Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia Surgery

Otherwise called as male breast, is a very common and mostly asymptomatic issue among young males. Most of the cases of gynecomastia are idiopathic. This is observed by one during his teens or soon after the teen age. Gynecomastia is a common and sometimes distressing condition that can occur in males of all ages. At least 30% of males will be affected during their life.This is mainly due to hormonal imbalance in males which is always presented with a complaint of increased chest size.

This physiologic enlargement of male chest lasts of two years after birth. 75% of the condition subsides within two years after birth. [Adolescent physiologic gynecomastia should resolve within six months to two years after onset]. If symptoms persist after two years or past 17 years of age, further evaluation is indicated. Use of medications or substances associated with gynecomastia or other underlying illness may be a factor.

Men who have gynecomastia are often hesitant to share their plight with family members due to a number of reasons. Sometimes, they are very embarrassed when others notice and mention. The development of this condition is usually associated with benign pubertal changes. In adolescent age enlarged chest in males will be a source of psychological distress. Since it causes anxiety, early diagnostic evaluation is important and patients usually seek medical attention.  Middle-aged and older men can also have the condition. It could be due to aging (which also shifts hormone levels) or because of certain medicines, including some:

  • Certain antibiotics
  • Heart medicines
  • Liver disorders
  • Anti-anxiety drugs
  • AIDS treatment
  • Tricyclic anti-depressants
  • Cancer therapy
  • Drugs that treat heart burns.

Disturbances in the endocrine system that lead to an increase in the ratio of estrogen [female hormone] / androgens[male hormone] are thought to be responsible for the development of gynecomastia in growing age. Chest prominence can result from enlargement of glandular tissue, chest adipose tissues (fat) and skin, and is a combination of all the issues.

When gynecomastia is a normal process

This medical condition can occur at three points during the life span of an individual. As we have discussed before, the first occurrence is when we are babies, the second at adolescent stage during puberty and finally in late adulthood after 55 years. Gynecomastia during puberty is called pubertal gynecomastia or the teen age gynecomastia and is usually temporary. The breast tissue developed while boys go through adolescence should even out once the chest flattens and boys enter adulthood.

When gynecomastia is not normal

The excess breast tissue that develop in some men during their adolescence stays even as they enter adulthood and this is when it becomes a genuine and confirmed case of gynecomastia. This is not a normal process because the excess breast tissue should have flattened out by this time and only here the psychological distress develops.

CLASSIFICATION OF GYNECOMASTIA:

The spectrum of gynecomastia severity has been categorized into a grading system:

  • Grade I: Minor enlargement, no skin excess
  • Grade II: Moderate enlargement, no skin excess
  • Grade III: Moderate enlargement, skin excess
  • Grade IV: Marked enlargement, skin excess
This classification is followed by the cosmetic surgeon to examine you and to plan the surgical technique.

Treatment plan

[Treatment may include reassurance and surgery]

  • Routine blood investigations
  • Anaesthetist opinion [if any medical conditions ]
  • Liposuction and gland excision

Surgical correction is needed to restore the shape of your chest and improve your self-image. After making a small cut, surgeon removes any extra fat and the gland. Because your chest will then become smaller and flatter, he may also need to reposition the nipple and the areola. Being a cosmetic surgery, the suture marks are very minimal and less visible.

  • Day 0: Soon after the surgery you will be having a tight plaster around the operated region.
  • Day 2: Plasters should be removed on the second day after surgery. Since then, you will be advised to wear the compression garment for 30 to 45 days.
  • Day 7: Sutures [stitches] has to removed.
  • Day 15: Follow up visits to the cosmetic surgeon to examine the surgical site.

Our cosmetic surgeons can achieve predictable results post- surgery by implementing the apt treatment modalities with a logical approach. The aim of a naturally looking chest thereby be consistently achieved.

Treatment results

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After

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After

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After