Gynecomastia Surgery - Procedure, Precautions, and Complications

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is done to reduce the chest size of men. This is usually indicated in men with excess chest tissue and sagging breasts. Sometimes, the areola may be displaced due to excessive skin stretching. This surgery helps to reposition the areola and give a nice, contoured chest. The surgery is also called reduction mammoplasty.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by males growing abnormally large or developed breasts. The disorder is caused due to hormonal changes, hereditary factors, obesity, or specific medicines. Gynecomastia might make an individual feel uncomfortable emotionally and lower self-esteem. Some men may even shy away from particular intimate behaviors to conceal their condition.

It is characterized by:

• Additional localized fat.

• Excessive growth of glandular tissue.

• Presence of extra breast tissue.

Who Are the Potential Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery?

• Men whose condition cannot be rectified through medications can opt for surgery.

• Men who are healthy and without any underlying illnesses that could endanger their life or prevent healing.

• Those who do not take drugs or smoke.

• Men with a good mindset and clear objectives for enhancing their physical condition.

• Men who are physically fit and maintain a constant weight.

• Men who feel as though their breasts are excessively enormous.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Gynecomastia Surgery?

• A plastic surgeon usually performs gynecomastia surgery.

• Always select a certified surgeon.

• Make sure the surgeon is a certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has at least six years of surgical and three years of plastic surgery experience.

• By choosing a certified plastic surgeon, the patient is assured of results.

What Are the Preoperative Preparations for Gynecomastia Surgery?

• Before performing the surgery, a plastic surgeon will evaluate the patient.

• Patients' overall health and medical history are checked thoroughly to rule out systemic illness and drug allergies.

• Surgeons will diagnose the reason for excess chest tissue and may recommend an endocrine test.

• Patients are advised to quit smoking for at least two months.

• Before surgery, patients may be advised to stop blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Clopidogrel, vitamin E, and Warfarin.

• Patients are advised to take medications prescribed by the doctor.

• Patients can discuss their expectations, risks, and complications associated with the surgery.

• Surgeons may take preoperative photographs to examine the breasts, type of skin, and position of the areola and improve the areas which require treatment.

• Also, preoperative photographs help to evaluate the difference in the appearance of the breasts after the surgery.

• Surgeons will discuss the procedure and the outcome of the results.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Anesthesia:

• Patients should stop eating or drinking at least six hours before the procedure.

• General anesthesia is preferred for the surgery, so the patient is advised to accompany a person to take care of him.

• The process usually takes one to two hours to perform, depending on the type of procedure.

Surgical Procedure:

These are the different procedures through which gynecomastia surgery is performed. These include:

• Liposuction Technique: Techniques for liposuction alone may be employed in cases where excess fatty tissue is the leading cause of gynecomastia. A cannula is inserted through several tiny incisions. Inserted cannula removes the body's extra fat through vacuum suction. It is carefully pushed back and forth. Different liposuction methods are used.

• Excision of Breast Tissue: When glandular breast tissue or loose skin needs to be removed to treat gynecomastia, excision procedures are advised. Excision is also required if there is a requirement to reduce the size of the areola and move the nipple to a more masculine position. Surgical procedures and unique conditions influence the incision patterns.

• Combination of Liposuction and Excision Techniques: Sometimes, gynecomastia surgery may require both liposuction and excision.

What Are the Precautions to Be taken by the Patient After Gynecomastia Surgery?

• Discharge of the patient is done the same day after the surgery, or sometimes the patient needs to stay one or two days in the hospital.

• Incision drains will be placed near the chest to collect the fluid.

• Postoperative pain will be there for a few days, which is typical.

• Proper diet and nutrition are necessary for better healing.

• Follow the medications prescribed by the doctor.

• Care must be taken not to give excessive force or motion to surgical incisions during healing.

• Surgeons will give specific instructions on cleaning the incision site and applying medication.

• Bandages or supportive garments should be worn around the chest to prevent swelling.

• Comfortable and loose clothing should be preferred till the healing is satisfactory.

• Advised to sleep on the back for a few days after the surgery until satisfactory healing is achieved.

• Patients can resume normal activities within the first week after surgery.

• Surgeons will recommend restricting strenuous physical activities for six to seven weeks.

• Regular follow-up checks must be scheduled as suggested by the doctor.

• Patients are advised to seek medical help whenever they encounter shortness of breath, continuous chest pain, or unusual heartbeats.

What Are the Complications of Gynecomastia Surgery?

• Wound infection for which antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

• Prolonged discomfort near the incision sites.

• Hematoma (a buildup of blood at the surgical site that needs to be drained).

• Scars are easily seen, such as keloid and hypertrophic scars, are enlarged, elevated scars that develop over healed incisions.

• Numbness around operated sites is typically temporary and will disappear over several months.

• Seroma (which is an excessive buildup of fluid beneath the skin near a surgical site).

• Fat necrosis (death of fat cells below the skin).

• Asymmetry or unevenness of the breasts.

• Allergic reactions due to general anesthesia.

• Damage to underlying tissue.

Conclusion:

Gynecomastia surgery produces long-lasting effects. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and constant weight will help the patient to enjoy the long-lasting results of gynecomastia surgery. The incision scars are usually permanent and may fade after a few years. In some situations, the patient may require additional surgery for tightening and recontouring the upper body.