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Gynecomastia Surgery: Safety And Risks

Gynecomastia Surgery Safety And Risks

If you have ever heard the term ‘man boobs’ you have almost certainly heard it in the derogatory sense. This is because excess breast tissue or male breast enlargement is considered to be an unattractive and unmanly feature.

Nevertheless, the development of excess breast tissue in men is a fairly common occurrence. Known as gynecomastia, in many cases the problem resolves itself in time.

However, for other men this additional soft tissue gives them a shape that makes them feel embarrassed, self-conscious and even with a loss of self confidence.

Many men with gynecomastia find themselves refusing to be seen without a shirt, with some even opting for certain styles of clothes so that they can downplay the curves on their enlarged breasts.

Fortunately, if you are suffering from extra breast tissue or loose breast skin you don’t need to live with the effects forever. An increasing number of men are opting for plastic surgery to correct the excess fatty tissue and excess skin to help them achieve the smoother, toned and masculine chest that they deserve.

CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA

While breast tissue development is a normal process in women, a man’s chest is supposed to remain fairly flat. Unfortunately, a small number of men experience unprecedented tissue growth in this area of their body, creating a curvier silhouette that is not all that dissimilar to that of a pair of small, female breasts.

Exactly what causes gynecomastia can vary between patients. In many cases, it occurs as a result of fluctuations in hormone levels. This can happen both during puberty and in the senior years when a man’s natural production of testosterone slows.

Men can also be affected by estrogen, a typically female hormone that causes weight gain and also stimulates the growth of breast tissue.

Since weight gain is a common issue when we get older, it is little surprise that aging men are more likely to experience gynecomastia.

Side effects from medication are another well-reported reason why males might suffer from excess breast tissue.

Some of the medications that have breast tissue growth listed as a potential side effect including those used to treat high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and even heartburn.

If you are suffering from adult gynecomastia and believe that your medication could be to blame, you could speak to our doctor to find out if there are alternative drugs available that do not have this side effect.

In some cases, it may not be possible to take an alternative and if this is a problem for you, our doctor may recommend that you consider surgical removal with gynecomastia surgery as a viable treatment option.

WHAT DOES GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY INVOLVE?

Gynecomastia surgery risksGynecomastia surgery, gyno surgery, or male breast reduction surgery, is fairly simple and straight forward outpatient surgical procedure.  The procedure removes excess breast tissue and involves temporarily detaching the nipple areola complex from the male breast so that the underlying fat can be removed.

This is done using liposuction, a process that sees saline injected into the breast tissue to help break it up, before attaching a long, thin metal cannular to a vacuum so that the excess fat can be sucked out.

The cannula is worked back and forth under the skin to break up and suck out all of the surplus fat cells, leaving you with a smoother, tighter chest that looks more masculine and more attractive.

Male breast reduction surgery can be performed using a general anesthesia local anesthesia, or a combination of regular pain relief and sedation.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

As with all cosmetic surgeries, there is some degree of risks involved with gynecomastia treatment. In severe cases, common male breast reduction surgery risks include:

–         Reactions to the material used in the surgery, such as glues and dressings

–         Reaction to general anesthesia

–         Blood clots

–         Excessive bleeding

–         Changes in sensation in the nipples and/or breasts

–         Deep vein thrombosis

–         Infection

–         Visible Scarring

–         Cardiac and Pulmonary complications
Poor healing of the wounds there is also a degree of risk that you might not be completely happy with the results of your surgery.

Some men may be left with a chest that is asymmetrical in size or unusual in shape, causing them to feel just as dissatisfied with their appearance as they were before undergoing gynecomastia surgery.

Fortunately, when you do your research and choose an experienced and accredited plastic surgeon, you can feel reassured that your gynecomastia procedure will be performed with your safety in mind.

This will help to reduce the natural risks associated with the surgery and ensure that you receive the best care possible as you undergo your treatment.

Questions and Answers

How do I know if I have gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia typically manifests in both breasts, but some individuals may experience asymmetry or unilateral involvement.

Breast self-examinations commonly reveal a palpable, tender, firm, and mobile disc-shaped mound of tissue centrally located beneath the nipple-areolar complex.

This texture is distinct from the harder consistency associated with male breast cancer.

In cases where palpable masses are unilateral, firm, fixed, located peripherally to the nipple, and accompanied by nipple discharge, skin alterations, or enlarged lymph nodes, suspicion of breast cancer arises.

A comprehensive evaluation is advised, including mammograms and MRI, to thoroughly assess the situation.

What to expect after a male breast reduction ?

Mild tightness and discomfort are expected to persist for approximately four weeks after gynecomastia surgery. Generally, patients can gradually return to gym activities about 10 days post-surgery, but it is recommended to abstain from chest-focused exercises for a period of 2 to 4 weeks.

Is a male breast reduction worth it?

Breast reduction surgery can enhance your self-image and boost confidence. In numerous cases, the achieved results are enduring; however, factors such as weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, or the usage of specific medications (such as anabolic steroids) could potentially lead to a re-enlargement of the breasts.

Is glandular tissue removed during a correct gynecomastia?

The procedure for removing breast tissues typically entails the use of liposuction to eliminate excess fat and surgically removing surplus glandular tissue.

This removal of the gland tissue is accomplished through an incision made at the margin of the nipple-areolar complex and/or through skin excision.

 

Contact Us Today For Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation

If you would like more information about the risks and safety associated with gynecomastia surgery, our experienced and knowledgeable team would be happy to share their expertise. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by contacting our offices at Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills.

 

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24022-gynecomastia-surgery


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