Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynecomastia, the condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts, is common in men of any age. If you have gynecomastia, breast reduction surgery may be right for you.
WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?
Gynecomastia is the condition of enlarged or over-developed breasts that are disproportionate to a man's body. Plastic surgery to improve gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammoplasty, and reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the breast contours. Gynecomastia can develop as a result of hormone changes in adolescence or later in life, or due to heredity, certain illnesses, or the use of certain prescription medications. It can also develop as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette and other tobacco use, marijuana use, and the use of anabolic steroids. Gynecomastia is characterized in the breast by excess localized fat, excess glandular tissue development, or a combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue.
IS GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME?
Breast reduction can be performed at any age; however, it is best performed when a male's overall physical growth is fully complete. Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary surgeries may be needed in the future should breast development continue. In general, good candidates for breast reduction are men of relatively normal weight whose breast development has stabilized. Prior to surgery, a complete medical history and physical exam including diagnostic testing is recommended to try to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia. Surgical correction is best performed on: men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments; healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing; non-smokers and non-drug users; or individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia and the appearance of chest contours.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT RIGHT AFTER SURGERY?
Once your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support the new chest contour as it heals. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect. Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. Wearing the elastic bandage around the clock may be recommended for the first few days or weeks. It is important to keep the incision sites clean.
You will be instructed to engage in light activity as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications. Follow all instructions carefully; this is essential to the success of your outcome. A return to light activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery. If sutures are used, they will be removed within 5 to 10 days following surgery. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling resolves and your new chest contour settles. The scars created by any incisions will continue to refine and fade, however they are permanent. Continue to follow your surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT OVER TIME?
The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases. However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, steroids or marijuana, you must be fully free from these substances in order to maintain your results. All scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. The resulting scars to correct your gynecomastia are a necessary tradeoff for your masculine chest contour. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt, or baring your chest at the beach. |
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At The Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery office, Todd M. Van Ye, MD & Pawel Stachowicz, MD offer plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients across Eastern Wisconsin including: Neenah, Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Fond du Lac Wisconsin. Contact the The Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery office today to schedule your FREE Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Consultation! |