GYNECOMASTIA
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gynecomastia
- Causes of gynecomastia
- grades or stages of gynecomastia
- Photographs of gynecomastia
- Some medical causes of gynecomastia or large breasts in men
- Drugs and medicines that can cause large breasts in men
- Reasons for removing large breasts in men
- the risks and problems associated with surgery for gynecomastia
- Surgical method of treatment of gynecomastia
- FAQs about Gynecomastia
Large breasts in men are common. It is estimated that at some time in their life over a third of men experience this problem.
This is a brief summary of the operation. More details can be obtained from Dr. Hudson.
Indications: This operation is to remove excess breast tissue in men. This develops in one of two patterns, either a firm button of tissue beneath the nipple or a diffuse fatty change with poorly defined edges. Often both patterns are present. The causes of gynecomastia (large breasts in men) are numerous and may dictate the treatment used. The extent of gynecomastia is graded in stages.
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Method: Ultrasonic liposuction is helpful for removing the tissue and may avoid skin excision in many patients. Many now consider ultrasonic liposuction, the treatment of choice for many men with large breasts.The type of surgery recommended depends on the pattern of enlargement. As with much in medicine the decision may rest on what method provides the most benefit with the least complications. The most common traditional method is to remove the excess tissue through an incision around the nipple. The incision extends out from the nipple at 3 and 9 o'clock. Liposuction is used to improve the contour or remove additional fat. The operation is under a general anesthetic (you are asleep). Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems: All operations have some risk. It is possible to divide the risks of surgery into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problems which are special for this operation are surface irregularity and a change in shape or position of the nipple.
It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on. You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’.
The satisfaction rate for cosmetic surgery is around 90% and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.
If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.
Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two.
Demystifying Gynecomastia: Men with Breasts
Merle James Yost; LMFT
