Gynaecomastia - What it is, Benefits, Procedure, Risks and Much More

What is Gynaecomastia?

What is Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia, or male breast enlargement is a very common condition affecting 25-30% of men of all ages. Gynaecomastia is a source of social embarrassment and distress to the affected men.
Gynaecomastia is easily and permanently treated with a simple surgery, which can be done as a daycare procedure. You can get your surgery done in the morning and be discharged home by afternoon, without the need for any overnight admission. You can resume all daily activities the next day. And you don’t have to be embarrassed ever again to take your shirt off.
Surgery is the only treatment for gynaecomastia.

Cause:

Gynaecomastia occurs due to

Increased breast tissue
Excess fat deposition

Gynaecomastia is seen physiologically in neonates, due to mothers hormones in their blood, in adolescence around puberty, and in the elderly. This is the most common cause of gynaecomastia i.e. a part of normal development. It occurs due to change in the circulating hormone levels in blood which lead to increase in size of the breast tissue and fat deposition.
Other causes of gynaecomastia which are relatively uncommon are steroid intake, liver diseases, testicular cancer or drug intake, to name a few.

Who Needs It?/ Candidature For Gynaecomastia

Who is the best candidate for Gynaecomastia?
Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male Gynaecomastia. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.

Eligibility to undergo a Gynaecomastia:

Any of the above mentioned reasons makes you a suitable candidate to undergo Gynaecomastia, But to be an eligible candidate for surgery you should also fulfill the following criteria:
Every surgical procedure including plastic or cosmetic surgery involves certain risks. You should undergo a Gynaecomastia only if you have a medical requirement or you feel that the particular surgery will enhance your quality of life.
You shall be a good candidate for the Gynaecomastia if you are healthy, you have realistic expectations from the outcome of the surgery and you are aware of all the risks associated with the procedure.
You cannot consider undergoing a cosmetic surgery if you have serious health issues like diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders like haemophilia or depression.
You shall not be a good candidate for the Gynaecomastia if you smoke or drink too much alcohol.
You should have positive attitude!
You expectations from the outcome of the surgery should be realistic.

Benefits Of Gynaecomastia

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Natural

Gynaecomastia surgery produce results that blend extremely well with a patient's body aesthetics. Soon after the surgery, one gets back to the desired or normal shape of a treated body part. One does not have to wait long to see the result, which is the beauty of cosmetic surgery.

INCREASED CONFIDENCE AND ENHANCED MENTAL HEALTH:

Self Confidence is a tool that helps us face challenges and tackle problems in life, with great certainty. When you look good, you feel good which in turn increases your self confidence. It leads to greater willingness to try new things or open up in social situations. You become more willing and open to wearing certain clothes or participating in activities which you avoided prior to surgery, due to discomfort in your appearance.
Certain clinicians and psychologists feel, few corrections in your body parts, by cosmetic surgery can not only lead to emotional wellness but also enhanced mental health.

Gynaecomastia Surgery Procedure

How Gynaecomastia Surgery is performed?

Surgery is the only treatment for gynaecomastia.
We need to take care of both, the enlarged gland, and the excess fat.
The excess fat deposition is reduced with liposuction and the gland is removed from a 1cm incision in the areola (trans areolar approach), which on healing leaves behind an almost invisible scar.
Hence the entire procedure is done rapidly with no marks over the chest.
Depending on the size, gynaecomastia is graded from I to IV and a separate category of pseudogynaecomastia includes breast enlargement due to fat deposition as a result of obesity.

Post Surgery

After surgery, dressings or bandages are applied to your incisions and you will be advised to wear a support garment to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals.
You may feel a little discomfort & feel mild stiffness and pain in your chest which will subside within 2-3 days.
All the normal office type activities can be resumed after 2-3 days while the heavy physical activities and swimming should be restricted for a few days as per the advice of your doctor.
Results of Gynecomastia Surgery are permanent, although subsequent obesity can create a gynecomastia-like effect.

Post Surgery Do's And Don'ts

Ask your doctor. for better and suitable guidelines. Following are the general instructions which should help you get the best results from your surgery.
Post Surgery do’s and don’ts:
No vigorous exercise, contact sports and running for minimum of two weeks.
No lifting heavy objects for at least 3 weeks.
Avoid pullover clothing for two weeks especially if you have undergone a face surgery.
Avoid driving a vehicle for a few days after surgery.
No swimming for at least two weeks after surgery.
Prefer using a mild soap and shampoo while taking a shower.
It is essential to maintain the tape and cover on the surgery to keep it dry. Once the doctor advises to remove the tape you can to gently wash your surgery area twice a day to help reduce oiliness.
You should be prompt enough to contact the doctor immediately, for any signs of bleeding that persist for more than ten minutes, infections, redness, swelling, fever, pain etc.

Exercising After Gynaecomastia Surgery

After cosmetic surgery many patients asks about post surgery exercise or when can they resume their gym activity. Patients needs to understand that, its extremely crucial to give enough time for proper healing of your body, for eg strain on muscles, excessive sweating, stretching of the skin etc. can delay the recovery.
You need to consult your doctor about
How soon you can start exercising?
What type of exercise?
How much time?
Don't start exercise without asking your doctor and follow guidelines given by your doctor as for complete healing, body needs time, and you need enough energy level for your routine and gym.

Seek Medical Help

IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

Development of a temperature elevation exceeding 100 degrees.
An unusual amount of bleeding from the surgery area
Significant reinjury of the surgery area
A significant increase in pain even after taking your prescribed medication