Are You a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia is derived from the Greek words literally meaning “woman breasts.” It can affect one breast or both and is an embarrassing and awkward experience for many men, brought about by factors as diverse as age, weight fluctuations, genetics, and the use of certain medications. Since so many factors can result in gynecomastia, Dr. Farzad R. Nahai, a board-certified plastic surgeon at The Center for Plastic Surgery at MetroDerm, P.C. in Atlanta, GA, works with each patient to craft an individual, and completely confidential, plan for male breast reduction to restore a masculine physique and body profile.
Did You Know?
Nearly 200,00 cases of gynecomastia are reported each year. Roughly 9% of these cases result in surgery.
Candidates
Gynecomastia surgery candidates include the following:
- A condition not corrected through alternative medical treatments
- A non-life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair healing
- Non-smokers and non-drug users
- A positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia
- Be physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
- Realistic expectations
- Breast development has stabilized
- A feeling that the breasts are too large
Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.
About the Procedure
Surgery might be required if there is still significant bothersome breast enlargement despite initial treatment or observation. During the consultation, Dr. Nahai will discuss your concerns, and go over all the surgical options. The two gynecomastia surgery options are:
- Liposuction: This surgery removes breast fat, but not the breast gland tissue itself.
- Mastectomy: This type of surgery removes the breast gland tissue. The surgery is often done endoscopically, meaning only small incisions are used. This less invasive type of surgery involves less recovery time.
Male breast reduction reduces fat and glandular tissue from the breasts and in extreme cases can tighten excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. It takes about an hour and a half to complete An incision will be made in an inconspicuous location, either on the edge of the areola, or darker skin surrounding the nipple or in the underarm area. The excess glandular tissue from the back and the excess fat and skin from around the areola will be cut away. If the breast reduction includes tumescent liposuction to reduce excess fat, the cannula will be inserted through the same incisions. If the gynecomastia consists primarily of fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be used to reduce excess fat.
Aftercare and Recovery
Whether the surgery is performed by excision with a scalpel or liposuction, some discomfort will be felt for several days which can be controlled with medication. An elastic pressure garment should be worn for several weeks to control the bruising and swelling. It may be three months or more before the final results are apparent.
Recovery is normally fairly quick. Work can usually be returned to a few days after the surgery. However, avoid any physical or sport-related activity using the chest muscles excessively for several weeks. Also, avoid sun exposure to the scars for at least six months. Wear a strong sunblock in the sun as sunlight can affect the skin’s pigmentation.
However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs such as steroids, or weight gain, the patient must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain the results.
Every patient is unique; results will vary.
Gynecomastia can cause poor self-esteem. You can correct this condition with male breast reduction surgery and enjoy the freedom to wear what you want and not be self-conscious. Call Dr. Farzad R. Nahai to make an appointment to discuss your aesthetic goals. His office is conveniently located for those in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Milton, Brookhaven, and Dunwoody.