Gynecomastia occurs in males due to hormone fluctuations leading to abnormal growth of breast tissues, making them feel self-conscious. Gynecomastia surgery provides a solution to this abnormal growth. This comprehensive guide explains gynecomastia, the surgery, and recovery care.
Understanding Gynecomastia:
Gynecomastia is mainly caused by hormonal changes, medication side effects, weight gain, and family history. Gynecomastia can occur in one or both sides of the chests.
Causes for Gynecomastia:
Hormonal changes: The imbalance in estrogen and testosterone levels is one of the main reasons for Gynecomastia which occurs mainly due to puberty.
Medications: Medications such as androgen, antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and anabolic steroids implications cause gynecomastia.
Health issues: Health conditions in the kidneys and liver, as well as overactive thyroid diseases, may lead to enlarged gland formation.
Unhealthy lifestyle: Consuming significant amounts of alcohol, using recreational drugs, and not following a proper diet are the possible factors causing gynecomastia.
Potential Candidate for Gynecomastia
Enlarged breast tissues: Individuals with glandular growth in their chests may feel uncomfortable, conscious, or emotionally distressed.
Good health conditions: Stable physical health is an important factor. Men with good healing, no heart conditions, maintained cholesterol and no bleeding issues are considered ideal candidates for gynecomastia.
Sensible expectations: Individuals should have realistic expectations and an understanding of the surgery and the result. Gynecomastia surgery will make the chest look better giving it a contour look, but it’s always advised to have realistic expectations.
Controlled body weight: Noticeable weight shifts may impact negatively on surgery results. Hence men with consistent weights are preferred.
Gynecomastia surgery options:
Liposuction: When gynecomastia is caused by fat accumulation, liposuction is used to remove it. During liposuction, the accumulated fat is removed by making a tiny incision and inserting a cannula tube.
Surgery: During gynecomastia surgery, the fatty tissues and extra skin are removed by excision. Gynecomastia surgery also helps reposition the nipples giving the chest a better contour appearance.
Liposuction and Surgery: Liposuction and surgery are performed when both body fat and fatty tissues should be removed. In most cases, both lipo and surgery are performed for better results.
Gynecomastia pre-operative guidelines:
Medical consultation and assessment: Before undergoing gynecomastia surgery, a full medical report should be evaluated by a doctor to make sure the patient is suitable for the surgery. The doctor consultations can be virtual or face-to-face based on patients’preferences. This is to put in place to ensure the patient’s safety.
Medicines: The doctor would advise to stop taking specific medicines such as anticoagulants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before the surgery.
Transportation: Transportation arrangements should be made to get back home safely, as it’s not advised to drive after the surgery.
Gynecomastia Surgery:
The gynecomastia surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which makes the procedure safe as the patients don’t lose their consciousness and also helps in quick recovery. The excess fat is removed by performing liposuction. The surgeon makes an incision around the natural chest crease and removes the excess tissues and skin for a better-looking chest. The dissolvable suture will be used to close the incision, and chest compression garments are used for better healing and recovery.
Gynecomastia surgery recovery:
Here are the important recovery points to be considered for Gynecomastia.
1. Initial healing
Swelling and Bruising- As a natural response to the surgery, the patient might experience moderate swelling and bruising. It is recommended by surgeons that compressed garments be worn to support tissue healing and swelling.
Pain Management- It’s common to have mild discomforts but advanced techniques for pain management can be used such as the long-lasting anesthetics during the surgery process. This can help reduce the strong oral pains later on.
Activity Restrictions- The start of 1-2 weeks is crucial to avoid any kind of strenuous activities that could strain the chest muscles.
Recovery time– The initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks.
2. Longer-term healing
Gradual return to normal activities- A minimum of 4-6 weeks is required to allow the tissues to heal completely. Precautionary methods to be followed such as avoiding heavy/weight lifting and chest-specific workouts. Gradually can resume light exercises after 2 weeks.
Scar Management- The scar gels or silicon sheets prescribed by the surgeon should be used to reduce the scar and promote quick healing. Managing the scar will be a long-term recovery goal, which should be followed regularly.
Compression garments- The seroma fluid buildup and bruising can be reduced by wearing compression garments. Doctors prescribe compression garments for 4-6 weeks to give the chest a contoured look by enhancing the skin tightening.
Recovery time– The long term healing takes between 4-6 weeks.
3. Aftercare recovery guidance:
The aftercare team will monitor the patient after the surgery and provide medications and instructions for better healing from pain, swelling, and bruising. The aftercare team will be in regular touch to follow up with the recovery process. It’s crucial to follow the aftercare regime, which will be provided to you post-treatment.
Book your free consultation:
If you are looking to know more about gynecomastia surgery, book your free no-obligation doctor consultation. Free doctor consultation gives you the one-to-one opportunity to have a personalized assessment and discussion opportunity where you can get a better understanding of the surgery, pre-operative, post-operative, and recovery.
To know more about gynecomastia, book your free no obligation consultation now.
