Condition
What Is Gynaecomastia?
Causes of Gynaecomastia
Who is at Risk?
Gynecomastia surgery's side effects are infection, scarring, uneven outcomes, and alterations in nipple sensation. Informed decisions about the surgery should be made considering potential risks and complications.
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Enhanced Quality of Care
End-to-End Management
Continuous Guidance
Lower Costs and easy financing support
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Symptoms of Gynaecomastia
Gynecomastia symptoms include breast swelling and tenderness, discomfort or pain, breast asymmetry, and rare nipple discharge. While the experience of gynecomastia can differ between individuals, medical professionals typically categorise this condition into three main types to guide diagnosis and treatment. The usual Gynaecomastia types are: Puffy Nipples: It is a milder form of gynecomastia, where the puffiness is concentrated around the areola — the darker, circular region surrounding the nipple. The enlargement is typically smaller and less noticeable than other types of gynecomastia. True Gynecomastia: True gynecomastia is characterised by a noticeable increase in glandular tissue of breasts, different from the simple fat accumulation seen in pseudo-gynecomastia. This condition can impact one or both breasts, leading to a chest that resembles a feminine shape and often results in psychological distress for many affected individuals. Severe Gynecomastia: Severe gynecomastia represents the end of the spectrum and is characterised by significant breast tissue enlargement and excess skin. This form may lead to drooping of the breasts, requiring a more involved surgical procedure for effective treatment.
How Does It Affect The Body?
Gynecomastia can have various physical and psychological effects. Physical Effects: 1. Development of excess breast tissue. 2. Altered chest appearance, resembling female breasts. 3. Potential pain and discomfort. Emotional Effects: 1. Reduced self-esteem and body image issues. 2. Anxiety and depression due to body image concerns. 3. Social withdrawal and avoidance of situations requiring exposure of the chest.
How Common Is Gynecomastia?
Up to 70% of adolescent boys experience gynaecomastia or man boobs during puberty. This can help individuals understand that it's a common occurrence. This recognition can reduce emotional isolation and foster a sense of connection among those affected, emphasising that they are not alone in facing this condition.
Complications Of Gynecomastia
Complications of gynecomastia may encompass psychological distress, physical discomfort, social isolation, and relationship strain, with occasional indications of an underlying health anomaly such as a hormone-secreting tumour.
When To See The Doctor?
It's important to consult your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis, as some of these symptoms may also indicate underlying health issues that must be addressed. Medical attention should be sought promptly if you experience sudden breast tissue enlargement, breast pain, or nipple discharge.
How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
For a definitive diagnosis, healthcare providers often rely on Gynecomastia radiology — mainly ultrasound or mammography — to visualise the breast tissue and rule out other issues like tumours. Understanding the types of Gynecomastia can help decide the best treatment route. These are: 1. Glandular: Due to excess glandular tissue 2. Fatty: Due to excess adipose tissue 3. Mixed: A combination of both
Preparation For Gynecomastia Surgery
To prepare for the gynaecomastia surgery, consultation with a plastic surgeon should be made to discuss goals and expectations from the surgery. Before the procedure, a general medical evaluation is done to ensure fitness for surgery.
Steps Involved In Gynecomastia Surgery
1. Anaesthesia: Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation. 2. Surgical Techniques: Liposuction and excision are two main surgical techniques for gynecomastia surgery. Liposuction: If gynecomastia is primarily due to fatty tissue, liposuction is the preferred method. Tiny incisions are made, and a thin tube (cannula) is inserted to remove excess fat. Excision: For cases involving substantial glandular tissue or excess skin, excision is necessary. Larger incisions are made to remove tissue and reshape the chest. 3. Nipple and Areola Adjustment: To achieve a balanced result, the surgeon may need to reshape and reposition the nipple and areola. 4. Closing Incisions: After necessary tissue removal and adjustments, the incisions are closed using sutures. Surgical drains may aid the healing process. 5. Recovery and Follow-up: The patient is closely monitored during the initial recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove sutures as needed.
Treatment Options
Gynaecomastia treatment options encompass various approaches, including: Gynaecomastia Treatment without Surgery Medication: These involve hormonal medications like raloxifene and tamoxifen to reduce breast tissue growth, but they're mainly suitable for mild to moderate cases. Surgical Intervention: Gynecomastia surgery removes excess tissue and fat, offering an immediate and permanent solution for a more masculine chest contour. Lifestyle Modifications: Diet and exercise can help in mild cases by reducing overall body fat, although they may not provide complete resolution. Emerging gynecomastia treatments without surgery: Options like CoolSculpting target fat cells using controlled cooling but are generally considered for mild cases or as supplementary treatments, with ongoing research into their effectiveness. Surgical Intervention Gynecomastia surgery aims to restore a more traditionally masculine appearance to the chest. There are two types of gynecomastia surgery: liposuction and excision. Liposuction for Gynecomastia: Liposuction is primarily used when the enlargement is due mostly to fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue. It is often suitable for mild to moderate cases of gynecomastia. Procedure During liposuction, a small incision is made, often in an inconspicuous location on the chest, where a thin tube is inserted, and excess fat is suctioned out. Recovery Recovery times for liposuction are generally shorter compared to excision. Typically, within a few days, patients can return to light activities and resume more vigorous physical activity within a few weeks. Advantages 1. Minimally invasive with smaller incisions 2. Shorter recovery time 3. Less scarring Limitations 1. It may not be effective for removing glandular tissue 2. Results may be less dramatic compared to excision 3. Excision for Gynecomastia: Excision is employed when there is a need to remove glandular breast tissue or excess skin, often in more severe cases of gynecomastia. It's also the go-to method when stretched or sagging skin has to be addressed. Procedure During excision surgery, larger incisions are made to remove glandular tissue, fat, and sometimes skin. These incisions are often made around the areola edge or within the natural creases of the chest to minimise visible scarring. Recovery The recovery period after excision can be more extended than liposuction, generally requiring several weeks before resumption of normal activities and additional time for the scars to fade. Advantages It is more comprehensive and can remove glandular tissue and excess skin Can yield more dramatic results Suitable for severe cases Limitations Larger incisions result in more visible scarring Longer recovery time Increased complication risk such as bleeding or infection Combination of Liposuction and Excision: Both liposuction and excision techniques may be combined in some cases for a more comprehensive treatment, effectively addressing both fatty and glandular tissues. Advantages The advantages of gynecomastia surgery include: Enhanced Appearance: Surgery reduces breast size, leading to a more masculine chest contour and addressing physical concerns. Improved Self-Confidence: The procedure boosts self-esteem and mental well-being by resolving the physical discomfort and emotional distress associated with gynecomastia. Lasting Results: Surgical results are generally permanent when combined with a healthy lifestyle, providing long-term relief from gynecomastia.
Recovery Care After Surgery
Following gynecomastia surgery, prioritise rest, wear compression garments to reduce swelling, adhere to prescribed medications, maintain hygiene, and consume a balanced diet. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and sun exposure while attending follow-up appointments for monitoring. Gradually resume approved activities and follow scar care instructions, promptly addressing any complications. This comprehensive gynecomastia self-care regimen ensures a smooth recovery and optimal surgical outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under anaesthesia, leading to minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-surgery soreness can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Recovery duration varies; most can engage in light activities within a week. Avoid intense exercise and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks for optimal healing.
Scarring is inherent to surgical procedures. However, skilled surgeons strategically place incisions that typically fade and become less noticeable.
