Gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction is a surgical procedure that corrects enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men. The procedure reduces the size of the enlarged breast tissue in men, flattens, and enhances the chest contours to a more masculine appearance.
Gynecomastia is a condition caused by the imbalance of hormones, both estrogen, and testosterone which leads to an increase in the amount of breast tissue in men and boys. It also affects newborns, teenage boys going through puberty, and older men. Other causes of gynecomastia include obesity, genetics, or the use of certain drugs.
Pseudogynecomastia is when there is an increase in fat and not glandular tissue in male breasts.
Gynecomastia can affect both or one breast and sometimes they may appear uneven. This condition can cause both physical and emotional discomfort as well as impair your self-confidence. Some males can go as far as avoiding certain physical activities to hide their condition due to embarrassment.
Characteristics of gynecomastia include:
• Excess glandular tissue
• Localized excess fat
• Sometimes excess sagging breast skin
• Presence either unilaterally or bilaterally
Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery
The ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Dubai include a male:
• Who is generally healthy
• Whose condition cannot be corrected by an alternative mode of treatment
• Who is of relatively healthy weight
• Who is a non-smoker
• With realistic expectations
• Whose breast development has reached its peak
• Who is bothered by having large breasts
Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery
During your consultation, you and your Plastic Surgeon will discuss several things about your health, desires, and lifestyle.
Preparing for gynecomastia surgery may involve your Plastic Surgeon asking you to do the following:
• Undergo medical evaluation
• Stop smoking
• Adjust your current medication or begin taking certain medication
• Do not take herbal supplements, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
Procedure for Gynecomastia Surgery
Most cases of gynecomastia resolve on their own over time without treatment. However, if gynecomastia is caused by an underlying health condition, that condition will need to be treated first. If the cause of gynecomastia is certain medications, your doctor may recommend substituting the medications or stopping taking them.
Adolescents who undergo the surgery may need secondary procedures in the future if breast development continues.
Male breast reduction surgery can be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, hospital, or ambulatory surgical center under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
Depending on what is causing the large male breasts, your Plastic Surgeon may use the liposuction technique, excision technique, or both.
Liposuction technique
This is performed in cases where gynecomastia is mainly caused by excess fatty tissue. It involves the Plastic Surgeon making small incisions and inserting a cannula –a thin hollow tube. It is moved in a back-and-forth motion to loosen the excess fat which is the vacuum suctioned from the body. There are different types of liposuction but your Plastic Surgeon will choose the appropriate one for you.
Excision technique
This is performed in cases where glandular tissue or excess skin has to be removed. It is also done when the areola has to be reduced in size or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour.
Recovery & Results
Dressings or bandages are applied to the incisions after the gynecomastia surgery. To help minimize swelling and support the new chest contour during the recovery, you will be required to wear a supportive garment or an elastic bandage. A drainage tube may be temporarily placed to drain any excess fluid or blood that may collect.
During the recovery, you will experience some discomfort and pain but you will be given pain relief medication. You will also be provided with medication to reduce potential infection as well as instructions to follow during your recovery.
Within a week or so the discomfort and tenderness should have subsided thus allowing you to go back to work after about two weeks. You should however avoid heavy lifting or reaching your arms above your head as you are healing.
It will take time for the breast tissue to heal and for the swelling to completely resolve thus even though the results are immediate, it will take a couple of months for the final ones to show.
To Know More
Gynecomastia surgery is an effective and safe treatment for enlarged male breast tissue. In addition to reducing discomfort or pain that can result from excess breast tissue, Gynecomastia Surgery in Dubai can help you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem. Reach out to us at Al Shunnar to find out more about gynecomastia surgery.