The surgeon begins with a standard periareoral incision along the line between an areola and the surrounding skin. S/he proceeds to separate the skin from the mammary gland, gaining access to the tissue to be reduced. A suction drain can be inserted on removal of excess fatty tissue and hypertrophied mammary gland. The wound is sewn with very fine surgical suture. In case of a larger gynecomastia, excess skin may need to be removed.
Gynecomastia, or presence of a clinically manifested mammary gland in men, occurs as hormones rage in infants, pubescent boys, and elderly gentlemen. It happens for a short time after birth in babies. It is estimated to arise in more than a half of pubescent boys and passes untreated in most of them as they become mature. Men after 50 suffer from the condition as well.
There are many causes of the male mammary gland hypertrophy. Excessive accumulations of fatty tissue or fluctuations of sex hormones including oestrogens and androgens are common causes of gynecomastia. In some people, however, it can be caused by a number of medical conditions and therefore require more in-depth diagnostics. Gynecomastia occasionally has a genetic background, too. It may also be a result of using certain drugs and hormones, alcohol abuse or consumption of steroids by men desiring to build their muscle mass too fast.
Prior to a breast reduction surgery, the cause of gynecomastia is diagnosed. Gentlemen with a mammary gland hypertrophy may be referred to imaging testing to rule out chest neoplasms and for a series of laboratory tests. Possible pathologies of the male attributes, that is, testicles and prostate, as well as lung, liver, kidney, and thyroid conditions which may cause gynecomastia, need to be eliminated.
Male breast hypertrophy may involve small, medium, and significant changes. Extent of a surgery will depend on their specific nature. Following a gynecomastia correction, an extremely popular procedure, especially with young men, Patients have a well-shaped, male chest. This spectacular shape may also contribute to improved self-assessment and self-confidence.
Preparation for your procedure:
Patients planning or expecting a surgery are requested to read ‘Guide for the Patient – preparation for your procedure’, available in the INFORMATION section.
Recommendations following a male breast reduction:
- Stay at the clinic: the Patient remains at the clinic for 1 day if general anaesthesia is administered;
- Dressing and special clothing: your dressing should be changed every day, preferably after a bath; the Patient should wear a special pressure vest for 8 weeks after the surgery that will shape the body region operated on;
- Reduced mobility: limit intense physical activity 2 weeks after the surgery, including exercises involving chest muscles; you can take up sports and exercise again after 2 months, though only on consultation with your doctor and if they don’t cause pain in the chest region;
- Medication: the Patient can only take medication consulted with his doctor, including any antibiotics; administer strong painkillers with caution; you mustn’t take aspirin or other drugs interfering with blood clotting; a special scar ointment is recommended;
- Other: you mustn’t go to a sauna for at least 6 weeks; you can’t sunbathe the areas operated on for 6 months; a high UV filter cream is recommended;
- Follow-up visits: Patients must attend follow-up visits arranged with their doctor.
Patients will be informed in detail about any recommendations following their procedures at the clinic.
