WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?

This is a procedure to reduce/eliminate enlarged, female-like breasts in men. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men in the United States. Due to hereditary factors, excess unwanted fat deposits, located in the chest area, can cause overdeveloped or womanlike breasts in men. For men who feel self conscious about the appearance of their chest, male contouring for overdeveloped breasts using the liposculpture procedure (tumescent method) and/or surgically removing excessive glandular tissue is available. This is an effective tool for the permanent removal of these localized excess fatty tissues; and to restore a slimmer, masculine, natural chest contour.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION?

This is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia that usually takes 1-3 hours. Either general anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation or local anesthesia is used. Your surgeon will use a thin pencil like instrument called a cannual. By gently passing the instrument back and forth just beneath the surface of the skin the surgeon is able to remove the unwanted and excessive fat deposits.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

There are general risks associated with a general anesthetic such as aspiration of stomach content into the lungs which can cause serious illness or death. Therefore, to help prevent this it is mandatory that you do not eat or drink anything (usually 8 hours) preceding your surgery. Other risks include DVTs, (clots in the veins of the legs) which can break off and travel to the lungs, this is known as an embolus and although very rare, can be life threatening; especially in smokers. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon as possible to reduce these risks. Infection, fluid build-up, injury to the skin, rippling or looseness of the skin, asymmetry, pigmentation changes, excessive scarring (if the tissue was cut away), loss of nipple sensation, contour irregularities and in some instances, the need for a second procedure to remove additional tissue may be required.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?

You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery. You may experience some discomfort which should be alleviated by the pain medications. The patient will wear a specific, snug fitting garment for several weeks to accelerate skin shrinkage and minimize swelling and bruising. Your surgeon will advise you when this can be removed. Returning to normal activity will vary depending on the amount of fat/breast tissue removed.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness and a burning sensation are possible. You may also notice a feeling of “pins and needles” in the treated areas.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED?

The patient may go back to work after 5-7 days. More strenuous activity may be resumed after 2-3 weeks. Most of the swelling and bruising will disappear after 3-6 months.

RESULTS?

Duration of results is permanent, although weight gain may cause the breast area to once again become larger.

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