Overview
Gynecomastia is a condition in which the quantity of breast gland tissue in boys and men increases due to a hormonal imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, and it can impact them in different ways. Gynecomastia can occur in newborns, boys going through puberty, and older men as a result of natural hormonal changes, though there are other causes as well.
Gynecomastia Grades:
Grade 1: Nipples that are puffy
Grade 2: Excess fat + puffy nipples
Grade 3: Puffy nipples + a lot of fat + a lot of skin
Grade 4: Breasts resemble those of a woman.
In India, the majority of cases are classified as Grade 1 or 2, which means that minimally invasive surgery is the best treatment option.
Gynecomastia isn’t a life-threatening disorder, but it can be difficult to live with. Men and boys with gynecomastia may experience pain in their breasts and feel self-conscious. It’s possible that gynecomastia will go away on its own. If the problem persists, medication or surgery may be necessary.
Symptoms
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia:
- Breast tissue that is swollen
- soreness in the breasts
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Swelling, soreness, or pain
- One or both breasts may have a nipple discharge.
Causes
A decrease in the level of the hormone testosterone in comparison to oestrogen causes gynecomastia. Conditions that limit the effects of testosterone, lower testosterone, or elevate oestrogen levels can cause a decline. The hormone balance can be thrown off by a variety of factors, including the ones listed below.
Hormone alterations that occur naturally:
- Both men and women’s sex traits are controlled by the hormones testosterone and oestrogen. Testosterone is in charge of male characteristics including muscular mass and body hair. Estrogen regulates female characteristics such as breast growth.
- Most people think of oestrogen as a hormone that only women generate, but it is produced in modest amounts by men as well. Gynecomastia is caused by male oestrogen levels that are abnormally high or out of balance with testosterone levels.
- Infants with gynecomastia. Because of their mother’s oestrogen, more than half of male children are born with larger breasts. The enlarged breast tissue usually goes away two to three weeks following birth.
- Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs throughout puberty. Gynecomastia is a reasonably common condition induced by hormonal changes during adolescence. In most situations, the enlarged breast tissue will go away on its own in six to two years without therapy.
- Adults with gynecomastia. Between the ages of 50 and 69, the prevalence of gynecomastia reaches a new high. In this age range, at least one out of every four men is impacted.
What are the processes involved in a gynecomastia surgery?
The following are the steps in a gynecomastia procedure:
Anesthesia
During the surgical procedures, you will be given medications to help you relax. Intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia are two choices. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action.
Liposuction Technique
Liposuction procedures may be employed alone in circumstances when gynecomastia is predominantly caused by excess fatty tissue. A cannula, a tiny hollow tube, is inserted through multiple small incisions to accomplish this.
The cannula is pushed in a regulated motion back and forth to free the extra fat, which is subsequently vacuum suctioned out of the body. There are several liposuction techniques that can be performed; the one that is best for you will be determined before your treatment.
Excision Technique
When glandular breast tissue or extra skin must be removed to address gynecomastia, excision procedures are indicated. If the areola is to be decreased or the nipple moved to a more natural masculine contour, excision is also required. Incision patterns differ based on the circumstances and the surgeon’s preference.
Liposuction and excision procedures combined
Liposuction and excision are sometimes used to treat gynecomastia.
Source: https://plastytalk.com/complete-guide-gynecomastia-enlarged-male-breast-singapore/
What could I expect during my recovery from gynecomastia surgery?
Dressings or bandages will be placed to your incisions during your gynecomastia surgery recovery period, and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to reduce swelling and support your new chest contour while it heals. A short, thin tube can be inserted beneath the skin to drain any extra blood or fluid that has accumulated.
Specific instructions will be given to you, including how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to see your plastic surgeon again. Make sure you ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what to expect throughout your recovery time.
At-home recovery from gynecomastia surgery
Seek medical help right away if you have shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or an odd heartbeat. If any of these problems arise, you may need to be admitted to the hospital and receive extra treatment.
Following your doctor’s recommendations is critical to your surgery’s success. During the healing process, it is critical that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive stress, swelling, abrasion, or motion. Your doctor will provide you with detailed advice on how to take care of yourself.
Comforting post-surgery support: Wearing compression garments after surgery will help you recover faster and with improved results. A medical abdominal binder is an excellent post surgery garment. Abdominal binders help your body heal to its new shape, reduce swelling, and improve blood circulation. Great as a gynecomastia compression shirts for men, or surgical abdominal binder.
Diet management
Diet has a crucial function in the healing process. Patients can immediately follow an easy-to-follow diet following gynecomastia surgery by sticking to clear drinks and gradually transitioning to solid foods. Patients should drink plenty of water, and if they find it difficult to do so, they can supplement with fruit juice or soft drinks to avoid dehydration. Alcohol is also prohibited for at least 72 hours before to and after the gynecomastia surgery. To hasten your healing, avoid smoking.
Exercise
When it comes to resuming exercise following gynecomastia surgery, it’s critical to start cautiously. Following their operation, many men have chest tightness. It’s possible that this is due to the sewing of incisions. Walking is the best method to get back into a training habit. Patients are free to walk in a relaxed (not brisk) manner as soon as they feel comfortable following surgery. At start, a slow to moderate speed can be maintained for 15 to 30 minutes per day, and this can be done every day for the first two weeks of rehabilitation. If walking causes pain, the exercise should be stopped for the day. Also, the compression garment that was put after surgery should be worn when walking.
Patients can resume exercising after walking by stretching and doing callisthenics like leg lifts and arm lifts. Slow, gentle movements of the arms overhead and bending forward at the waist, as well as side to side, are examples of stretching. Leg lifts are performed with one arm stretched straight up and the other supporting the body while lying on the side. For thirty seconds, lift one leg 3 to 6 inches off the ground and keep it there. Rep on the other side. Arm lifts are performed with 3- to 5-pound weights in a seated position, with the hands lifted perpendicular to the body.
FAQs
When should you have gynecomastia surgery?
The average age for surgery is 18 years, however in some circumstances, patients might have surgery at a younger age.
When it comes to gynecomastia surgery, what is the success rate?
Gynecomastia surgery has a long-term effect. Taking care of oneself through food and exercise will assist to maintain the gains made.
How long will the procedure take?
The operation typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, and after you are comfortable, we will discharge you the same day.
Is it necessary for me to stay in the hospital?
It is a day-care operation, so there is no need to remain overnight. Within a few hours of the procedure, you can return to your house and spend the night peacefully.