Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction)
What is gynaecomastia?The term "gynaecomastia" is used to indicate the presence of a mammary gland unusually developed in males.Although we rarely hear about it, it is a very frequent defect within the male population, which may cause embarrassment in the interpersonal relationships and a strong feeling of insecurity. It is correlated with the use of some kinds of drugs, but in most cases the aetiology of gynaecomastia is unknown. The increase in volume of male breasts may depend on:
What is the most indicated treatment for gynaecomastia?The treatment of gynaecomastia is a surgical one and is based on the removal of the mammary tissue, the adipose tissue and, sometimes, the excess skin. Through this kind of surgery, it is possible to give the thorax a firmer and more natural appearance.Are there age limits to undergo gynaecomastia surgery?There are no age limits to undergo this kind of operation, but it is better to wait for the end of the puberal age, during which a certain increase in the size and consistency of the mammary gland is normal even in males.Surgery is inadvisable for obese men before a serious attempt to lose weight through an adequate diet and for those who take substances such as anabolic steroids, alcohol or soft drugs, which may cause the onset of gynaecomastia. What surgical interventions can be performed together with gynaecomastia?Gynaecomastia surgery can be performed alone or in association with other types of cosmetic surgery (such as liposuction, rhinoplasty, etc.), provided that they are not too heavy for the patient.What are the risks and the complications of this kind of operation?The treatment of gynaecomastia is a relatively simple surgical procedure which usually gives excellent results and is very rewarding both for the patient and the surgeon who performs the operation.When this operation is performed by a specialist in plastic surgery, experienced in breast contouring and within qualified facilities, the results are usually very good. However, it is a real surgical intervention whose complications (bleeding, infection) are rare but may occur and can be easily resolved only if the intervention is performed by a specialist inside duly qualified facilities. In order to reduce the risks of complications, it is anyhow essential to follow the advice and the instructions given by the surgeon carefully before and after the operation. Smokers should reduce the use of cigarettes because smoking may increase the risk of complications and slow down the recovery. What does the preoperative examination consists in?The surgical treatment of gynaecomastia is a very customized kind of surgery that, as such, needs a meticulous specialist examination.During the first examination, the surgeon will assess the shape and the size of the breasts, of the areola and of the nipple and show you the target and the possible cosmetic modifications that the very latest in surgery makes available for your situation. The surgeon will also assess your physical condition in order to exclude the presence of troubles (such as high blood pressure, clotting or healing disorders) which might affect the final result of the procedure. Before the operation, you will receive specific information about the preoperative and postoperative diet and the use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. What kind of anaesthetic is given?The surgical operation to correct gynaecomastia is normally performed under general anaesthesia and with one or two-day hospitalization.In case of small gynaecomastia, the intervention can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation (which means that you will be awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain) and in outpatient care. Where are the incisions made?Depending on the size of gynaecomastia (small, medium, large), the incisions may be made only around the areola or extend vertically down to the submammary sulcus and along the lower fold of the breast (the so-called anchor-shaped or inverted T incision).A liposuction of the breast area is often associated with gynaecomastia.
How long is the gynaecomastia operation?The operation lasts 1-2 hours, is completely painless and ends with a slight compressive bandage.What happens during the post-operative period?During 48 hours following the operation of gynaecomastia, you will have to rest up.During the first two days, swelling and ecchymoses may appear in the treated area. Bleeding, infection, keloidal scars and sensibility troubles in the areola and the nipple may rarely occur. Starting from the third day, you will be able to resume your normal life, avoiding, nevertheless, tiring activities, saunas, sweat-baths and sunbathing. After 7-10 days, you will be able to resume work, provided that it is not too tiring. Two weeks after the intervention, you will gradually resume all the normal activities, including the sports activity. What kind of result can be achieved by a gynaecomastia operation?The cosmetic result that can be achieved by this operation is usually highly satisfactory and long-lasting, but it will be always influenced by your lifestyle (weight gain and weight loss).If you wish to take this subject further, we advise you to visit the FAQ page about gynaecomastia, where you will find the answers to the most frequent questions asked by the patients. |
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Chirurgia-plastica-estetica.it Prof. Mario Dini Chairman and Director of Plastic Surgery Dept. - University of Florence |
