WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Who can have a gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is a problem that affects a large part of the male population and might be due to excessive growth of the mammary gland or excess fat that does not respond to physical exercise. The former is known as gynaecomastia and the latter as pseudogynaecomastia.
Any man who feels uncomfortable with the shape or volume of his breasts is a candidate for this surgery. If the man is overweight or obese, he should first lose weight and stabilise his weight before undergoing gynaecomastia correction surgery.
What does gynaecomastia surgery involve?
There are two techniques to treat swollen chests in men:
If the problem is due to excess fat or pseudogynaecomastia, a small liposuction procedure is performed in the breast area through a very thin cannula. The scar is barely a few millimetres long and becomes invisible over time.
Although this can be associated with excess weight, many men of a correct weight also suffer from it and are unable to eliminate this accumulated fat with diet or specific physical exercise.
When there is excess glandular tissue, which is known as gynaecomastia, the excess mammary gland is removed through a small incision in the areola.
Both circumstances might sometimes arise, and the plastic surgery will then perform both techniques.
Duration, anaesthesia and hospitalisation in gynaecomastia
The surgery normally takes around thirty minutes in the case of isolated liposuction. However, if glandular tissue is to be removed, the surgery might take up to an hour and a half. It is performed under general anaesthesia but, if the amount of tissue is limited, the option of local anaesthesia and sedation might be suggested.
An overnight stay at IM CLINIC is recommended.
Results of gynaecomastia surgery
The results are a firmer, flatter and more masculine chest, which will be fully noticeable as of week three and will continue to improve six months later.
Postoperative recommendations for gynaecomastia surgery
In the case of the liposuction technique, a permanent compression method is used in the treated area for 2 to 3 weeks to prevent fluids from accumulating under the skin until the inflammatory process has stabilised.
The patient can resume his social life and go back to work after around 5 days.
The scars will gradually disappear until they become almost invisible, especially in the case of breast liposuction.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE: AFTER GYNAECOMASTIA SURGERY
You must wear a chest band for around one month.
Relative rest is required for 7 days, and remember not to lift any heavy weights.
You can shower normally after the first 24-48 hours. Make sure someone is with you the first few times you shower. Dry the incisions properly with cold air from a hair dryer.
Some men have a tendency towards low blood pressure during the first few days after surgery. If this is your case, you can drink something stimulating, such as coffee, tea, coke, etc.
If you smoke, you should stop. Tobacco might have a negative effect on your healing.
Does gynaecomastia always affect both breasts?
Although it affects both breasts in most cases, one out of every patients suffers from gynaecomastia in just one breast.
Will there be any swelling after gynaecomastia surgery?
There is often a certain amount of swelling in all surgeries, which is a natural reaction of our body. This will disappear over the first few weeks.
When can I go back to work after gynaecomastia surgery?
It will depend on your job and the type of surgery you have had. In the case of liposuction, you will be able to return to work within a few days if you do not do any strenuous exercise. If you have had glandular tissue removed, you must wait at least 5 days to one week. Follow your surgeon’s advice.
When can I start physical exercise again?
You should wait for around a month before resuming sports, although your plastic surgeon will offer advice in your specific case.
Do the results last after gynaecomastia surgery?
If the problem involved excess glandular tissue, the problem will be definitively solved. If the problem involved accumulated fat, the results will also last if the patient remains at an appropriate weight.
Can gynaecomastia surgery be combined with other cosmetic surgeries?
Yes, it can be combined, depending on the type of surgery. Liposculpture is the most common.
Do you know what IM Care is?
IM Care is the commitment of IM CLINIC to care for you for the first year after your breast reduction surgery. You will have a 24-hour hotline for your peace of mind, and our medical team will visit you regularly to ensure the results are as expected.