What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of breast tissue in men. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is the correction of breast tissue that is over-developed. Causes of gynecomastia include hormone imbalance, hypothyroidism, liver disease, aging, and the use of certain medications. Whatever the cause, gynecomastia can have an unfortunate negative impact on the physical and emotional lives of the men who suffer from it.
What are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
Men with gynecomastia will exhibit some combination of these symptoms. You may benefit from this procedure if you have excess tissue in one or both breasts that makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious. If you have some of these issues and would like to find out of you'd be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Horn, can go over everything with you during an initial consultation. Call us today!
- Excess fat and glandular tissue combined
- Just excess fat
- Just excess glandular tissue
- Excess tissue in one breast or in both breasts
- Emotional discomfort and decreased self-confidence
Healing and Recovery
After your Chicago gynecomastia surgery, bandages will be placed over your incisions and you may be fitted with a surgical drain to remove excess fluids. If there is a drain placed, it will be removed in a day or two. You will be given support garments to protect your chest while the healing takes place. You will be prescribed medication that will ensure proper healing and prevent infection. Occasionally check your incisions for any redness, oozing, or inflammation. Any signs of infection or irregular healing should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction in men has some risk of complications. Risk factors include bleeding, infection, and lack of breast symmetry after surgery. There is also a risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications prescribed after surgery. Your doctor will provide you with full details of these risks during your consultation. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Surgery?
A good candidate for gynecomastia surgery will exhibit these characteristics:
- Realistic outcome expectations
- Normal weight and health
- Breast tissue development has become stable
- Breasts that cause mental or physical discomfort due to their size
- Excess breast tissue that can not be corrected by alternate means
- Does not smoke
- Does not take drugs
- Does not have a terminal illness or medical condition that would hinder healing
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Recovery
Since the recovery and healing process is different for each individual, you should ask your doctor these questions to make sure you are well-informed about your healing process.
- What are my Medications Prescribed for and How do I Take Them?
- When and How Should My Bandages be Removed?
- When Will my Stitches be Removed, or Will they Dissolve?
- When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
- What Should I Not Do While in Recovery?
- When Should I Come Back for a Follow-up?
