Gynecomastia Surgery: How Does It Work and Is It Right For Me?

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Introduction to Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a massive increment in the male breast tissue, which usually occurs in one breast or both breasts. Due to the excess enlargement of the breast tissue, it results in a lot of physical symptoms effects which tend to bring discomfort to the affected person. Gynecomastia can occur naturally in males during:

1. Birth (hereditary conditions)
2. Puberty stage (body growth)
3. Older age (common among older men).

Besides the natural causes of Gynecomastia, it can also occur as a result of:

1. Diseases including Liver and Kidney infections
2. Weight gain
3. Bacterial and fungal infections
4. Malnutrition
5. Overactive thyroid gland
6. Drug abuse
7. Use of controlled substances, including Marijuana, Cocaine, etc.

Signs and symptoms

1. Pain around the breast
2. Abnormal increment of breast tissue
3. Discharge from the nipples
4. Saggy breasts

Treatment

Although treatment is possible, Surgery is a widely recommended treatment for very serious Gynecomastia.

What will surgery accomplish in Gynecomastia cases?

Surgery for Gynecomastia is aimed at removing the excess breast tissue and breast fat. It will help to restore the breast to its normal shape. Surgery for Gynecomastia depends on decisions and diagnoses made by the Cosmetic Surgeon. Gynecomastia can be cured through medical treatment, but when ongoing treatment does not work, gynecomastia surgery might be the next practical option.

There are two major types of Surgery for Gynecomastia; they include:

1. Liposuction: This type of gynecomastia surgery does not eliminate the breast grand tissue, but only removes the fatty tissue or deposit in the breast.
2. Mastectomy: This type of gynecomastia surgery eliminates the breast gland tissue completely.

Advantages of Gynecomastia Surgery

After undergoing gynecomastia surgery, you will be liable to enjoy the following health benefits:

1. Good Body Posture: Your chest will return to its normal shape. You will be able to enjoy a better body posture, better than your previous posture prior to the surgery.
2. Self Confidence: When the breast gland tissue has been removed, you can boldly move about with a body hug, or shirtless as the case may be. You will feel better and more comfortable in the midst of people.
3. Reduction of back pain: Due to the presence of gynecomastia in your breast tissue, you are liable to experience continuous serious back pain. After the gynecomastia surgery, the pain will drastically reduce.
4. Provides a more masculine flat chest: Anyone that experiences gynecomastia has a chest bigger than a normal male chest. Gynecomastia surgery usually removes all the protrusion and the saggy appearance. After the surgery, the chest will return to a normal male chest.

Is it right for me?

This depends on individual differences. However, your Surgeon will likely specify the best treatment option for you, based on the current condition. This decision will be based on the following factors:

1. Your Surgeon will examine you to know if your breast is still undergoing growth, before concluding on the treatment plan.
2. The original cause of the enlargement in the breast tissue.
3. The current signs and symptoms.

If your surgeon eventually recommends surgery as the best treatment plan for you, do not worry. Trust the doctor’s decision.

(See also: How to Overcome Gynecomastia with Male Breast Reduction Surgery)

Post-Surgery care

After the surgery, you must avoid the following for total healing:

1. Abstain from direct sunlight on your chest area; at least for the first 42 days after the surgery.
2. Abstain from controlled drugs such as Marijuana, Cocaine, etc.
3. Get enough sleep, and always endeavor to sleep at a 45-degree angle, meaning on your side.
4. Abstain from showers for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
5. Don’t drive any vehicles for the first three days after the surgery.
6. For the first 14 days after the surgery, don’t engage yourself in any strenuous activity that will put pressure on your chest.

Does Gynecomastia surgery come with risks?

The advancement of technology has made modern surgery safer than before. Despite the safety level of gynecomastia surgery however, it has some associated risks. Such risks include:

1. Steady blood flow.
2. Pulmonary and Cardiac complications.
3. Constant pain.
4. The irregular shape of the breast.
5. Risks of Anesthesia.
6. It may take time to heal.
7. Accumulation of fluid.

Please note that there could be more risks attached to the above mentioned. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will elaborate on the rest during the examinations.

Will Gynecomastia surgery leave scars?

Like most surgeries, the likelihood of Gynecomastia surgery leaving scars is high. The surgeon will usually make the incision in a hidden area of the breast, such as underneath it. The surgeon will always try to keep the cut to a minimal length. The scar may or may not fade away with time depending on age. You may consult your surgeon for specific medical advice on this.

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your body, seek medical attention at once. If after the examination, you’re diagnosed with gynecomastia, seek the best possible ways to remedy the situation. Your doctor will surely specify the best treatment option for you.

About The Author:

Nav is an experienced blog writer and is currently working as an SEO and content specialist. She covers a broad range of categories including Health, Home Improvement, Trade, and more.