Although gynecomastia is a benign condition, it can still have a negative impact on a man’s self-esteem. Enlarged male breast tissue is a common condition that can occur in up to 70% of mid-puberty boys and 65% of men between the ages of 50 and 80. The best treatment for this condition is surgery. Learn more about your treatment options before you schedule a consultation with Eric P. Bachelor MD. at East Bay Aesthetic Surgery, in Pleasanton, CA.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Treatment?
Candidates for gynecomastia surgery are typically men who have good general health, such as men who do not smoke, do not do recreational drugs, and do not have serious medical conditions. Men who have a stable body weight and are not considered obese are typically good candidates. Men who have excess fatty tissue or breast tissue that is not reduced by diet, exercise, or weight loss are also good candidates.
Most often, men who seek this surgery are over the age of 18. While this benign condition is common in adolescence, the symptoms of excess male breast tissue may naturally disappear as hormones settle and fatty deposits diminish. A surgeon may recommend waiting until the patient is older before performing this surgery.
What Can You Expect From Your Consultation?
A consultation is an essential step before your procedure. Not only does the consultation ensure you are a good candidate for this treatment, but it also gives you the opportunity to discuss all of your aesthetic goals with your surgeon. During your consultation, your goals and expectations for your results will be highlighted to create your treatment plan.
Your chest will be measured and examined during your consultation. Photos of your chest, diagnostic tests, and other exams may also be part of your evaluation. Please let Dr. Bachelor know about any drug allergies, medical conditions, or past surgeries you have had. You should also disclose the medications and supplements you are taking.
What Are the Benefits of This Procedure?
This procedure can help men feel more confident about their appearance and may even help them feel more positive about their health and wellness. A more masculine chest with reduced breast tissue can make it easier to see the results of chest exercises for the pectoral muscles. This procedure also has a fast recovery time and natural-looking results.
How Does This Procedure Work?
Male breast reduction surgery works by removing glandular tissue, excess fat, and loose skin on the chest. Typically, this surgery is performed using techniques such as liposuction and excision. Sometimes, only liposuction is necessary to remove unwanted fat from the chest. Incisions for excision techniques will be placed around the nipple or beneath the breast.
This procedure is most commonly performed under general anesthesia. You will need to pass several health examinations to ensure you are healthy enough to withstand general anesthesia. The procedure will take one to two hours to complete. You will need to arrange for transportation after your procedure.
What Should You Do To Prepare for This Procedure?
Your preparation steps before your surgery are crucial to your recovery, so be sure to follow all preparation guidelines thoroughly. Some of these guidelines can include avoiding tobacco products for three weeks, avoiding alcohol for one week, and avoiding certain medications for at least 10 days before the procedure.
What Is Your Recovery Like?
The recovery period for this procedure will take about six weeks, although you will be able to resume your normal activities after one or two weeks. During your recovery, you will need to wear a compression garment to aid in the body’s healing and ensure the chest contours as desired. You will need to wear the compression garment for at least one month.
During the first two weeks after your procedure, most of your daily activities, like exercise, will be restricted. While walking is okay, you should not run, jog, or lift weights. If you have a labor-intensive job that involves a lot of lifting, you may need to take time off work. Even house chores like grocery shopping and cleaning should be limited during this time.
Additional Instructions
You will have directions on how to care for the surgical site, which can include instructions on wound care. Your initial surgical dressings should be kept dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, especially if you have stitches. During this time, you may take pain medications, such as OTC pain relievers or prescription-strength medications. You may need to take other medications, such as antibiotics, as well.
When Can You See the Results?
After your gynecomastia surgery, you will notice that your chest immediately looks much flatter and more masculine. However, you may need to wait three to six months for your body to fully recover after the surgery to see optimal results. Following your aftercare instructions closely can help your results develop optimally.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of male breast reduction surgery can last a lifetime in most cases. Because excess fat and glandular tissue are being removed from the body, it will be very difficult for these cells to return. Fat cells, in particular, cannot regenerate after they have been destroyed. As long as you are leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding excess weight gain, you should be able to enjoy long-term results.
You may be able to help your results last longer if you exercise regularly. Exercises that work the chest muscles can help you maintain a more masculine chest contour. Cardio exercise can also help you keep your body fat percentage low, which can help your results last longer.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Gynecomastia is a common condition that is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance, such as the hormonal shifts experienced during puberty and andropause. Sometimes, medications and lifestyle factors can also contribute to this condition. Male breast reduction can remove glandular tissue, unwanted fat, and excess skin from the chest so you can enjoy a more masculine body shape. Get in touch with us at East Bay Aesthetic Surgery in Pleasanton, CA to see if this surgery is right for you.