WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?
The condition of abnormally enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) accounts for more than 65% of all male breast disorders. Although it does not pose a serious health threat, gynecomastia can be very damaging to a patient’s emotional well-being and self-esteem. This can lead to heightened levels of anxiety or embarrassment.
Gynecomastia can affect one breast (unilaterally) or both breasts (bilaterally). It generally cannot be treated through a traditional weight loss and exercise regimen, because the symptomatic breast growth is not simply caused by excess fatty tissue. It is usually caused by the body’s production of surplus glandular breast tissue (or a combination of excess fatty tissue and breast tissue).
WHAT CAUSES GYNECOMASTIA?
Numerous factors can exacerbate the symptoms of gynecomastia, such as: hormonal changes and shifts, genetic conditions, illnesses and specific medications and/or drugs.
Male breast reduction surgery (gynecomastia corrective surgery) in North America is common.
Male breast reduction surgery is a procedure performed to reduce the size and volume of the male breasts through the excision of surplus glandular breast tissue and fatty tissue.
WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA CORRECTION SURGERY?
Gynecomastia correction surgery can safely and effectively treat the condition of enlarged breasts in men. However, when selecting a physician to perform your gynecomastia correction surgery, it is imperative to find a plastic surgeon such as Dr. Hani Sinno, M.D., who has helped many patients ease the difficult emotional and physical symptoms of gynecomastia with male breast reduction surgery at his private practice in Montreal, Quebec. Dr. Sinno makes it a priority to stay up to date with the latest developments in the constantly evolving field of cosmetic body surgery in order to offer his patients safe, successful procedures with the most efficient possible recovery periods.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Gynecomastia surgery can help men with gynecomastia regain their confidence and sense of manhood by surgically removing excess tissue that causes the male breast to appear feminine. If coupled with liposuction, the procedure can further enhance the appearance of the chest and can improve the aesthetic definition and appearance of the pectoral musculature.
WHAT DOES THE GYNECOMASTIA CORRECTION PROCESS INVOLVE?
Consultation
The details of male breast reduction surgery and the subsequent recovery periods can vary significantly, depending upon the severity of each patient’s symptoms. It is also necessary to determine whether the underlying cause of the breast growth is excess glandular tissue, excess fatty tissue or a combination of both. For patients with excess glandular tissue as the root cause of gynecomastia, Dr. Sinno will make incisions in the breast region, and will then surgically excise the surplus breast tissue. If a patient’s breast enlargement is primarily a result of excess fatty tissue, Dr. Sinno will employ liposuction techniques (either alone, or in conjunction with excision techniques) during the procedure.
Surgery
Male breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, and provides permanent results, unless a patient recommences a medication/drug known to cause gynecomastia symptoms to flare, or gains a significant amount of weight.
Recovery
Following surgery, dressings or bandages will be placed over the surgical incisions, and a support garment or bandage will be used to minimize any post-surgical swelling.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE AFTER GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?
Can I go home after gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery generally takes one to two hours, after which, you may be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) to a friend or family member and may return home to continue your recovery.When can I remove the bandages after gynecomastia surgery?
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean for the first week. At that point, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.It is recommended that you wear a compression garment or binder for six weeks after surgery to help shape and define your new enhanced chest aesthetic appearance.
When can I shower after gynecomastia?
The bandages usually are removed within a week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages should remain dry and clean after your surgery until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
When can I exercise after my gynecomastia surgery?
You will be advised to refrain from moving your arms above your shoulders immediately following your gynecomastia procedure. This is usually advised for a two-week period.Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase their heart rate or blood pressure including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. in the first week after surgery.
However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.
Can I drive after gynecomastia surgery?
It is recommended that patients do not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery, and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the breast surgery.HOW MUCH DOES A GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY COST?
The average cost of a gynecomastia procedure starts at $6,700 plus applicable taxes.
