Gynecomastia Surgery | Man Boobs Reduction

Do you feel that your chest is increasing in size and look more like female breasts? These symptoms may indicate gynecomastia (man boobs) and the condition can be bothersome for males. If you have enlarged breasts, you can get in touch with Heptacare Health.

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About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastiaalso known as man boobs or enlarged breasts, is a condition in which breast tissues start to develop in males due to hormonal imbalance or higher levels of estrogen. These overdeveloped glandular tissues can cause social and personal distress in males, making them feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.

Gynecomastia progresses gradually in four grades- 

  • Grade 1 Gynecomastia: Only minor enlargement is present, and a localized lump can be felt beneath the nipple or around the areola. 
  • Grade 2 Gynecomastia: Breast tissues expand to the chest width and cover the pectoral muscles. The enlargement may still not be prominent. 
  • Grade 3 Gynecomastia: Moderate enlargement of breasts, which is clearly visible through clothes. The tissues also become firm. 
  • Grade 4 Gynecomastia: This is the most severe grade of gynecomastia, in which the chest appears like breasts and causes physical and psychological issues. 

Besides the above classifications, gynecomastia is also divided into true and pseudo-gynecomastia. In true gynecomastia, only breast glandular tissues are present. Unlike this, in pseudo-gynecomastia, only fat tissues are present in the chest, giving the appearance of female breasts. Generally, when gynecomastia presents, the individual often has both glandular and fat tissues. 

Gynecomastia Diagnosis

To identify gynecomastia and differentiate between true and pseudo-gynecomastia, the doctor may do the following:

  • Medical History: The doctor will ask the patient about the symptoms, medical history, and any medications or substances that he may be taking that could contribute to the condition. Certain medications, such as anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, or medications containing estrogen, can lead to gynecomastia.
  • Physical Exam: The doctor will first do a physical exam to assess the abnormal growth of tissues, including the shape, size, and consistency of breast tissues which are generally different from fat tissues. The test is called the pinch test. During the gynecomastia pinch test, the examiner will pinch the breast tissue using his/her thumb and fingers to look for any abnormal lump or mass. The physical exam may help to distinguish it, but the exam may also be inconclusive. If so, further testing will be recommended for the individual. 
  • Blood Test: A complete blood panel test may be ordered by the doctor to evaluate the hormone levels. 
  • Imaging Test: To identify the extent of growth and rule out the possibility of breast cancer, the doctor may recommend mammography, CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound. 
  • Biopsy: A biopsy test may be suggested by the doctor if he/she suspects that the breast tissue growth is cancerous. 

These tests aid the plastic surgeon in determining the safest approach for gynecomastia Surgery. 

Gynecomastia Treatment Options

The treatment options for gynecomastia may include the following:
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Initially, lifestyle changes may be recommended to manage gynecomastia This will include weight loss, avoiding certain medications or substances that can be the potential cause of gynecomastia, and exercising. 
  • Watchful Waiting: If gynecomastia is triggered due to age-related hormonal changes, the doctor may recommend a period of observation to see if the growth stops after some time. During this period, the doctor will regularly monitor the condition. 
  • Medications: Though specific medications are not available to treat gynecomastia, certain medications are prescribed to address the underlying hormonal imbalance. For instance, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen or raloxifene may be used to block estrogen effects on the male body. 
  • Surgical Intervention: In case gynecomastia continues and the breast tissues cause physical and psychological distress, the doctor may suggest surgery. Typically, male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is recommended for the patient, which is a combination of liposuction and gland excision techniques. This is an effective solution for gynecomastia. 

The most suitable method for gynecomastia Surgery is chosen by the doctor based on individual circumstances. 

Gynecomastia Surgery or Male Breast Reduction Surgery

The standard and effective solution for gynecomastia is the surgical removal of overgrown breast tissues in males. The procedure involves removing the breast glandular tissues and fat to improve the chest contours. Gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes around 45-60 minutes approx. 

The surgery involves administering general anesthesia and making a small incision around the areola to access the internal structures. A scalpel is used to excise the breast tissues, and the liposuction cannula is used to break down and remove the fat tissues. Once the required contours are achieved, the incision is closed with stitches (usually dissolvable) or left open to heal. The wound is covered with a bandage, and the patient is kept under observation for a few hours until the effects of anesthesia wear off.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Here are the top advantages of choosing male breast reduction surgery to reduce enlarged breasts over other treatment options.

  • Enhanced masculine shape- The first advantage of choosing gynecomastia surgery is that it removes excess tissue from the chest and results in a flattened and muscular body shape.
  • Uplifts confidence and self-esteem- Gynecomastia dampens the patient’s confidence and self-esteem as they develop women-like breasts. After gynecomastia surgery, people have high spirits and boosted self-confidence.
  • Better posture- Due to the added weight of the extra fat and tissue on the chest, the patient’s posture is disfigured. Subsequently, the patient’s core strength is compromised. This is also resolved with the surgery. 
  • Easier to do physical activity- Several activities, such as running, skipping, swimming, etc., make it difficult for gynecomastia patients to perform. After the gynecomastia surgery, the patient can flaunt the chest without any discomfort during any physical activity.
  • No more social embarrassment The individual doesn’t have to feel ashamed anymore or embarrassed in social gatherings after the gynecomastia surgery. The flattened chest contour helps the patients experience a better quality of relief and relieves them of any emotional baggage.

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Time

The recovery after gynecomastia Surgery will take around 2 to 4 weeks. The exact duration will vary for each patient depending on the extent of surgery and the patient’s healing abilities. 

  • Immediately after the surgery, there will be bruising, redness, and swelling in the treated area, and it’ll be covered with bandages and a compression garment. The compression garment supports the chest muscles and helps to reduce swelling. 
  • In the first few days after surgery, it’s normal to experience significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications will help to manage the pain and prevent infection during this period. 
  • After one week, the side effects of surgery will start to dissipate gradually, and the patient will be able to perform regular activities. The compression garment still needs to be worn 24×7 or as advised by the doctor. And the patient is strictly advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting. 
  • Within 2-3 weeks, the incision will be almost healed, and the swelling and bruising will also subside. The results of gynecomastia surgery may start to appear at this point. 

The healing process will continue in the upcoming weeks, and the patient may need to take several precautions until the final results become apparent. 

Gynecomastia Risk Factors

Typically, gynecomastia surgery is safe and has minimal risks. Still, there are some potential risks of the procedure, and some complications may arise during or after the surgery. These common risks and complications may include the following:

  • Infection in the wound may occur due to poor hygiene or care. 
  • Hematoma or blood accumulation, which may require drainage. 
  • Seroma or fluid accumulation, which may or may not be absorbed by the body. 
  • Significant scarring (keloid scars), which may be clearly visible. 
  • Changes in sensations due to temporary or permanent nerve damage. 
  • Asymmetry or contour irregularities in the results, which may require further intervention. 
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia, which may cause respiratory distress or other issues. 

There may be other side effects of gynecomastia Surgery, such as swelling, bruising, inflammation, redness, etc., which are temporary and often resolve on their own without intervention. However, if these side effects persist for a long time, it may indicate infection or other complications. Therefore, it’ll be best to consult the doctor. 

Post - Gynecomastia Surgery Self-Care Tips

After male breast reduction surgery, the patient is advised to follow several guidelines for a smooth and successful recovery. 

Diet 

Immediately after the surgery, the patient will be on a liquid diet. The doctor will recommend switching to a solid diet gradually. The patient needs to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to provide the necessary nutrients. It’s also important to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking after the surgery for at least a month to get the desired results. 

Physical Activities 

For the first 24 hours after surgery, the patient is advised to get plenty of rest. After that, restrain from performing any type of strenuous activity such as driving, operating machinery, or lifting heavy weights. The patient doesn’t have to stay in bed all the time and is free to walk and climb stairs. But it’s important not to push the body’s limits. As the body heals, the patient will be able to resume all activities without any hassle. 

Wound Care 

To ensure that the chest tissues stay in place and swelling subsides quickly, the doctor will suggest wearing compression garments for at least 2-3 weeks throughout the day. Over time, the patient can limit the usage of the garment up to 12 hours. 

Medication 

Throughout the recovery process, the patient will have to avoid taking medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. These medicines can interfere with the blood clotting system and increase the risk of complications. If the patient needs to take other medicines on a regular basis, those should also be cleared by the surgeon.

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost

On average, the gynecomastia surgery cost varies for each patient due to the following factors:

  • The surgeon’s fee 
  • Anesthesia charges 
  • Hospital or surgical facility expenses 
  • Technique used 
  • Prescribed medications 
  • Diagnostic tests and evaluations 
  • Post-surgery care and follow-ups 

It’s important to note that cost should not be the only determining factor for gynecomastia Surgery. The patient should consider the quality of care at the surgical facility and the experience of the plastic surgeon. These factors will affect the overall surgery experience and also determine the success rate of the treatment procedure.

What happens if gynecomastia is not treated on time?

Leaving gynecomastia untreated usually has both physical and psychological impacts on the individual.

Physical Impact
  • The individual will start to slouch to hide the breast tissues, which affects the posture.
  • Due to the weight of the breasts, the individual may experience severe back pain.
  • Over time, the patient may get spinal deformity.
Psychological Impact
  • The individual may feel self-conscious among their peers and may get teased.
  • The individual may become self-conscious and lose his confidence due to physical changes in appearance.
  • Due to the teasing and taunting, the individual may get into depression and face other emotional problems.
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