Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, is a condition that exists, in varying degrees, in almost half of all men. Male breast reducion surgery may be performed on men of any age, although it is discouraged for those who suffer from obesity, as well as for men who drink alcohol excessively and/or smoke marijuana. Gynecomastia surgery extracts excess fat and tissue from the breast to produce a flatter, more masculine shaped chest.

The Surgery

A surgeon may perform the procedure using either a scalpel, liposuction, or a combination of the two. In the first technique, an incision is made, typically in the underarm. The surgeon then extracts surplus tissue and fat from the chest region and stitches the incision. If, however, the gynecomastia is to remove mostly fatty tissue, then the surgeon may opt for liposuction. This technique involves a slim hollow tube (a cannula) that sweeps through the layers of the chest, breaking up the fat and suctioning it away. Once the fat and tissue is removed, the surgeon stitches up the incision and trims away any excess skin. These procedures last one to two hours and are typically performed on an outpatient basis.

After the Surgery

Following surgery, the incisions are dressed and the chest is wrapped in an elastic bandage. A small tube is sometimes use to drain away excess fluids. The surgeon generally removes the stitches in seven to fourteen days, while the bandage stays on for up to a month. Patients can generally return to work in two weeks time. Health Concerns As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, and an unusual amount of fluid loss or gain. Patients may experience some bruising and swelling, although this gradually subside in three to four weeks. In certain cases, numbness in the chest may occur following surgery. Patients may also experience minor but permanent scarring, changes in skin color, and a slight asymmetry in the appearance of the breasts. If you smoke, your surgeon will ask that you quit two weeks prior to and following surgery. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.

Health Concerns

As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, and an unusual amount of fluid loss or gain. Patients may experience some bruising and swelling, although these gradually subside in three to four weeks. In certain cases, numbness in the chest may occur following surgery. Patients may also experience minor but permanent scarring, changes in skin color, and a slight asymmetry in the appearance of the breasts. If you smoke, your surgeon will ask that you quit two weeks prior to and following surgery. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.