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Gynecomastia is a condition in which firm male breast tissue forms.
The tissue is usually less than 1-1/2 inches across and is located
directly under the nipple. Gynecomastia can be present on one side or
on both sides. The condition may also make the breast tender.
Some men and even boys have fat on their chests that makes it look
like they have breasts. This condition is not the same thing as
gynecomastia. It is pseudogynecomastia (false
gynecomastia).
Gynecomastia is usually caused by changes in hormones at puberty or
as part of aging. Gynecomastia can be caused by changes in the
balance of 2 hormones, estrogen and testosterone.
In many cases, no treatment is needed. Sometimes the problem can be
solved if you stop taking a medicine that is causing gynecomastia or
stop using an illegal drug that is causing the problem.
Occasionally, medicines may be used to treat gynecomastia,
especially if tenderness is a problem. These medications will make the
extra breast tissue go away.
If you physician determines that surgery is needed the procedure
will remove fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, resulting in
a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.
With any surgery, there are risks, and they include infection, skin
injury, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, or
excessive fluid loss or accumulation. The procedure may also result in
noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes in the breast area, or
slightly mismatched breasts or nipples.
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast
enlargement, it will be excised, or cut out. The excision
may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical
procedure, the incision is made in an inconspicuous
location--either on the edge of the areola or in the under arm area.
The surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from
around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. Major
reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue
and skin may require larger incisions that result in more conspicuous
scars. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, a cannula (a small
metal tube) is usually inserted through the existing incisions.
After the surgery you will feel some discomfort for a few days, but
this discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your
surgeon. You will need someone to drive you home or to a location that
you desire. Some patients choose a hotel near the place of
surgery for the first night incase they need to see the doctor the very
next morning. You should plan to sleep on your back for a few
nights so make comfortable arrangements for yourself.
You'll be swollen and bruised for awhile, and you may wonder if there's
been any improvement at all. This will not be evident for a few
weeks until the swelling subsides. To help reduce swelling,
you'll need to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week
or two, and for a few weeks longer at night. Although the worst of your
swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months
or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.
In the meantime, getting back to normal will be important. You
should try to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can
return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a
day or two after your surgery. Any stitches are usually removed about 1
to 2 weeks following the procedure.
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