What is Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Surgery?
Diagnosis
Our breast reduction doctor, Dr Anirban Ghosh, will check your medical history, including any health issues and medications. Following this, he will check your breasts to determine their size, shape, and skin condition. This helps him understand how much tissue needs to be removed and how best to reshape your breasts.
You will talk about any physical problems you have been experiencing. These may include back or neck pain, shoulder indentations from bra straps, or difficulty with performing physical activities. Based on your age and health history, a mammogram might be required at our breast reduction clinic in Kolkata to rule out any underlying conditions and to provide a baseline for future comparisons. Our surgeon might recommend other imaging or diagnostic tests to get a complete picture of your breast health. You might need blood tests or other evaluations to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
Procedure
The surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. In some cases, local anaesthesia with sedation may be used.
Incisions are then made based on the surgical technique and the extent of tissue removal required. Common incision sites include:
- Periareolar Incision:Around the edge of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple), suitable for moderate gynecomastia.
- Inframammary Incision: Along the natural breast fold, often used in cases requiring significant tissue removal.
- Combination: A combination of incision sites may be used depending on the specific needs.
- Liposuction: For cases with excess fat, a cannula (thin tube) is inserted through small incisions to suction out the fat.
- Excision: For cases with significant glandular tissue or excess skin, an incision is made to directly remove the tissue.
When is Gynecomastia Surgery Recommended?
Gynecomastia Treatment is recommended in the following situations.
Persistent Gynecomastia: Surgery for man boobs treatment is recommended when gynecomastia persists for an extended period, usually beyond 12 to 18 months.
Significant Discomfort: Surgery may be recommended if there are gynecomastia symptoms like considerable physical discomfort, such as pain or sensitivity in the breast area.
Interference with Activities: If the condition interferes with daily activities, like exercise, a gynecomastia surgery procedure may be an appropriate solution.
Body Image Concerns: For men experiencing significant emotional distress or self-consciousness due to enlarged breasts, surgery can relieve the condition.
Limited Response: If gynecomastia in males does not improve with medications, hormone therapy or lifestyle changes ( like weight loss or adjusting medications), surgery may be recommended.
Underlying Conditions: Surgery might be considered if underlying conditions fall under gynecomastia reasons (such as hormonal imbalances) and if symptoms continue to persist.
How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
To prepare for gynecomastia surgery, follow these essential tips.Health Check-up: Your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical check-up, including a review of your health history, current medications and any underlying conditions.
Diagnostic Tests: Based on your specific case, you may need diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies or hormone level assessments.
Surgical Plan: Review the surgical plan, including the techniques that will be used (liposuction, excision, or a combination), the expected duration of the surgery and the recovery process.
Review Medications: Inform your surgeon about all medications and supplements you are taking. Some may need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery.
Quit Smoking: In case you smoke, it is essential to quit before the surgery. Smoking can impair the process of healing.
Limit Alcohol: Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to the surgery, as it can interfere with healing and anaesthesia.
Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to support your recovery. Follow any specific dietary instructions provided by your surgeon.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Difference Between Chest Fat vs. Gynecomastia (Enlarged Male Breasts)
| Chest Fat | Gynecomastia |
|---|---|
| It is characterised by a saggy appearance. | Breasts are comparatively tighter. |
| Excess weight can contribute to chest fat. | Age or hormonal changes are the main cause of gynecomastia. |
| Proper exercise and a healthy diet helps get rid of chest fat. | Gynecomastia can only be treated with surgery. |
Recovery after Gynecomastia Surgery
Take Rest: Taking proper rest and avoiding strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects and movements that could strain the chest area is recommended.
Pain Management: Continue taking prescribed pain medications as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended to ease the recovery process.
Scheduled Visits: Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to check your progress, remove any stitches if necessary, and address any problems.
Scar Care: Follow recommendations for scar care to minimise visibility. Scars generally fade over time but may take several months to fully mature.
Healthy Lifestyle: To maintain the results of your surgery, follow a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Avoid significant weight fluctuations, which could affect the appearance of your chest.