Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, also known as male breast reduction, is the cosmetic procedure for the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue in order to restore a flatter and more masculine contour to the chest.
Hyperplasia of the male breast (that makes it resemble a female chest), is called gynecomastia. It is a common phenomenon in adolescents and adult men. It is attributed to the growth of the mammary gland, the excess fat accumulation in the breast area, or the combination of the two. It usually has no underlying pathological cause, except in some rare cases where the cause of gynecomastia is hormonal imbalance.
It usually begins at the age of 12-15 years and in most cases subsides 2-3 years later. In older people, the breast swelling is usually attributed to local fat deposition.
Gynecomastia is a condition that does not respond to a proper diet or exercise. As such, the gynecomastia procedure is the best treatment option offering permanent results.
Correction of gynecomastia helps men regain their self-esteem and confidence, since hypertrophic breasts put considerable strain on men and are psychologically distressing.
Technique
When gynecomastia is attributed to excessive fat accumulation in the breasts, then it is treated with the technique of liposculpture, using a fine liposuction cannula with small holes to extract excess fat. Usually, a saline solution with a local anesthetic and epinephrine is infused in the area under treatment, which allows the cannula to move more gently, facilitating the removal of fat.
When gynecomastia is attributed to mammary gland hyperplasia, surgical resection of the excess breast through a small semicircular incision at the lower border of the nipple is required. In certain cases, the incision is more extensive.
When it comes to combining fat accumulation and glandular growth, the above two techniques are combined for optimal results.
What to expect after surgery:
- The patient is advised to wear an elastic vest for about a month.
- The incisions, if not completely faded away, are obscure.
- For the first 3-4 postoperative days, patients may experience mild pain, which is controlled with oral painkillers.
- Swelling and bruising that may occur in the chest area, gradually subside over the next 2-3 weeks.
Risks and Side Effects
Proper operative technique and patient care prevent any possible complications. However, as with any surgery, events such as hematoma, which rarely require additional surgery, seroma, and loss of nipple sensation may occur.
Duration of Results
Gynecomastia operation creates a more flat breast and, as a result, the body acquires a more masculine image. In combination with regular exercise and a balanced diet, men experience increased confidence and a more masculine chest appearance.
Relevant Information
- Overall, Gynecomastia is a benign condition, with no obvious cause and is diagnosed as idiopathic. However, as there might be an underlying pathological cause, it needs proper clinical investigation prior to surgery.
- According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the percentage of men who experience some degree of gynecomastia/pseudogynecomastia is 40-60%.
- The term gynecomastia was introduced by Galen in the second century AD, who defined it as an unnatural increase of fat in the male breast.
- Today, the term gynecomastia is used when the enlargement of the male breast is mainly attributed to an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue.
- Excess fat accumulation in the male breast is characterized as pseudo-gynecomastia.
