Gynecomastasia
What is gynecomastia?
Who is a good candidate?
Risks
Preparing for gynecomastia
surgery
Recovery
What is gynecomastia?
Men who have large, woman-like breasts have
a condition called gynecomastia. Many are self-conscious
about their body, embarrassed to wear fitted
shirts or even refuse to go swimming.
Though the exact cause of gynecomastia is
unclear, the condition has been linked in
adults to obesity and certain medications.
Surgery to correct gynecomastia is considered
cosmetic and generally not covered by insurance.
The procedure itself is somewhat similar to
a woman’s mastectomy. During the operation,
the surgeon will make a small, half-moon shaped
incision just along the edge of the areola or
nipple area. Careful placement of the incision
will minimize the appearance of scars. The doctor
may use liposuction
to remove excess fat or a scalpel to cut away
the extra glandular tissue, depending on the
make-up of your breast.
In either case, some men need to have extra
skin removed during the same procedure. Talk
with your doctor about what procedure will help
you look your very best.
Who is a good candidate?
Gynecomastia in adults is treated at almost
any age. The size of your breasts should be
stable for one to two years before considering
the surgery. In adolescents, gynecomastia can
dissipate as hormones calm down.
Risks
Surgery has risks,
but you can help prevent complications by carefully
following your physician's instructions both
before and after surgery. Talk with your plastic
surgeon to be sure you understand the potential
risks and complications. If you don't understand
something, ask!
After this surgery, very few men experience
loss of sensation in the nipple area.
Preparing for gynecomastia
surgery
Before making an appointment to see a plastic
surgeon, talk to your primary care physician.
Your doctor may examine your medical history
and suggest tests to be sure there is not a
more serious underlying medical condition.
Recovery and Maintenance
Most patients go home the same day as their
surgery. Your doctor will place a drain in each
breast that will stay in place for about a week.
Expect to have some discomfort while the drain
is in place and then slight discomfort while
the wound heals over the next two to three weeks.
Carefully following your doctor’s post-operative
instructions will help speed recovery and help
you look your very best for years to come.
| 
