The enlargement of breast tissues in men leading to a female breast-like appearance is known as Gynecomastia. Gynecomastia not only affects the physical appearance of a man, but it also leads to psychological trauma and lower self-confidence. Men suffering from Gynecomastia want to get it treated as soon as possible. This is the reason that Gynecomastia surgery has become hugely popular.
Hormonal fluctuations that occur during the puberty period of a man may lead to the enlargement of the male breast tissue. In most cases, the male breasts remain enlarged. However, in a few cases, the breast tissue shrinks in size after puberty.
About 60 to 90% of male children, 50 to 60% of adolescents, and about 70% of men between 50 and 70 years of age have a prevalence of asymptomatic Gynecomastia.
There are several causes of Gynecomastia such as the onset of puberty, use of certain medications, excess gain in weight, use of marijuana, and use of anabolic steroids in bodybuilders.
In this article, we will be discussing everything a man needs to know before undergoing Gynecomastia surgery.
How does a man know if he has Gynecomastia?
The condition of Gynecomastia is usually seen in both the male breasts. But, a few patients may have the condition only in one breast, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance.
On self-examination, the breasts usually demonstrate a firm, palpable, mobile, tender, and disc-like tissue located in the center under the nipple-areola complex. This palpable tissue is not as hard, as in the case of breast cancer.
When this palpable tissue mass in the breast region is unilateral, fixed, hard, at the periphery of the nipple, there is nipple discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, or any changes in the skin, breast cancer should not be ruled out as the diagnosis, and a thorough examination and evaluation should be done, including MRI and mammograms.
Surgery for the Treatment of Gynecomastia
Patients with gynecomastia usually complain of lumps in their breast area, that maybe with or without excess fat.
The surgeon must do a proper physical examination of the breasts to confirm gynecomastia and rule out any possibility of male breast cancer.
The Gynecomastia surgery preparation includes stopping smoking, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, stopping medications which can result in an increase in bleeding as per the doctor’s instructions. This preparation is necessary for proper healing and quick recovery after the Gynecomastia procedure.
Most surgeons prefer to perform the procedure under general anesthesia. However, with advances in the procedure, this procedure can easily be performed under local anesthesia or oral sedation.
The surgery includes the removal of the excess fat (liposuction), the surgical removal of the excess glandular tissue by making an incision at the margin of the nipple-areolar complex, and skin excision in case of severe male breast enlargement cases.
Your surgeon may use a drain post-surgery to reduce any retention of fluid. Compression vests and icings are given after the procedure to reduce swelling, reduce pain, and avoid bruising.
Recovery after Gynecomastia Surgery
For mild cases of Gynecomastia, where only liposuction has been performed to treat the condition, the patient recovers in less than a week and can go back to work.
For patients who also require the surgical removal of the excess breast tissue, the healing process can take 2 to 4 weeks before the patient can resume his normal activities.
At ALCS clinic, Jaipur most of our gynecomastia surgery patients have been able to resume work within a week or two, started with mild exercises in two weeks, and strenuous exercises in about four weeks.
Complications of Gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is generally extremely safe with a good recovery rate. But, like any other surgical procedure, the gynecomastia surgery may also have a few complications.
Commonly occurring side-effects include bleeding, bruising, loss of nipple skin, inverted nipples, numb nipples, retention of fluid, irregularities in the breast contour, asymmetrical breasts, and loose skin in the breast region.
The complications associated with gynecomastia surgery are usually mild and disappear on their own. It is important to follow all the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon to avoid serious complications.
Gynecomastia surgery at ALCS clinic, Jaipur
It is extremely important to choose an experienced surgeon and a good clinic for your gynecomastia surgery for good results and quicker recovery.
At the ALCS clinic, Jaipur we provide you with the best gynecomastia treatment at an affordable cost.
