gynecomastia treatment abroad
Common problems and their resolution
Gynecomastia refers to an excess enlargement of the male mammary gland, causing the male breast to resemble the female breast. These changes are typically bilateral, but unilateral mammary gland enlargement also occurs.
This condition presents often in children undergoing puberty, and in this case it is not considered pathological. The disorder is present in nearly every second juvenile. Mammary gland enlargement occurring during puberty usually disappears completely on its own.
Gynecomastia is also frequently observed among adult males. The reasons are often unknown. Possible reasons may include liver dysfunction, use of medicaments containing oestrogen, which causes an imbalance in the levels of androgens and oestrogens. In rare situations, this disturbance can be caused by a neoplasm (tumour).
In the case of major obesity, weight loss should be attempted using a combination of diet and physical exercise, which may result in a reduction of the extent of the gynecomastia. If the reason behind mammary gland enlargement is alcohol or marijuana consumption, or the use of anabolic steroids, it is also recommended that the disturbance causing behaviour be changed.
Male breast reduction surgery will be performed by our bariatric & cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rein Adamson.
What risks does gynecomastia correction present?
If the given operation is performed by an experienced surgeon, then complications are rare and, in the case of a positive result, insignificant. Even so, every operation is accompanied by surgical risks and specific complications related to the nature of the surgery in question.
As is the case with every operation, haematomas and oedemas may occur, which generally heal by themselves. Wound inflammations are very rare and can be prevented and treated using the appropriate antibiotics. In very rare occasions additional surgery may be needed.
In a few cases there may be unsightly scars, discolorations in the area operated upon, changes in breast shape or irregular nipple, despite the use of very careful operating techniques. With the aid of corrective surgery, it is possible to correct these changes, for the most part, very successfully.
Nowadays, adverse reactions to anaesthesia are extremely rare, but can still occur, which is why they are mentioned here. Specifically, substances used to achieve anaesthesia can cause allergic reactions that can, as a rule, be controlled.
Therefore, we are able to say that the correction of mammary gland enlargement is a relatively complication free, safe and effective surgical method.
How to prepare yourself for the surgery?
Before the planned surgery, you should be in as good a health as possible.
Limit your nicotine and alcohol consumption to a minimum. If you are taking any medicinal products, please consult your doctor about it.
Additionally, you can not use aspirin or any preparations containing acetylsalicylic acid for at least 7 days prior to the surgery.
You have to take a break from your job and private life for at least for one week after the operation. If you have the opportunity to have someone take care of you following the operation, please discuss the postoperative care requirements with this person.
It is recommended that you not be too active preoperatively, in order to allow for rest physically and mentally following the surgery. If you have any questions or doubts before the operation, please do not hesitate to contact us!
At hospital
Depending on the need for adjustment, mammary gland enlargement corrective surgery can be performed as either an out-patient or in-patient procedure.
Smaller defects can be corrected with an out-patient visit or with a short stay at the in-patient clinic. In case of a major operation, it is recommended that a few days be spent in hospital in order to guarantee postoperative care by trained medical personnel.
Anaesthesia
Smaller operations can be done using local anaesthesia administered by injection. For larger scale surgeries, general anaesthesia may be necessary.
With local anaesthesia you are also administrated a sedative (pill or infusion directly into the vein in your arm) which makes you drowsy. You are awake, but also relaxed and insensible to pain. It is possible that you may feel pulling or something similar during surgery.
If you are administered general anaesthesia, you will be asleep for the entire surgery. Before surgery, the anaesthesiologist will perform the necessary research to ensure that you will receive the appropriate anaesthesia.
How is the operation performed?
As a rule, the operation lasts up to one and a half hours. Additional time may be required in the case of more extensive surgeries.
During surgery, the enlarged mammary gland tissue is removed. This is done independently or concurrently with fat aspiration. Surplus fat and skin is removed through an incision made along the edge of the nipple or through the nipple. Incisions are usually larger if a larger amount of tissue needs to be removed. If it is also necessary to perform fat aspiration to achieve the optimal shape of the breast, a cannula is inserted through a smaller incision under the lower mammary ridge or under the axilla.
If mainly adipose tissue is present, only fat aspiration may be needed. Appropriate incisions are made in the above mentioned locations.
In the case of combined surgery, where both fat aspiration and surgical incisions are done, fat aspiration is done first and then the surplus mammary gland is removed.
Using narrow, empty cannula, adipose tissue is made moveable and then removed. During this procedure, patients administered local anaesthesia may often experience vibration or pressure.
With developed gynecomastia it may happen that the skin is no longer suitable for the new breast shape. In this case surplus skin is removed and the rest of the skin is attached tightly to the contour of the new breast.
Inserting a drain into the wounded area is common, as it allows fluids to be discharged from the wound. In addition, a tight bandage is set, which supports the newly shaped breast.
After surgery – what to pay attention to
Mild pain and a burning feeling in the wound region during the first few postoperative days are absolutely normal indications. These complications can be easily relieved using medicaments. The bandage must be worn as instructed by the doctor. Surgical sutures are absorbable and only in rare situations will some stitches need to be removed.
Your new look
Having correct indications and realistic expectations, most patients are very pleased with the results of the operation and enjoy the new look of their masculine chest contour. The result is mostly permanent. Having a new look usually means the beginning of a new phase in life, with increased satisfaction and improved self-esteem.
Can gynecomastia correction be repeated?
In rare occasions gynecomastia may reoccur. In this case, correction of the mammary gland can be repeated. Regular check-up visits with your surgeon can help prevent and correct possible complications. If there are problems, a personal decision must be taken regarding what kind of corrective methods should be used.
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