Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlargement of the male breast. It is derived from the Greek words meaning "woman - like breasts."All men have breast tissue like women, but some men have more breast tissue than others do. It is a typical phenomenon in about 70% of boys going through their adolescent years, but is present in only about 5% of adult men. True enlargement of the breast glands needs to be distinguished from excess fat in the breast area that occurs with weight gain. It is an embarrassing situation for men and creates lot of psychological pain.
Causes of extra breast tissue in men:
Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with over development of the male breast, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. The enlargement can be from excess glandular tissue or fat or both. Hormonal disbalance is not a proven reason yet.
Option available:- .
For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery is a way out. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.
How breast reduction surgery is done:
The doctor has two choices:
- A small incision is made under the nipple and excess tissue surgically excised.
- Liposuction performed through a similar incision at the edge of the nipple. Ultrasonic liposuction or lipoplasty has proved particularly effective in this procedure.
To get the best results, liposuction and excision are often combined.
Risks:-
- Surgery is discouraged for men who drink alcoholic beverages in excess, or smoke. This is because there is a possibility of glandular tissue redevelopment in such cases.
Risks include:
- Infection and skin injury,
- Excessive bleeding,
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia,
- Excessive fluid loss or accumulation giving a lumpy appearance. Massage is of great assistance and will help the treated area to quickly flatten and resolve.
- The procedure may also result in noticeable scars,
- Permanent pigment changes in the breast area or slightly mismatched breasts or nipples.
- The temporary effects include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.
You may return to work immediately following the male breast reduction procedure. When you do return to work, be careful not to lift heavy weights for about 14 days or so. Avoid strenuous activities like sports or contact activities like swimming to avoid any kind of infection.
Gentle exercise, such as walking or slight stretching is recommended.
Gynaecomastia (breast reduction for a man) is a permanent solution to an otherwise permanent problem of male breast enlargement. But, it is not a way to lose weight.