Male breast growth, known as gynecomastia, is an increasingly common condition that leads to the enlargement of breast tissue in men. It is often a great source of shame and embarrassment for men. While gynecomastia sometimes goes away on its own, some men opt for surgery to remove excess glandular tissue and fat to flatten the chest contour. Here is an overview of the basics of gynecomastia surgery.
Causes and Symptoms
Gynecomastia typically develops in both chest areas; however, it is possible to have uneven or one-sided breast growth. It is usually caused by a hormone imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. It can occur naturally due to normal hormone fluctuations during ages like puberty or old age. Certain health conditions, like liver or kidney disease, low testosterone, and some medications, can also trigger gynecomastia.
The main symptom is enlarged male breasts on one or both sides. You may notice swollen breast buds under the nipple or excess fatty breast tissue. Tenderness or pain can also occur in some cases.
Surgery to Correct Gynecomastia
Men seeking treatment for enlarged breast tissue often complain of lumpiness with or without excess fat in the chest area. Surgery focuses on removing the problematic tissues, usually via liposuction to eliminate fat, excising the excessive glandular tissue through an incision around the nipple, and sometimes skin removal for significant excess skin. It is vital that the surgeon thoroughly examine the patient to verify gynecomastia.
Pre-operation preparation calls for stopping medication that slows clotting, quitting smoking, and boosting nutrition to support healing. Though general anaesthesia is typical, oral sedation and local anaesthesia are also workable. Many surgeons use drains after surgery to prevent fluid buildup. Compression garments and icing are also common post-surgery to manage pain and swelling as well as limit bruising.
Eligibility for Gynecomastia Surgery?
- Not having a blood disorder
- Not taking immune-suppressing medication
- Not using nicotine and tobacco products in preparation for surgery and until recovery is complete
- Managing any underlying health conditions
- Being able to take the prerequisite time off of school, work, or other obligations to heal
- Having one or more people who can be caretakers during your recovery
Recovery After Surgery
Based on surgical experience, patients can usually return to their jobs 7-10 days post-operation. When surgical excision of excess glandular breast tissue is necessary, full healing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to tolerate regular activities.
Potential Risks and Complications
Overall, operations to treat enlarged male breast tissue are highly safe, and most men heal well. However, even with proper precautions by both patient and surgeon, problems can sometimes arise. Usual issues include bruising, bleeding, fluid buildup, uneven results, nipple skin loss, noticeable scarring, nipple numbness or inversion, loose skin, and uneven outcomes between sides. Careful surgical methods and proper pre/during/post-op care are vital to achieving good results and minimising the chances of these complications.
The Bottom Line
Gynecomastia surgery can successfully reduce enlarged male breasts and boost self-confidence. Thoroughly discuss the benefits, expectations, and risks with your surgeon before undergoing this cosmetic procedure. Being proactive and understanding what the surgery includes is key to achieving a positive outcome.
