the small incisions around
the areola to fade and flatten. Topical scars can be
improved with topical gel.
Back to Top |
