Treatment of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a medical term for abnormal breast development in men. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast development, there is no known cause in a vast majority of cases. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery for Gynecomastia can help. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breast, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured. If you are considering a surgery to correct Gynecomastia, this video will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, when it can help, how it's performed and what results you can expect. It can answer all of your questions since a lot depends upon your individual circumstances. During your personal consultation we will review the procedure and discuss any items that you don't understand. Surgery to correct Gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery are firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contour. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink excessively or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs along with anabolic steroids may cause Gynecomastia. Therefore patient are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option. The temporary effects of breast reduction include lost of breast sensation or numbness which may last up to a year. During your examination your breast will be examined and checked for causes of Gynecomastia such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids. As a medical problem is the suspected cause, you will be referred to an appropriate specialist. At the time of your examination, we maybe able to determine how much fat glandular tissues contain within the breasts. This will help to determine the appropriate surgical technique. Surgery for Gynecomastia is most often performed as an outpatient procedure. Smaller types of Gynecomastia maybe corrected under a local anesthesia alone. Larger case are typically performed under a general anesthetic. If your Gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, Liposuction can typically be used to remove the excess fat. A small incision less than a half an inch in length is made around the edge of the areola, the dark skin that surrounds the nipple. A slim hollow tube called a cannula which is attached to a vacuum pump is then inserted into the incision. The cannula is used to break up the fat, then it's removed using a strong suction pump. If there is excess greater tissue, it will be excised or cut out with a scalpel. The excision maybe performed alone or in conjunction with Liposuction. In a typical procedure an incision is made in a inconspicuous location usually around the base of the areola. Working through the incision, the excess glandular tissue fat and skin around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast is removed. In the extreme cases, where larger amount of fats or gland tissue have been removed, the skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed. Sometimes a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids. The chest maybe wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place. There will be some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications. You will be swollen and bruised for a while. To help reduce swelling you will probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or so. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks and maybe three months or more before the final results of surgery are apparent. You will be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery and can return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will be generally removed about one or two weeks following the procedure. Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you will be very satisfied with your new look. Thank you!