Gynecomastia

The term comes from the Greek words Gyne meaning woman and mastos meaning 'breast'. In practical terms, this means abnormally large breasts in men. It is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It may affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. The condition is relatively common in adolescent boys, and 90% of the time symptoms disappear in a matter of months, or as adolescence wanes, a few later. But the remaining 10% are burdened with a social handicap that causes a deep and complex shame and puts one’s relationship with one’s body at risk.

Why Go For Surgery?

Gynecomastia affects approx 40-60% of the male population. This is the commonest cosmetic procedure done in men worldwide. Public embarrassment while wearing tight-fitting clothes, going to the gym, swimming, and peer pressure are the reasons, patients consult a plastic surgeon. Gynecomastia treated surgically can bring back a patient’s self-confidence.

Procedure

Surgical intervention usually involves liposuction for the fatty tissue as well as the excision of glandular tissue. Rarely gynecomastia is purely excessive fatty tissue and all that is required is liposuction.

The surgical procedure can be done under local anaesthesia with mild sedation or general anaesthesia. Infiltration of the breast is done with xylocaine and ringer lactate using a tumescent technique and the two small ports are made on either side for liposuction. Then the gland is excised through an intra-areolar incision. Finally, liposuction is done again to smoothen out the periphery. Fine sutures are placed for skin closure and dressing is done.

After The Surgery

Your doctor will advise you to wear a pressure/compression garment for four weeks to keep the cavity collapsed and for early recovery of skin texture. A pressure garment is easily concealed under routine clothes without getting noticed. Patients remain fairly alert and can go home the same day. Stitches are removed after a week. Most patients are back to work within 2-3 days and can drive a car after a week. Heavy exercises and weight lifting is avoided for 3-4 weeks. Patients can start taking showers after 3-4 days.

Side Effects

Complications rarely occur. Scars are almost negligible and the incisions are small. Minor irregularities and some fluid collection that may need to be drained may occur.

Note

Gynecomastia results are permanent; however, weight gain or the use of certain drugs may cause the condition to reoccur.

Men do find it very difficult to talk about their breasts to anyone, but it is the first step towards relief. Realizing that they are not alone is a powerful antidote for shame and a beginning towards healing. Thus, if you are looking to get safe breast reduction surgery in Delhi, then you are at the right place!