What will the procedure do for me?
Gynecomastia procedures eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of overdeveloped breast tissue in men. These procedures allow men to feel less self-conscious in and out of clothes.
Introduction
Development of breasts in men is called “Gyneocmastia” and can be associated with medications, weight gain, and hormonal changes of adolescence, genetics, and other factors. Many males temporarily experience breast development, especially during adolescence. Although embarrassing, the condition usually corrects over time. Some males however, develop persistent, significant breast tissue and female breasts.
Gynecomastia is not in and of itself a health concern; however, it can be psychologically devastating to the patient. Frequently, adolescents report that they are teased at school, and as a result, feels uncomfortable without a shirt or bulky clothes to hide the chest. Psychological scars can result from these experiences, and be carried into adulthood. To make matters worse, many patients with Gynecomastia are so embarrassed that they will not talk about the problem with anyone, and this can result in social isolation, poor body image and depression.
The procedure chosen for correction of gynecomastia depends on the degree of breast development, the condition of the skin, the location and size of the nipple and the desires of the patient.
Surgical correction for significantly enlarged male breasts involves removing excess, stretched skin, elevating and often reducing the areola, and removing the overdeveloped breast tissue. This technique tends to leave significant scars, and the patient must understand, and be willing to accept this. In cases of less overdeveloped male breasts, liposuction, or Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL), or Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) can be used to contour the chest with a minimum of scarring.
Best Candidates
The best candidates for this procedure are in generally good health, and who have some female breast development. Although age is not usually a concern, the patient must be emotionally mature and stable, and the breast should not be changing significantly (getting larger or smaller).
The best candidates are young men with minimal breast development and excellent skin elasticity. Even men who have significantly enlarged breasts can be greatly improved with surgery.
What are the Risks?
Complications from gynecomastia surgery are not that common and depend on the procedure employed. For the larger operations, complications usually include wound healing problems, infection, numbness and tissue loss. In cases where liposuction techniques are used, transient numbness is usually noted; surface irregularities and skin discoloration may result. If UAL is used, burns to the skin, wound healing, and tissue loss are possible.
You may also have additional risks of complications depending on your health and other factors.
How do I prepare?
It is best to stop smoking prior to the procedure (about four weeks). No aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc. for two weeks prior to surgery. . Wear a button up or zipper up top to the surgery center. Dr. Kasden may also give you additional instructions.
It is best to stop smoking prior to the procedure (about four weeks) and to abstain for about four weeks afterward. Stop taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc. for two weeks before and after surgery. You should plan to have help for several days after surgery. Wear a button up or zipper up top to the surgery center and comfortable loose fitting clothing in general. Do not wear makeup on the day of surgery. You should plan to have help for several days after surgery Dr. Kasden may also give you additional instructions.
Where Preformed
This procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
Anesthesia
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia under the direction of a doctor certified in anesthesia. You will be “asleep” during the procedure and your vital functions will be carefully monitored.
Occasionally, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
Surgical Process
In patients with a small to moderate amount of breast tissue and good skin elasticity, liposuction is the preferred technique. The procedure is performed by making usually two very small incisions per side. The breast is injected with tumescent fluid, and the overdeveloped breast tissue is removed with liposuction. The small incisions are then closed and a compression garment is applied. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
In patients who have significantly developed breasts, with some sagging and stretched skin, a larger operation is required. Depending on the individual, the excess skin and breast tissue may be surgically removed, and the wounds are carefully sutured. A compressive or bulky dressing is applied. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
How Will I Feel
This procedure has been described as moderately painful. You can expect to feel a bit groggy for a day or so after surgery. You may feel some numbness in your chest which usually improves over several weeks to several months. Most people complain of a stiffness of the chest muscles improves over several weeks.
After a few days, you should start to feel like normal. You should expect to have some swelling and bruising. The bruising usually fades by about two weeks (some people bruise more than others!) Most of the swelling is gone within about two to three weeks, however some swelling will remain for a year or so. In general, most people feel comfortable in about a week. When liposuction is performed, occasionally small areas of swelling will persist for quite some time.
BACK TO NORMAL
After a few days, you should start to feel like normal. You should expect to have some swelling and bruising. The bruising usually fades by about two weeks (some people bruise more than others!) Most of the swelling is gone within about two to three weeks, however some swelling will remain for a year or so. In general, most people feel comfortable in the public eye after about a week or so, however, some makeup may be required.
Expected Results
The breast will be reduced in size, and have a more masculine contour.
Although it is usual that your surgery and recovery will go well, and you will be happy with your outcome, complications do occasionally occur. Although we attempt to anticipate and avoid problems, healing can be at times unpredictable. Therefore, no guarantees or warranties either expressly or implicitly regarding your results are made.
I have attempted information honestly, fairly, and accurately. If you find any errors, please bring them to my attention so that I can correct them: scottkinfw@msn.com.