Gynecomastia Surgery is a surgical treatment performed to treat gynecomastia – a disorder in males characterised by enlarged breasts. The excessive breast tissue and skin are removed, and chest contours are enhanced and flattened as in male body types. Plastic surgeons usually perform the surgery, and the process of removing excess breast tissue using plastic surgery is known as mammoplasty.
Body Location
Gynecomastia Surgery focuses on removing the excess tissue or fat from the male chest, which has transformed into breasts due to various reasons such as hormonal imbalance, genetics, adverse effects of a few medications, etc. Due to the deposition of excess tissue or fat, the breasts may become saggy, and even the dark area around the nipple stretches, so the surgery aims to reduce the breasts as well as the dark area around the nipples.
Types of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia Surgery is of two types:
Liposuction
Liposuction involves the removal of excess fatty tissue using vacuum suction. This technique is mostly used when the breasts contain excessive fat.
Excision
This involves the removal of glandular tissue through surgery to reduce the size of the male breasts and enhance the chest contours.
Preparation for Gynecomastia Surgery
Preparation for any surgery, including gynecomastia, surgery is a critical step and the success of the study to a certain extent depends on the preparedness.
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The first step is to get your blood tests done along with an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and pre-anaesthesia check-up.
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You should eat light food the day before surgery and fast for at least 4-8 hours before the surgery, depending upon the type of anaesthesia used.
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You should inform your plastic surgeon about your current medications, and you could also be prescribed additional medications to calm your nerves.
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You might be kept under observation for a few hours before the surgery, so you need to reach a few hours in advance of the surgery schedule.
Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure
If you're considering gynecomastia surgery in Delhi, it's important to know that the procedure involves invasive techniques to remove excess fat or tissue. In case of excessive fat, liposuction is performed while a surgical incision is performed for removing excessive tissue.
During the Procedure
Surgery is done under anaesthesia. While under anaesthesia, your vitals are monitored, but you will not be able to feel a thing while the incision is being made or tissue is being removed. Due to advancements in technology, these procedures are quite quick, and the surgery can take approximately 45-90 minutes. However, in case of complications, it can take more time and might require additional interventions. Most excision surgeries can be performed in outpatient departments under local or general anaesthesia.
How Gynecomastia Surgery is performed
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general or local anaesthesia, depending upon the patient's overall health and disease conditions.
Liposuction
This technique involves inserting a cannula and a thin hollow tube through various small incisions. The cannula is moved in a controlled manner to loosen the fat, and the excess fat is removed through vacuum suction.
Excision
In this technique, surgical removal is done for excess tissue, and the nipple is repositioned after removing the excessively dark area around the nipple.
After the Gynecomastia Surgery
Following the surgery, stitches or dressings are required, and you will be given painkillers to relieve the pain or antibiotics to avoid the risk of infections. In addition, elastic bandages or supportive gear can also be recommended to support your chest and aid in quick recovery. In a few cases, a thin tube might be placed under the skin to remove fluid or blood that could accumulate post-surgery. Also, you will be kept under observation for a few hours until you regain consciousness and your vitals have stabilised.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Recovery following gynecomastia surgery can take a few weeks to a few months. After the surgery, dressings will be placed over the incisions or wounds. You will be given instructions to take care of the wounds and avoid the risks of infections. While at home, you need to stay active and look out for any complications. Strenuous exercises and heavy weight lifting should be avoided during the recovery phase. The diet should contain a balance of proteins, fruits, and veggies. Processed, spicy, or canned foods should be avoided.
Follow-up for Gynecomastia Surgery
Regular follow-up is required to ensure a complication-free recovery. Usually, your doctor will give a follow-up chart to follow until your incision and wounds have healed. During the first month post-surgery, frequent follow-ups (weekly or twice weekly) may be required, and in the following months, the frequency of the follow-up will reduce, and monthly or bi-monthly follow-up may be required. However, in case you experience any complications or experience shortness of breath or any other health issue, you should seek immediate medical care.
Risks of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery can include the following risks:
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Pain at the site of surgery
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Bleeding or hematoma formation
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Blood clot formation
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Asymmetric breasts
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Risks related to anaesthesia
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Delayed wound healing
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Change in shape or outlook of breasts
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Scarring
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Tissue necrosis
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Fluid accumulation
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Reaction to surgical material
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Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
Candidates for gynecomastia surgery include the following men:
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Cases where all other treatment options have failed
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Non-smokers
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With healthy weight and who are otherwise healthy
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With realistic expectations
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With enlarged breasts and who are bothered about the enlargement
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With a positive mental framework and being aware of the possible physical changes
Success Rate of Gynecomastia Surgery
The success rate of gynecomastia surgery is more than 90%, and most men are satisfied with the outcome. However, in a few cases, possibly genetic, gynecomastia can recur.
What You Can Expect From Gynecomastia Surgery
Usually, gynecomastia surgery is safe, and complications are rare. Once you have recovered, you will regain normal male-type pattern chest contours. Scars after the surgery are permanent and never go away; however, they might fade away with time.
Surgery has a good acceptance rate among men; however, in a few cases, additional interventions might be required, such as repositioning of breasts, and additional surgery might also be required. Your doctor will also advise you to look out for any possible complications and seek appropriate medical care.
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