Tuesday 25 October 2022

Gynecomastia Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions

Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is not a surgery that is often associated with men. However, males can have an excess of tissues, skin, and stubborn fats in one or both breasts, thereby giving an appearance of female-like breasts or boobs. The condition where males have enlarged breasts is called gynecomastia. To restore a masculine appearance of the chest, gynecomastia patients can undergo gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction. This surgical procedure involves the permanent removal of surplus fat, skin, and excessive glandular tissues from the male breasts.

 

In this blog, the best cosmetic surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Dushyanth Kalva, gives answers to the common questions related to gynecomastia correction asked by interested candidates. If one is considering having the surgery, keep reading answers to the frequently asked questions below to get a complete insight into gynecomastia surgery. 


Gynecomastia Surgery


Am I a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?


 Men aged above 18 years with fully developed significantly large breasts causing physical discomforts, embarrassment, or feelings of inferiority, and affecting their daily life activities can undergo gynaecomastia surgery. The surgery is recommended for those who have fluids coming out from their nipples, severe breast pain or swelling, and the presence of extremely hard or large lumps around their nipple areas. Ideally, the candidates must be in good general health, have a body weight near their ideal weight or BMI, and have realistic expectations from the surgery. The surgery is more successful in patients who have firm skin with enough elasticity to adapt to the enhanced contours of the body. To confirm one’s candidacy for gynecomastia surgery, schedule an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon in Hyderabad at Inform Clinics.


What does my gynecomastia correction entail?


Gynecomastia treatment is dependent on the type of gynecomastia. In the case of pseudo gynecomastia which is caused by only excess fatty tissues, liposuction is the best approach to get rid of undesirable fats by suction. However, for true gynecomastia, surgical excision is the recommended option. It involves cutting out excess glandular tissues and breast skin usually through incisions made in the lower part of the areola. For having the best masculine chest contours, gynecomastia patients go for a combination of liposuction and surgical excision techniques.


To treat severe gynecomastia, the surgeon may go for either of the following treatment modalities:


  • Mild to moderate breast reductions through periareolar incisions- around the nipple-areola complex.


  • Classical breast reduction with inferior or superior flaps- rarely performed for large male breasts through inverted T or periareolar incision.


  • Vertical incision breast reduction in large breasts- a new alternative that leaves behind vertical subareolar scar.


  • For some patients, gynecomastia correction would even include reduction of the nipple-areola complex and relocating them higher on the breasts.


What should I do before having male breast reduction?


Prior to going for male breast reduction, one must get the lab tests done and complete their medical evaluation as directed by the surgeon. If one is a smoker, smoking must be avoided from the day one has decided to undergo the surgery till the day one is fully recovered. It advised that the patient must avoid taking blood thinners medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, and other medications that can affect healing or increase the risk of complications.

 

What result can I expect to see after male breast reduction?

 

Gynecomastia surgery in Hyderabad provides pleasing results for those who had realistic expectations. Many patients have reported a boost in their self-image and confidence. The resulting desired outcome of male breast reduction is regarded as permanent as long as the patient commits to a healthy lifestyle. 


How should I take care of myself during my recovery?


During the initial week of the recovery, the patient can expect to experience some soreness and swelling. There is minimal pain that can typically be managed with pain-relieving medications and by taking proper rest.


Here are some tips to recover fast after gynecomastia surgery:


  • Wear compression garments for about 4 weeks to accelerate the healing process and prevent any injury to the chest.

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet and have an adequate amount of water.

  • For at least 6 weeks, avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.

  • Take proper rest and avoid any stress or straining of the chest.

  • Apply cold compresses on the chest to relieve pain and swelling.

  • Be physically active to maintain good blood circulation in the operated area. However, avoid strenuous exercises as well as weight lifting for the first month.

  • Do not lie face down on the stomach as it can harm the new breast contour. Instead, sleep on the back or side keeping the head elevated with at least 1-2 pillows. This way, there will be reduced swelling.

  • Take shower after 48 hours. Keep the incision sites clean and dry and avoid putting too much pressure on them. Follow the surgeon-recommended wound-care instructions.

  • Do not drive at least for 24-48 hours after the surgery.

  • Do not have sex for at least 1-2 weeks.

  • Return to the normal routine after 1-2 weeks of the recovery period.

  • Avoid going shirtless and exposing the scars to the sun for at least 6 months. If sunlight exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunscreen.

  • Do not skip follow-up visits which are first booked after a few days of the surgery and then later checkups are conducted periodically.


Are there any risks associated with gynecomastia surgery?


With the skilled hands of a plastic surgeon, it’s most likely that the procedure is safe with minimal risks The possible risks and complications linked to gynecomastia surgery include:

 

  • Anesthesia-related risks such as skin rashes, itchy skin, and troubled breathing

  • Blood clotting or bleeding

  • Infection

  • Asymmetrical breasts

  • Fluid accumulation under the skin

  • Delayed healing of the wounds

  • Death of the fatty tissues

  • Persistent or intense pain

  • Changes or loss in nipples sensation

  • Undesirable scarring

  • Nerve damage

  • Irregularities in the shape and size of the breasts

  • Possibility of revision male breast reduction.

 

Can my man boobs grow back after I get operated on for gynecomastia?


Mostly, the results of gynecomastia surgery are long-term. However, gynecomastia patients can expect to experience a recurrence of their condition even after surgery if they have been on certain steroids or using drugs and have fluctuating hormones.


Does Insurance pay for my gynecomastia surgery?


Medical or health insurance is not for cosmetic surgeries. Male breast reduction is majorly done for aesthetic purposes; therefore, one has to pay from their pocket to get it done.


Dr. Dushyanth Kalva has helped many males suffering from gynecomastia and has helped them achieve an improved quality of life with this amazing surgery. To get more information about gynecomastia surgery, book a visit now at Inform Clinic, the best cosmetic surgery clinic in Hyderabad.