Contrary to popular belief, women aren’t the only ones who deal with unwanted excess breast tissue – men can also be dealt a bad hand in this area. Gynecomastia is a condition in which breast tissue on men becomes swollen and enlarged, which can have a devastating impact on the body confidence men have.
Fortunately, at Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, we offer a solution to this male breast enlargement condition in the form of gynecomastia surgery, which can restore and refine your masculine figure.
Is Gyno Surgery Safe?
Yes, this procedure is safe. Although this is a surgical procedure that requires the use of a general anesthetic, the gynecomastia surgery itself is safe and straightforward. Patients who are healthy enough to tolerate local anesthesia are typically good candidates for breast tissue removal surgery. In fact, this male breast reduction is contextually similar to mammoplasty.
A mammoplasty is any surgery that removes excess breast tissue from the chest, female or male. Mammoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world, and while this plastic surgery is more commonly used by women, the gynecomastia surgery is equally as safe as men. Although the surgical technique is invasive, the removal method requires only superficial removal, meaning there is little risk to your internal organs.
What Can This Procedure Do for You?
The goal of gynecomastia surgery is surgical removal of excess male breast tissue. This male breast reduction surgery can be performed at any point during the lifespan, although it’s more common in men who are between ages 30 and 50. This procedure effectively eliminates excess breast tissue that has created unwanted fullness on the male chest.
Is This Surgery Ideal for All Patients?
Gynecomastia surgery is often used by men who have undergone significant weight loss but who are struggling to tone pectorals due to excess breast tissue and excess fat. However, this male breast reduction is also ideal for male patients who have any amount of unwanted breast tissue, regardless of current weight. For example, men who have been struggling with chest fullness and excess tissue since puberty or as a result of andropause can be good candidates for this procedure.
What Should You Expect From This Procedure?
Like any other surgery, you can expect your elective procedure to have several steps along the way. Because this is a surgical procedure, you will need to ensure that all criteria are met in each step so that your treatment can be as safe and effective as possible. The main steps of your procedure will include:
Consultation
You will need to first attend a consultation appointment so we can assess whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment. We will ask how long you have been experiencing symptoms and examine the amount of unwanted breast tissue you have. We will also gather relevant medical information about you, including current medications and supplements you are taking, any drug allergies you have, and your history of other relevant treatments or surgeries.
Part of your plastic surgeon consultation may also include completing certain labs and examinations. It’s common to run a full blood panel and perform x-rays of your chest so that your surgeon can better understand your current health and the state of your condition.
Preparation
Preparing for this gynecomastia surgery is similar to preparing for other surgeries. For example, you will be expected to follow several pre-operative guidelines to help prepare for your treatment, such as:
- Discontinuing blood-thinning medication for 10 days
- Avoid herbal supplements and certain vitamins (C and E) for at least 10 days
- Take out body piercings
- Do not wear contacts
- Stop drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours
- Fast the night before surgery
- Do not drink water for at least 8 hours before gynecomastia surgery
If you are on certain medications, such as those for blood-thinning, that you are meant to take continually, please let your plastic surgeon know so we can speak with your primary care physician. If you have other medical conditions we should know about, please be sure to disclose this information so that we can complete your procedure safely.
You will also need to arrange for transportation after your surgery, as you will be unable to drive yourself home.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or on an outpatient basis and generally takes about one to two hours to complete. The length of your gynecomastia surgery time will depend on the amount of breast tissue being removed, as well as any excess fat or skin removal necessary to achieve the desired result.
Your surgery will involve incisions made on the chest wall to remove unwanted breast tissue, just like with any other mammoplasty. After your unwanted breast tissue has been removed, your surgical site will be closed with surgical tape or sutures and bandaged.
Gynecomastia Recovery
Recovery for this surgery is easier than you might initially think. Most men feel minor soreness for about three days post-procedure and will need to take at least one full week from all activities to do the most crucial healing. The majority of patients are fully recovered after two weeks, which is when all normal daily activity, including strenuous activity, can be resumed.
Of course, there are a few instructions you will be asked to follow after your procedure. Some of these post-operative instructions include:
- Wash and dress surgical site
- Wear compression vest as instructed
- Increase fluid intake
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks
- Do not perform chest exercises for at least four weeks
- Tissue massage
- Practice good posture
Of these post-operative instructions, the guidelines for wearing your compression vest and practicing good posture are perhaps the most important. The compression vest should be worn as much as possible during your immediate recovery period to encourage your surgical site to heal flatly. Meanwhile, correcting your posture will help shift your mental energy to embracing the newfound confidence of your results when they become evident after your recovery.
Gynecomastia FAQs
Is gynecomastia surgery safe?
Even with meticulous safety measures, complications may arise. These can include bruising, bleeding, fluid accumulation, contour irregularities, nipple skin loss, visible scarring, nipple numbness, inverted nipples, enlarged lymph nodes, loose breast skin, and asymmetries.
Is it worth getting gynecomastia surgery?
Opting for gynecomastia surgery can boost self-image and confidence. Individuals often choose this procedure to improve their appearance, whether in clothing or shirtless. The process may involve liposuction, surgery, or a combination, with your provider advising the most suitable technique for you.
What are the downsides of gynecomastia surgery?
Injury to deeper structures, like nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs, may result in temporary or permanent damage. Risks include deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications. Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue) and fluid accumulation (seroma) can also occur.
Is gynecomastia surgery successful?
Gynecomastia surgery boasts a success rate exceeding 90%, with the majority of men expressing high satisfaction with their male breast reduction results.
Can men get breast cancer gynecomastia?
While gynecomastia is more prevalent in men compared to breast cancer, both conditions may manifest as a palpable growth beneath the nipple. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor for examination if you notice any such lumps. Gynecomastia is particularly common in adolescent boys due to hormonal shifts occurring during puberty.
Refine Your Masculine Appearance With Gynecomastia Surgery
You don’t have to make peace with excess breast tissue on your body. If you think the best way to refine your masculine appearance and increase your body confidence is with gynecomastia surgery, please contact Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA to schedule your consultation appointment today.
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24022-gynecomastia-surgery
