Gynecomastia Surgery: Causes, Procedure and Recovery

Gynecomastia surgery: what to expect, from consultation to recovery

Gynecomastia surgery

What is gynecomastia?

What is gynecomastia?

A well-shaped chest is part of what many men want. Sometimes, however, men develop enlarged breast tissue that does not belong there. Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of the mammary gland. It can appear in teenage boys and in adult men of any age. When this enlargement becomes a concern, Gynecomastia surgery is the way to correct it.

Indications for Gynecomastia surgery

Indications for Gynecomastia surgery

The indication for treating gynecomastia is breast enlargement in a man, caused by excess weight or by hormonal imbalance. There are two forms: false gynecomastia and true gynecomastia. Treatment is chosen according to the underlying cause of the condition.

False gynecomastia is characterised by an excess of fatty tissue. This problem is usually resolved with liposuction.

True gynecomastia can develop for several reasons. These include a hormonal fault with excess of the female hormone oestrogen. Castration is another cause. Hypothyroidism, various tumours, and cirrhosis of the liver can also lead to it.

The use of several medications, including anabolic steroids, is another factor. For true gynecomastia, a subcutaneous mastectomy is performed.

There is also a mixed, fibrous-fatty form of gynecomastia. In this type, the chest does not shrink even with weight loss. In fact, it can look even more noticeable against a generally leaner body. Treatment for this type is mastectomy, or mastectomy combined with liposuction.

Male patient before and after Gynecomastia surgery
Unilateral gynecomastia in men

The condition is marked by enlargement of just one breast, while the other stays unchanged. When an adult man suddenly develops enlargement of one breast, he must be examined to rule out cancer. In adults, unilateral gynecomastia can also signal a malignant tumour.

In recent years, signs of gynecomastia are often seen in men who take anabolic steroids during training. Operating on professional athletes is often difficult. The vessels that feed the mammary gland run through muscles built up by training. This raises the risk of bleeding after the operation. For that reason, these patients are usually advised to stay in hospital for a while after surgery.

Contraindications

Contraindications to Gynecomastia surgery
  • Blood clotting disorders;
  • Endocrine system diseases;
  • Chronic diseases in an acute phase;
  • Cancer;
  • Diabetes mellitus.

Preparation and the procedure

Gynecomastia: preparation and surgery

Before Gynecomastia surgery, the patient must have an ultrasound of the breasts. This is to measure the breast gland and the fatty tissue accurately. The operation is carried out through the nipple-areola complex. The plastic surgeon makes a small incision at the edge of the pigmented area, so that future scars stay hidden. The breast gland and a portion of fatty tissue are then removed, and cosmetic sutures are placed at the end.

The price of Gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on the patient's personal needs and the specifics of his body.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

For the first few hours after Gynecomastia surgery, drains are placed so that wound fluid can flow out.

Even though the incision is small, the area of surgical work is fairly large. For that reason, the patient needs rest and medical supervision during the first days after surgery.

During the first four to six weeks after surgery, wearing a compression garment is essential. This helps to lock in the result achieved during surgery and to speed up the healing process.

Following the surgeon's instructions, the patient is prescribed antibiotics or other medications during the first days after surgery. During the first month after surgery, men must avoid physical strain. This includes lifting weights, contact sports, and visits to the bath or sauna.

The operation usually passes easily and without any complication. After six to nine weeks, the sutures are practically invisible.

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