Gynecomastia, also known as male breast overdevelopment, can make men self-conscious about their chests and can be an immense source of emotional discomfort that hinders both self-confidence and relationships.
Gynecomastia surgery offers an effective solution to correcting this condition permanently and help you regain both confidence and self-esteem.
Table of Contents
Preparation
Gynecomastia surgery performed by an experienced plastic surgeon is both safe and effective. The process involves extracting excess breast tissue and skin from the affected areas.
Prior to gynecomastia surgery, patients’ health status, weight and other factors will be evaluated so that it’s safe. Patients must also abstain from smoking, drinking and using anabolic steroids at least several weeks in advance of their surgery date.
Based on the extent of surgery, local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia may be administered in order to ensure patient comfort throughout their procedure.
Patients should avoid sunbathing for two weeks prior to surgery in order to decrease the risk of permanent scarring, and also refrain from wearing clothes which restrict movement for at least three days postoperatively.
Recovery time from surgery is usually short. Within days after their procedure, patients can resume light physical activities like walking and showering without restrictions; however, vigorous arm or shoulder movements should be limited during this period.
Anaesthesia
Gynecomastia, commonly referred to as male breast enlargement, can occur at any age due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. While not painful in itself, Gynecomastia can become uncomfortable over time and should be addressed appropriately.
Gynecomastia surgery can safely and successfully correct Gynecomastia. It involves the surgical removal of excess breast tissue – glandular and fatty.
A general anesthetic is used during surgery, rendering you unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. While it’s an effective way of having surgery done, this option does come with its own set of risks.
After surgery, you should not drive, operate machinery or consume alcohol for 24 hours after. A responsible adult should accompany you during this time at home.
Before any gynecomastia surgical procedure, it is vitally important to provide your physician with a complete medical history and disclose all drugs and supplements you are currently taking regularly, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen which should be stopped 10 days before any scheduled procedures.
Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is generally safe for most patients who have excess glandular breast tissue that does not result from an underlying medical condition, as well as those experiencing weight gain or hormone imbalance, creating enlarged breasts.
Consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of Gynecomastia surgery to understand its implications for you. They will carefully consider your medical history to ascertain if this procedure is suitable.
Your surgeon will use liposuction, surgical gland excision or both procedures together in order to treat your gynecomastia. Their choice depends on factors like glandular breast tissue abundance, skin elasticity and patient age.
Recovery after cosmetic gynecomastia surgery takes some time, with compression garments worn afterward to minimize bruising and swelling in the treated area. You may experience some numbness in either your breast skin or nipples during this period; however, this should pass as swelling diminishes.
At your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the recovery process with you, providing all the information you require to recover rapidly and safely following gynecomastia breast surgery.
Recovery
As part of their recovery after gynecomastia surgery, patients should adhere to recommended postsurgical care measures. These may include refraining from participating in any strenuous exercises and resting adequately, drinking plenty of water and following a healthy diet plan.
Patients recovering from surgery should wear a compression garment for at least the first several weeks afterward to reduce swelling, bruising and discomfort. After approximately one to two weeks have passed since surgery, light exercise can resume, with heavy weight lifting being restricted for six weeks at minimum.
Swelling of the Chest Area – Following gynecomastia surgery, patients can expect some initial swelling of the pectoral muscles, which usually resolves quickly.
Conclusion
Incisions – After having undergone gynecomastia surgery, incisions should be cared for carefully to ensure they heal optimally and leave scars that will fade over time. A clean and dry environment will promote faster recovery time.
Gynecomastia treatment typically lasts four to six weeks after surgery. Your recovery timeline may differ based on how quickly or slowly your body heals.
