Breast Procedures
Male Breast Reduction
What is Gynecomastia? (enlargement of male breast)
Gynecomastia is enlargement of breast tissue in men. There may be
enlargement of one or both breasts. It occurs in as many as 40 - 60% of
men. The cause is not always known, but the incidence increases with
certain drugs (digitalis, anabolic steroids, Tagamet, and
spironolactone), use of marijuana or alcohol, and obesity. This
condition can cause extreme embarrassment, social inhibition and
self-consciousness for boys and men who suffer from it.
This procedure is used to remove fat and/or glandular tissue from
the breasts. In extreme cases, skin is removed as well. The result is a
flatter, firmer and more masculine-looking chest.
If you think that you have this condition, you should consult with
your physician to rule out a more serious condition such as liver or
endocrine disease. If you are otherwise healthy, breast reduction
surgery may significantly help your appearance and self-image. Benefits
What are the causes of Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)?
Physiologic Gynecomastia is seen in newborn infants, pubescent
adolescents, and elderly individuals. The other causes may include
obesity, aging, chronic liver disease. It can be the side effect of
some medications such as gonadotropins, clomiphene, phenytoin, and
exogenous testosterone - drugs that enhance estrogen synthesis or drugs
that inhibit production or action of testosterone such as ketoconazole,
metronidazole, alkylating agents, cisplatin, spironolactone,
cimetidine, flutamide, finasteride, and etomidate Gynecomastia can also
be due to genetic causes. Klinefelter's Syndrome is one such genetic
disorder characterized by abnormal enlargement of one or both breasts
in men; hard tiny testicles that never grow, infertility, incomplete
masculine body build, height, (6 ft. or more), may not be particularly
athletic or co-ordinated.
Who can undergo male breast reduction surgery or surgical correction for Gynecomastia?
If you are not over weight and have skin with normal elasticity
overlying your breasts, are mentally and emotionally stable (whatever
your age may be), if you do not smoke or drink, then youcan undergo for
surgical correction of Gynecomastia.
How is the surgical correction for male breast (Gynecomastia) done?
The procedure is done under general anesthesia and is similar to breast
reduction in females. The procedure usually takes about two hours and
the patient is discharged from the hospital the same day or an
overnight stay is required at the hospital.
The type of procedure used depends on the degree of breast enlargement.
The options include removal of the tissue under the breast, or
liposuction of the chest wall. In both instances, a small elliptical
incision is made on the lower half of the nipple area (areola). For
those men with tissue that is more glandular in nature, all breast
tissue directly under the nipple is removed.
If the tissue is more fatty in nature, liposuction can provide
excellent results. In some people, ultrasonic assisted liposuction is
an excellent approach.
How to prepare for the surgical correction for male breast (Gynecomastia)?
All the routine screening tests including blood and urine examination
x-ray of chest will be preformed before surgical correction for
Gynecomastia. Make sure you discuss in detail all the aspects of the
procedure i.e. description of the procedure, scars from the incision,
risks involved, chances of post-operative complications, before and
after photographs, all the prescription and non-prescription
medications that you take including vitamin and herbal supplements.
These discussions will help you to make an informed decision and be
comfortable with your decision to undergo Gynecomastia correction. You
will be advised to eat a healthy diet and stop smoking at least 2 weeks
prior to surgery. You will also be advised to refrain from eating or
drinking anything at least 12 hours prior to Gynecomastia correction
surgery.
What is the after care and how long is the recovery period?
Depending on the extent of surgery, pain can vary from minimal to
moderate, and will last from several days to two weeks. Usually, the
chest is temporarily swollen and bruised after the surgery. One may
also experience numbness or a burning sensation.
Recovery time and privacy needs varies from person to person .Light
activities can be resumed within a few days, although your chest will
be sore. Most people are able to return to (sedentary) work within
three to seven days, and resume more strenuous activities in two to
three weeks.
Routine physical activity and exercising (especially lifting, pulling
and pushing motions) should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. This will
help the scars to heal. Some degree of swelling and bruising may last
for 3 to 6 months.
What is the outcome of surgical correction for Gynecomastia?
Surgical correction of Gynecomastia has good results and men undergoing
this procedure are quite pleased with the results. The changes produced
by this procedure are significant and permanent. Top
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