Gynaecomastia

GynaecomastiGynaecomastia, or Gynecomastia (i.e. a female type breast present on a man) is the most common form of breast problem in men. It is generally considered to be of one of three types:

• Just made up of fatty tissue up of breast gland tissue
• Made up of a combination of both fatty and glandular tissue

It is important to distinguish between these three forms at consultation, as the cause of treatment of each is different.

The most common form of Gynaecomastia is a simple accumulation of fatty tissue, often related to overall obesity.

In a few cases:

• There is significant glandular tissue present
• Or there is significant skin excess over the chest

How is Gynaecomastia performed?

• The operation is performed under general anaesthetic
• It takes about sixty to ninety minutes
• Patients stay in hospital for one night
• If your work is not physical, expect to return to work after one to two weeks
• Expect to be back to normal physical exercise within six to eight weeks

As with most surgical procedures, there are many options, depending upon the patient’s wishes, technical considerations and surgeon preferences
At consultation, Mr Malik will advise upon the best option for you. However, in the great majority of patients there is little or no excess redundant skin over the breast, all that is required, is liposuction.

On the other hand, with glandular Gynaecomastia, it is possible to remove the gland through an incision placed around the lower half of the areola. However, in certain circumstances incision as used for breast uplift in women will have to be used, involving incisions placed away from the areola.

Following the operation
As with all surgery, you must expect to feel bruised and sore. Your chest is likely to be swollen. You will have to wear a support dressing for one week. Most patients are able to fully resume normal activity within four weeks.

Any sutures are removed after ten to fourteen days. As with all scars, the scars will fade over a period of time. In many women, they heal to form very faint white lines. However, it is important to remember that no surgical scar ever totally disappears.

Risks & Complications
Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely free from risk.

At Consultation, Mr Malik will discuss these risks with you. In addition, they are all fully outlined in the “Patient Guide” for Gynaecomastia.

How long will the results of your Gynaecomastia last?
Unless the operation is performed at a young age, it is very unlikely that your breasts will regrow. Excessive weight gain will alter the breast shape as in any other men. Further with age your breasts are likely to sag as normal.