Gynecomastia,
a medical term that comes from the Greek words
for "woman-like breasts," affects aa estimated
40% of men. It may affect only one breast or
both. Enlarged breasts on young boys last only
a few years and are generally resolved by age
18. Gynecomastia may be associated with obesity,
hormonal metabolism imbalance, liver disease
or medicinal causes. In the vast majority of
cases there is no known cause. Enlarged breasts
on a man, however, can be uncomfortable, as
well as socially and psychologically devastating.
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For men and boys who feel self-conscious
about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can
help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue
from the breasts and in extreme cases removes excess
skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer,
and better contoured.
During your consultation, explain your
goals and expectations of the surgery. We will assess
the nature of your breasts and the elasticity of your
skin to determine the cause of your breast enlargement.
It may be caused by fatty tissue and/or glandular tissue.
We may need to investigate other causes of the gynecomastia,
such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing
medications, or anabolic steroids. If a medical problem
is the suspected cause, you'll be referred to an appropriate
specialist.
The best candidates for surgery have
firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new
contours. 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.
The procedures
Male breast reduction is performed on an out patient
basis using a general anesthesia. In some cases overnight
stay may be required. The procedure can last from one
to two hours depending on the extent of correction.
Liposuction:
If your gynecomastia is primarily caused by
fatty tissue, liposuction is usually the procedure of choice.
A slim hollow tube called cannula is inserted through a
tiny incision placed in an inconspicuous location on the skin.
Using a vacuum system attached to the cannula, excess fat
cells are sucked out. The result is a resculpting of bulging
breasts into more attractive contours.
Traditional Surgical
Excision:
If your gynecomastia is the result of excess
glandular tissue, traditional surgical excision may be a
better option. The excision may be performed alone or in
conjunction with liposuction. Typically, the incision is
placed in an inconspicuous area, on the edge of the areola
(colored area of the nipple) along lower half of its
circumference. Through this incision, excess glandular tissue
and fat are removed.
WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY BE LIKE?
For the first few days
following your surgery, you will wear elastic surgical
dressings which will be exchanged for a special compression
garment. This will be worn for about two weeks. Most
discomfort associated with surgery can be controlled
with oral medication. Some degree of swelling, bruising
and tenderness usually subsides in 8-10 days. Most patients
are back to work within a week and may resume normal
activities after a month.
When male breast-reduction
surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon,
complications are infrequent and usually minor. The
temporary effects of breast reduction include loss of
breast sensation or numbness, which disappear after
several weeks.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Your breast reduction surgery will
result in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better
contoured. Many of our patients say their surgery, in
addition to appearance, has enhanced their self-confidence.
The results of the procedure are significant and permanent.
If your expectations are realistic, chances are good
that you'll be very satisfied with your new look.
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