Gynecomastia Faqs
Am I a candidate for male breast reduction?
The most important question you should ask yourself is: does the condition bother you both psychologically and physically?
In general, the best candidates for breast reduction are:
- Mature enough to fully understand the procedure
- Experiencing embarrassment and/or social inhibition due to breast enlargement
- Knowledgeable about the procedure
- Having good skin elasticity
- In good physical and psychological health
- Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
- Realistic in their expectations
- Willing to attempt diet and exercise as first options
- Non-smokers or able to stop smoking during the healing process
- Not heavy user of alcohol
Am I too young to have gynecomastia surgery?
In general, we recommend you wait until the age of 18 years. There are some circumstances where a person should consider it earlier.
What results can I expect?
The result of gynecomastia surgery is definite. The more you maintain yourself by taking care of diet and exercise the better and early you will appreciate the change in the shape.
What are the surgical risks?
There are no life threatening risks or complication with the gynecomastia surgery. The side effects are temporary which get resolved within 7-10 days. These include bruises, swelling ,altered sensation and discomfort in the chest area.
What kind of scar should I expect?
Usually a, scar in the lower part of the areola that is generally inconspicuous.
Will I have pain that will require medication?
Usually pain is minimal, but since we want to make sure you will be comfortable, we do provide you with a prescription for pain medication.
How much time should I take off from work or school?
This depends on the type of work you do and the extent of the surgical procedure. Usually it’s between 2 to 3 days, but healing time varies for each individual and should be discussed with your surgeon.
What types of anesthesia do you offer?
The surgery is done under local anesthesia with some light sedation . After the procedure you will slightly drowsy for first 2 hrs then you can start orally first sips of water and then some liquids. You can have light food in the night.
How should I prepare for the surgery?
Pre-operative testing is mandatory. You should stop medications such as blood thinner, aspirin, Vitamin E and herbal remedies. Do not eat or drink eight 6 hours prior to surgery. Arrive on the day of surgery in comfortable clothing that is not tight or confining. Have a responsible person accompany you.
What type of dressing will I have?
A small dressing is done around the chest area which can be removed next day. You can take shower next day after the procedure thereafter no dressing is needed.
Will I have a drain?
No drain is kept.
What can cause gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused by drugs, steroids as well as other factors. These should be discontinued prior to surgery to minimize recurrence.
Is the surgery really that painful?
Judging pain following surgery is very difficult since everyone’s threshold for pain is different. Most patients comment that the surgery was nowhere near as painful or uncomfortable as they thought it would be. Most patients do not have severe pain following liposuction and surgical excision. The pain is most often described as minor or moderate in nature and severity. Yes you’ll have a prescription for a pain medication strong enough to relieve your postoperative discomforts.
What will my chest look like when the dressings are removed?
When the dressing is removed you’ll be in for a surprise. There is often bruising, swelling, molding from the dressing and perhaps your incision may leak a few drops of blood.
Please do not be concerned. Healing is never quite the same when surgery is performed on both breasts. Healing takes time and patience. Just follow the instructions regarding what you’re allowed to do and when, and you’ll see them evolve over the postoperative period into the desired shape and size.
Does it really take 3 months to see the final result?
Yes the final result will appeared after 3 months. The improvement in shape and size will be noticeable around 1 month time and thereafter the improvement continues.
When can I return to normal sports, exercise or driving a car?
If your healing is proceeding as expected you can return to your normal exercise and sporting activities by 1 weeks following your surgery. Always remember that a slow, progressive return to normal to optimal for proper healing and pain control. Most patients can resume driving within a few days following their procedure.
If my nipples feel differently after the surgery, what can be done?
Most cases of altered nipple sensation gradually return to normal. Some go back to normal within a few weeks and other cases may take a few months. Other than waiting, there is no surgery or medication that can improve the sensation in the nipple-areola region.
How long does the surgery take?
Generally, the procedure usually takes one and a half to two hours.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
It’s a day care procedure so no admission is required. We prefer to use local anesthesia with sedation, in which case you’ll sleep through the entire operation. You may be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery, and spend the night in the comfort of your own home
Will the gynecomastia come back?
The glandular component will not return unless you stimulate the tissue with steroids or other drugs, in which case it can become enlarged again. The surgery removes most, but not all, of the glandular tissue. We surgically excise the gland and fibrofatty tissue to achieve the best cosmetic result.
Can liposuction be done alone?
Yes, liposuction alone can produce a good result, but only if you have pseudogynecomastia. As mentioned earlier, liposuction does not remove glandular tissue and as such is not the most effective approach
Can I drive myself home?
No, you cannot drive yourself home after surgery. You will need assistance for the first 24 hours.
Why do I have to wear a vest after surgery?
The vest creates compression for the “dead space” created by the removal of the glandular and fibrofatty tissue. The skin will adhere to the underlying tissue and the swelling will be greatly reduced. It is extremely important to follow instructions regarding wearing the vest after surgery.
Do I need to lose weight before I have the procedure?
No, your weight may be a concern of yours, but it will not affect the surgery. If you have pseudogynecomastia (“fatty tissue”), then this will naturally reduce with weight loss.
How old do I need to be?
Each case is individually evaluated. There is no set minimum or maximum age requirement for this procedure. I have operated on adolescents as young as 15 years of age, but each case was carefully evaluated and discussed among multiple physicians. I have also operated on men in their 60s and older. Age is not a factor if you are in good health.
If I want other procedures, such as liposuction of the abdomen or flanks, is it possible to have them done at the same time?
Yes, we commonly perform multiple procedures at the same time.