Gynaecomastia Cosmetic Surgery.
Gynaecomastia /Gynecomastia sometimes referred to as "Man boobs" or "male breast reduction surgery" is a medical term meaning an enlargement to the male breast. The procedure is to get rid of man boobs as it removes fat and tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases excess skin.
At puberty most teenage boys experience some degree of male breast enlargement affecting one or both breasts. However, by early adulthood less than 10% will still have a problem. This incidence rises with age, reaching approximately 30% (1 in 3) in older men. Rarely, the breast enlargement can be caused by medicines (for high blood pressure, heart disease and prostate cancer), drugs (such as marijuana and anabolic steroids), some diseases (such as liver failure and some cancers) and some very rare congenital abnormalities (errors of development that one is born with).
These causes should be excluded by the surgeon during an initial consultation. Additional information will be needed at this consultation regarding overall health, chest size and body shape, previous chest surgery, any bleeding tendencies and healing capabilities, some of which will be affected by smoking, alcohol and various medications.
During Gynaecomastia Surgery
The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from person to person and in gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both. If there is predominantly a fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. This involves sucking out the tissue through a small tube inserted via a 3-4mm incision (read more about liposuction surgery).
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised (cut out) with a scalpel. This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars. This is usually following a significant weight loss. Most operations for gynaecomastia take about 90 minutes to complete and are performed under general anaesthesia.
Following Gynaecomastia Surgery
Following the surgery the chest is swollen and bruised for a while and it can be difficult to assess the full effect of the operation. To help reduce swelling, patients are often instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for one or two weeks. It is advisable to refrain from exercise for about three weeks and, in general, it takes about six weeks before one can return to completely normal activities.
UK Plastic Surgery Hospitals
For more information on gynecomastia surgery or to book a consultation with a gynecomastia surgeon call now on:
0844 335 6126. Lines open 9am - 9.30pm 7 days a week.
Your gynecomastia surgery consultation can normally take place within 2 weeks with the possibility of the gynecomastia surgery following about 2 weeks later.
Contact us today to arrange a gynecomastia consultation.
Further Reading on Gynecomastia Surgery
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