Having enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, is caused by the development of breast tissue in men. It is considered a superficial condition and not a disease, because it does not pose a great threat to your health. There are different types of treatments for gynecomastia, and the ideal treatment option will depend on the severity of the condition and personal preferences of the individual.
In some cases, men opt for surgery to get rid of their enlarged male breasts. Before deciding on a surgery, you should familiarize yourself with the whole process of gynecomastia surgery and its pros and cons. These are discussed in detail below.
Facts
Gynecomastia surgery can be carried out by following two methods: liposuction and mastectomy. Liposuction is the procedure used to remove breast fat and not the tissue of the breast gland. A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the glandular breast tissue.
The surgeon will customize the surgery according to your needs and goals. But before everything else, your surgeon should be able to guarantee that there would indeed be a reduction in the size of your enlarged male breasts.
Procedure
In a male breast reduction procedure, the patient is first given general or local anesthesia. Then the surgeon makes a cut around the nipples and moves downwards. The incision is typically in the shape of a keyhole. All the extra fat is suctioned out, and excess skin is trimmed away surgically. The nipples are repositioned and the skin is be redraped, and the incisions are then stitched shut.
In a liposuction-only procedure, a small incision is made on each side of the chest. Depending on the surgeon, the incision could be in the armpit or along the edge of the areola. Excess fat is removed through this incision to give the chest flatter contours.
Results
The effects of the surgery are immediately visible. The chest is reduced in size and looks a lot flatter and more masculine. A male breast reduction surgery almost guarantees that there will be no recurrence of gynecomastia. The patient will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Weight gain or use of steroids can cause a recurrence. The patient’s testosterone level should never be compromised.
After the Operation
After surgery, the area will feel sore for some days. You will be administered painkillers like Vicodin to reduce the pain. To avoid any kind of an infection and the complications that would result, you should stay in a very clean environment.
You can typically return to your daily routine after a few days to one week. If you are given a compression garment to wear, you should use it regularly for as long as you are advised to.
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Dr. Morwood has over 20 years’ experience as a plastic surgeon, he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and for years he has served as either the chief or vice chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery of Monterey.
For more information about Dr. Morwood or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us here.
