Gynecomastia, an abnormal enlargement of the male breast, can be embarrassing for many men. For those considering removal, understanding what to expect from gynecomastia surgery can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth experience.
This article will provide an overview of gynecomastia surgery so you know what to expect of the surgery and what recovery looks like.
What is gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to reduce excess male breast tissue. The enlargement of breast glands may be caused by hormonal imbalances, obesity, or genetics.
The surgery removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and sometimes extra skin to achieve a flatter and more contoured chest appearance.
Consultation and evaluation
The first step in undergoing gynecomastia surgery is to consult a qualified plastic surgeon. During this initial meeting, the surgeon will discuss your expectations and perform a physical examination to assess the extent of the gynecomastia.
They may also request lab tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could contribute to the breast enlargement. The surgeon will explain the surgical techniques available, such as liposuction, excision, or a combination of both, and recommend the best approach based on your case.
You can also use this opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery time, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Preparing for surgery
Once you have decided to proceed with gynecomastia surgery, your surgeon may ask for a medical assessment to check that you are fit for the surgical procedure.
You may need to stop taking certain medications that could increase bleeding risk during surgery and follow all pre-surgery guidelines provided by your surgeon.
During surgery
Procedure details
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. Depending on the technique, the surgery can take one to three hours.
- Liposuction: Liposuction may be sufficient if the gynecomastia is mainly caused by excess fatty tissue. The surgeon will make small incisions around the areola or under the arm and use a cannula to suction out the excess fat.
- Excision: If glandular tissue or excess skin needs to be eliminated, the surgeon will make a cut around the areola or in the natural creases of the chest. This technique is often used for patients with more severe cases of gynecomastia.
- Combination approach: In some cases, both liposuction and excision are necessary to achieve the desired results.
Once the excess tissue is surgically removed, the surgeon will suture the incisions and apply dressings or bandages to the chest.
After surgery
Immediate post-surgery care
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be observed as you wake up from anaesthesia. You may feel groggy, and there may be some discomfort and bruising in the chest area.
Most patients can go home the same day, but they will need someone to drive them home and assist them for the first 24 hours.
Recovery at home
It is advisable to put on a compression garment around your chest for several weeks to help alleviate swelling and support the healing tissues.
For a smooth healing process, take prescribed pain medications, avoid vigorous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for at least four to six weeks.
Long-term care
Scar management
Scarring is a normal part of any surgery, but there are steps you can take to minimise the appearance of scars:
- Follow incision care instructions: Keep the incisions clean and dry, and follow your surgeon’s instructions for changing dressings.
- Use scar creams or silicone sheets: Your surgeon may recommend using scar creams or silicone sheets to help flatten and soften scars over time.
Risks and complications
As with any surgery, gynecomastia surgery carries some risks, including:
- Infection: Incision sites can get infected but this is usually preventable with proper wound care.
- Bleeding or hematoma: Accumulation of blood under the skin can cause swelling and discomfort. In some cases, additional surgery may be required to drain the hematoma.
- Asymmetry: While every effort is made to create a symmetrical chest appearance, slight differences between the two sides may occur.
These risks can be minimised by consulting an experienced doctor and by following their post-treatment advice.
Gynecomastia surgery in Singapore
Proper preparation for gynecomastia surgery can help you achieve your desired results and restore confidence in your appearance.
At Argent Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons specialise in gynecomastia surgery in Singapore, personalising care to each patient’s unique needs. We are committed to supporting our patients until recovery.
If you want to learn more about gynecomastia surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation.