DEFINITION- CAUSES
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones. If you have low testosterone, or higher that normal levels of estrogen, your breasts may enlarge. The condition may affect only one or both breasts, sometimes in uneven sizes.
Even though it can sometimes go away naturally, over a large period of time, the majority of men suffering from gynecomastia opt to have a breast reduction surgery, as it is a major source of embarrassment and shame. In fact, it can too often lead to severe anxiety and depression, but most importantly it highly increases the chance of breast cancer.
It can also appear in children during puberty, and in adults after some conditions including:
– weight gain
– kidney failure
– hyperthyroidism
– liver disease
– malnutrition
In some cases, it is also caused due to some medications, mostly treating depression, heart failure, an enlarged prostate, blood pressure, ulcers, ADHD, but also drugs (legal and illegal), like heroin, amphetamine and anabolic steroids.
After our doctor assess the symptoms, a blood test might be required in order to check
the patient’s hormone levels.
SURGERY
These are three options to treat gynecomastia surgically. Our doctors determine which will be the more appropriate technique depending on the quality of the skin, the degree of breast enlargement and the amount of breast sagging.
the surgical procedure to remove excess fat from the breast gland. It is mostly performed under general anesthesia, but can be done under local too. A small incision is made on the areola, It lasts 1 to 2 hours.
surgical excision of breast gland tissue, done through small incisions on the area.
this option is considered only in cases of severe breast enlargement with a lot of loose skin. Large incisions are made under each breast and surrounding the areolas. It is an invasive procedure, that will leave scarring, which is its main disadvantage.
RECOVERY
Recovery from gynecomastia surgery is relatively short and depends on the type of procedure. For liposuction, the patient can return home the same day, and will need approximately one week before returning to work.
If a mastectomy or skin excision is performed, the patient will need to stay overnight at the clinic, and should refrain from work for approximately 10 days.
In all cases, you should not exercise for 2 to 4 weeks post-op, and also not smoke, drink excessively, or lift heavy objects.
There will be some numbness and mild pain in the first few days, but you will be prescribed with medication to alleviate the pain, which will subside relatively quickly. The area will be swollen, and it will take several weeks for it to completely go away, and a specialized garment will be provided in order to facilitate this.
breast reduction is a very common and simple procedure, but as with all surgeries, there are risks involved. Some of them are:
– bleeding
– infection
– scarring
– allergic reaction
– loss of sensation
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