breast gynaecomastia
Introduction
Gynaecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." Gynaecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both.
Certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, and Mr. Bloom will firstly exclude these as a possible cause for the problem. There is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.
Gynaecomastia commonly occurs during puberty and is often self limiting.
Men with the condition understandably feel self-conscious about their appearance. They avoid being bare chested or wearing well fitting T-shirts. Surgery can be of benefit in these patients.
The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.
The surgery
The surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia.
Depending on the extent of the breast tissue, it may be reduced by liposuction alone, by direct excision via a small incision under the areola or by a combination of these techniques. In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, the skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may be removed at a second stage to allow the skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.
As with any surgery, there are risks. These include infection, skin injury, excessive bleeding, and 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 asymmetry is significant, a second procedure may be performed to remove additional tissue. There may also be temporary or permanent loss of breast sensation or numbness.
After your Surgery
In most situations you will require at least one night in hospital after your surgery. The length of your hospital stay will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon's advice. Drain tubes are often needed and will usually be removed on the first post operative day.
Returning to normal activities is an individual matter, but most people return to work within two to four weeks and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
To be able to drive a vehicle you must be comfortable, off all strong pain killers and moving freely, this can vary from one to four weeks after the operation.
Mr. Bloom encourages the use of a supporting garment to minimize swelling and optimise healing and contour.