Many men suffer from gynecomastia, which causes their chest tissue to grow larger than normal. This may lead to a rubbery, firm mass under the chest and around the nipple, and some health conditions such as syndrome, hypogonadism and tumors can cause it, says our plastic surgeon.
Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty usually resolves on its own within six months to two years. However, it can continue into adulthood and persist unless treated.
1. Local Anesthesia
Gynecomastia surgery removes the excess breast tissue and flattens the chest contour. It also can improve the position and size of the areola. Plastic surgeons perform gynecomastia surgery using local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia uses topical application or injection of medication that blocks the sodium channels that facilitate nerve impulses in the tissue. This results in loss of sensation in the area. This anesthesia method bypasses the systemic effects of general anesthesia and allows more rapid surgery and a shorter recovery time.
General anesthesia involves breathing gas through a mask or intravenous (IV) sedation and puts you in a sleep-like state. It requires special care because it affects your heartbeat, blood pressure and respiration. The doctor must monitor these and other important things for you while you are under general anesthesia. The doctor will check your health before the procedure, including a complete blood count and screening tests for male breast cancer.
2. General Anesthesia
Some men with gynecomastia may have conditions such as diabetes or heart disease that make general anesthesia unsafe for them. In these cases, the plastic surgeon can offer alternative forms of sedation to decrease surgery risks.
Liposuction is not the best option for treating gynecomastia because fat is more dense and can’t be suctioned out like breast tissue can. The only way to correct a case of true gynecomastia is to remove excess glandular and skin tissue to create a firm, masculine chest appearance.
Once the gynecomastia surgery is complete, we will place slender rubber drain tubes in each incision to control fluid drainage. We will also provide you with a compression garment that reduces bruising and helps your incision sites heal faster.
3. Surgical Drains
Some surgical procedures require a drain to prevent excess fluid accumulation in the body. These thin tubes are inserted into the wound and connect to a small plastic bulb that resembles a mini-grenade. These drains must be emptied daily, and the doctor will advise you of how to do this.
The drainage is typically a dark red color, but as the fluid leaves it may turn pink or yellow. It is important to keep track of the amount and color of drainage, as this helps to decrease the risk for infection.
4. Compression Garment
A compression garment is a tight-fitting elastic material or clothing designed for specific body parts. It is worn to reduce swelling, blood clotting and promote a smooth recovery after plastic surgery. It can also help prevent lymphedema, a condition that causes fluid accumulation in the tissues around the surgery site.
The garment may be a sleeve, armband, girdle or a pair of socks. It is often prescribed after orthopedic surgeries for patients at risk of developing DVT, or deep vein thrombosis. It can also be worn to reduce a patient’s risk of pulmonary embolism, which is a serious and potentially fatal complication of DVT.
A compression garment should not be too tight, as it will interfere with circulation and slow healing. The tightness should be enough to exert gentle, supportive pressure. A good test for the stiffness of a garment is to slide a finger under it.
5. Post-Operative Care
Before the procedure, your surgeon will ask about your health history and conduct a physical exam. They may also take photographs and measurements of your chest. He will also discuss the method and gynecomastia surgery cost in your particular case. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamins. You should also stop using any illicit drugs, such as anabolic steroids or androgens.
Gynecomastia surgery can be a solution for men who want to correct their breasts’ size or shape, or who feel self-conscious about their appearance because of the condition. It can improve their confidence and self-image by giving them a chest that’s proportionate to the rest of their body.
Most cases of gynecomastia occur during puberty and resolve naturally as the patient grows older, but treatment is often recommended in order to speed up the process or in cases where the problem persists for more than a few years. If the gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance in the hormones testosterone and estrogens, medication to balance these hormones can be recommended.
6. Recovery
It is important to follow your surgeon’s advice in order to speed up healing. They have built their careers helping people just like you, so listen to them! It is also important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and take vitamins that are rich in minerals.
You may have drains placed under your skin that will help reduce fluid retention and encourage healing after gynecomastia surgery. The thin tubes are attached to a receptacle or bulb that collects the fluid, and they will be removed when your doctor determines that you no longer need them.
Conclusion
It is best to avoid showering right after gynecomastia removal, as you do not want to get the chest area bandaged or wet However, if you must shower, use a sponge bath so that the incisions do not get wet. After two weeks, it is safe to return to exercise the chest area, but start slowly with non-impact cardio and light weights, as per our best plastic surgeon in Mumbai.
