What causes gynecomastia?
In cases with actual gynecomastia, the mammary gland has overgrown, and the pre-existing tissue is dense. The dense tissue can even cause pain in the chest area.
In other situations, excess fat in the chest area causes this overgrowth. This is called pseudogynecomastia.
Gynecomastia can occur at any age.
Gynecomastia can be caused by many reasons, such as
- genetic reasons
- the use of certain medications
- other undefined reasons.
How can you treat gynecomastia?
If gynecomastia is caused by low testosterone levels (hormonal diseases) or, for example, the use of certain medications, the first step is to treat these issues. If obesity is a factor, weight loss in itself may significantly change the chest area as well.
Surgical treatment is the most effective way to treat both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. The procedure can include liposuction, removing glandular breast tissue, and excess skin removal if required. The result gives the chest a more masculine, smoother look.
The surgical method is chosen separately for every client, and it depends on the starting point. We evaluate the method best suitable for you during an appointment with a plastic surgeon.
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Gynecomastia Correction – The Procedure
Before surgery, you must not eat or drink for six hours. You arrive for the procedure at the agreed time, and before surgery, the surgeon makes the necessary markings on the skin with a marker while the client is standing upright.
Gynecomastia correction surgery is performed either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure usually takes 1–3 hours.
The goal of surgery is always to achieve the most symmetrical result possible, and breasts of different sizes or levels are corrected to make them as even as possible. At the end of the surgery, the chest is supported with tape, and a compression garment is applied in the operating room.
The procedure can almost always be performed as day surgery, meaning you can return home on the same day. However, when you are discharged after surgery, you must have someone to accompany you, and this person must also stay with you for the first night.
Recovery After Gynecomastia Correction Surgery
After gynecomastia correction surgery, pain is not severe. However, pain medication may be needed during the first few days after surgery.
As the tissues recover, occasional sharp pains inside the chest are typical even for a few months after surgery.
The length of sick leave is typically approximately 1–3 weeks. The length is decided individually.
Using a Compression Garment
Exercise
Stitches and Supportive Taping
The wounds are mainly closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed.
Supportive taping of the wounds should be continued for 2–3 months after breast surgery so that the scars become as thin and unnoticeable as possible. We will provide instructions for the best scar care after supportive taping.
Possible Complications of Gynecomastia Correction Surgery
Surgical procedures always involve risks. In breast surgery, the greatest risks of complications are related to tissue hematomas and possible infections.
Hematomas
Bruising occurs on the skin as a result of surgery. Sometimes hematomas can be larger.
If blood leaks into the breast after surgery, it may cause pressure symptoms and may even need to be removed in a new surgery. This does not affect the final aesthetic result of the breast, but it does slow down recovery from surgery slightly.
Infections
Although surgery is performed under sterile conditions, bacteria on the skin can enter through the surgical wound and cause infection in the tissues even after surgery.
Minor infections can often be treated with medication. In rare cases, a more severe infection may even lead to repeat surgery, in which the tissues are cleaned in the operating room.
