Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the development of enlarged breasts in males caused by the excess growth of breast tissue. (If the condition is caused by excess fat it is called pseudogynecomastia and may go away with diet or exercise.) Gynecomastia is not uncommon. More than half of male infants are born with enlarged breast, and many teenage boys experience this condition during puberty due to the changes in sex hormones. In the majority of these cases the excess tissue disappears without treatment. In older men, the decreasing levels of the male sex hormone (testosterone) and the increasing level of body fat may result in gynecomastia. Cancer chemotherapy, chronic liver disease, kidney failure and dialysis, exposure to anabolic steroids or estrogen hormone and certain drugs (e. g. anti-depressants, blood-pressure medicines, marijuana) can also cause this condition.
The surgery
The ideal candidate for the surgery is healthy, of relatively normal weight and emotionally stable. It is also favourable if the candidate has firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours. This surgery is not recommended to overweight people or those men who have a condition, use medications or drugs that may cause gynecomastia.
The surgeon may decide to use liposuction if the enlarged breast consist mainly of fatty tissue. If the excess glandular tissue is the main cause, then it is cut out with a scalpel. The two procedures may be preformed together. During the excision procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the underarm are or on the edge of the nipple. Then the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin is cut away. The size of the incision depends on the extent of the reduction. If the surgeon uses only liposuction, a hollow tube is inserted through a small incision around the edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) or in the underarm area. If necessary, the surgeon inserts a drain to remove body fluids. At the end of the procedure the incision is sutured and covered with a dressing. The surgery typically takes two hours, but a more extensive male breast reduction may take longer. It is performed under general anaesthesia.
After surgery
Patients experience discomfort and pain for a few days that can be managed with medication. It is advisable to wear an elastic pressure garment to help reduce swelling. Patients are recommended to avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks, and they can resume normal activities after about a month. Most of the swelling subside in two weeks. It may take up to three months to see the final results of the surgery.
Complications and risks
Every surgery presents some complications and risks. The most common complications include: bruising, swelling, bleeding, blood clotting, infection, scarring and negative reaction to anaesthesia. The surgery may result in noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes in the breast area, or slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. An additional surgery can correct these problems. Some patients temporarily experience loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.
You can avoid most complications by choosing the right cosmetic surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.
PRE-OP REQUIREMENTS:
Chest X-ray
ECG
Laboratory test
Please provide the results of Pre-OP requirements before surgery, if cannot be done in your country we can give you the opportunity to do at the Clinic but requires an additional day to the time of stay.
TIME OF STAY:
10 days
