What is Gynecomastia?
Women are not the only ones who suffer from enlarged breasts. In men, enlargement of the breast tissue is known as gynecomastia, and this can be an equivalent source of discomfort and embarrassment. Gynecomastia may result from hormonal changes, heredity, disease, or the use of certain medication and recreational drugs, and can present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts).
Treatments:
Gynecomastia is graded based on the severity of the presentation. Mild to moderate enlargement of the breast with primarily fatty tissue (pseudogynecomastia) and minimal skin excess (Grade I or II gynecomastia) can often be treated with VASER liposuction alone. Sometimes, a small peri-areolar incision is needed to remove any hard or firm breast tissue that may be present. For men with more severe breast enlargement with drooping excess skin (Grade III or IV gynecomastia) VASER liposuctions is combined with more formal excisional procedures to remove the excess skin and reshape the chest.
Alternative treatments:
Alternative forms of management consist of not undergoing the surgical procedure or wearing undergarments to help mask the appearance of large breasts. In selected patients, liposuction has been used to reduce the size of large breasts. Risks and potential complications are also associated with alternative forms of treatments.
Risks:
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. It is important that your discuss these risk with your cosmetic plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of gynecomastia surgery.
Possible complication may include; delayed dealing, damage to deeper structures, fat necrosis, seroma, hematoma, loss of changes sensation in the area, pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, firmness, persistent swelling (Lymphedema), asymmetry. skin discoloration,
Recovery:
A mild amount of swelling and bruising is normal after surgery. Most surgeons will
request for you to wear a comfortably fitting compression garment that provides support and helps to minimize swelling. This garment is should be used 24 hours a day for 6 weeks and should remove it only when showering. You will be restricted to light activities for the first 7 to 10 days after surgery while your body heals. The speed of recovery depends on your physical condition prior to surgery. Straining, bending, and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause increased swelling. Allow at least 1 to 2 weeks to recuperate before returning to non- strenuous work; sexual activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. Most patients may resume light to moderate exercise 3 to 4 weeks after surgery for It may take several weeks (6- 12 weeks) for all of the swelling to subside. You may experience prolonged soreness or numbness over portions of your surgical areas, which may persist for several months but will ultimately resolve.