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The Effect of Gynecomastia
Also known as Male Breast Reduction, gynecomastia can produce a flatter, firmer,
and better-contoured chest. Though rarely talked about, gynecomastia affects an
estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both.
The Gynecomastia Procedure
This surgical procedure for men removes fat, glandular tissue, and in extreme
cases skin, from the breasts.
Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
- Healthy men who have overly develped breasts
Risks
All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks
associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Your surgeon will
discuss these risks with you during your consultation, and you are encouraged to
ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
More details about your consultation.
You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating that you have
been informed of the risks involved; that you understand those risks; and that you
accept those risks. This is standard hospital protocol and surgery will not be performed
if you do not sign.
More details about the required forms.
It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information that
may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the level of risk. These
include medications you are taking, history of disease, medical complications, etc.
Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors.
No two people are alike. The risks listed below are possible risks associated
with this type of surgery and are mentioned regardless of how remote the possibility:
Shifting or imprecise positioning of implant, or infection around it, requiring
a second operation or removal.
Excess tightening and hardening of scar tissue around an artificial implant
("capsular contracture"), causing unnatural shape.
More details about the risks involved in plastic
surgery
Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first
attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals
who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered
good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause
gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs
to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.
Surgery
Time required: 1 to 2 hours.
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general.
Post surgical side effects
Temporary swelling, numbness, headaches, bruising. Traditional method:
Possible itching and hair loss.
Gynecomastia Recovery time
Back to work: 5-7 days
More strenuous activity: 2-3 weeks
Full recovery from bruising: 3-6 months
Duration of Results
Usually 5 to 10 years.
Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment.
All specifics will be discussed with your Physician at your consultation.
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