Who Is It For?
Some men face the problem of the augmentation of mammary glands caused by changed hormone levels. This can also be connected with considerable fat deposits in the area, all of which creates the effect of female breasts. The problem has a rather simple solution which involves abstracting the mammary glands and sometimes even performing small liposuction of the area (and thus eliminating the fat deposit). Gynecomastia may be caused by prescription drugs such as anabolic steroids, over-the-counter medicines, illegal drugs, tumors or disease. Men who are self-conscious because they have over-developed or enlarged breast tissue (usually caused by being overweight, or having lost weight), or men who suffer from back and neck ache because their “breasts” are too thick can benefit from male breast reduction surgery.
Get Prepared
You will need to take some time off work to get the required rest post-operation. During the recovery period, you will also need support and help from family and friends as you will not be able to do physically demanding jobs, attend social events, etc. In case you have young children you might also need to arrange child care. Make sure that you don’t have any acute sickness, such as a viral illness or cold, for at least three weeks before your scheduled temporal lift surgery; please inform us in case it does occur. No medications were containing acetylsalicylic acid, such as Acylpryin, Aspirin, Alnagon, Mineral, etc., should be taken a week before the operation. Such medicines are blood thinners which may increase bleeding during and after the selective facelift surgery. If women are taking hormonal contraception or replacement, they should stop doing so a month (minimum two weeks) before the temporal lift to prevent thromboembolism. Bring your usual medicine and pills, if possible in the original packaging. Smokers are encouraged to stop or at least considerably reduce smoking two weeks before the operation, and make sure you bring nicotine patches with you. It is required to wear elastic garments after the procedure which you can buy from the clinic or bring your own. We would recommend that you buy them after consulting your surgeon to decide on which size and type are most suitable for you. Ideally, women should not have their period during the operation but in case they do, they should inform their doctor.
How Is It Done?
An ultrasound is used to scan the area before the operation. Incisions are made around the areolae, and the mammary glands are excised. If the surgery is combined with liposuction, a cannula (small tube) is inserted into short incisions in the area and the excess fat is drained. During suturing, non-dissolvable or dissolvable stitches can be used; non-dissolvable stitches must be extracted, while dissolvable stitches are absorbed by the body naturally, leaving a fainter scar.
Surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthetic and takes less than an hour.
After Surgery
Male breast reduction surgery requires an overnight stay. Immediately after the operation, elastic belts are placed over the operated area, and these are worn for about one month. Bed rest is recommended for the first few days after the operation. No heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks (this is determined by your surgeon).
Possible Reactions
Usually, your temperature may slightly rise for two to three days. An analgesic can easily ease the discomfort connected to any possible pain in the area operated upon.
You might experience pain in the field of the scars. This is quite common, but analgesia can ease it. Minimal to moderate postoperative pain (depending on how extensive the procedure is). Temporary loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.
Possible Complications
If you smoke, there will be prolonged healing. There can be swelling, discoloration and tightness of the skin for about two weeks. Insufficient post-operative care can result in post-operative bleeding, hematomas, and infection of the wound as well as an imperfect effect of the surgery.
Back To Normal
Following uneventful recovery, it is usually possible to return to work and resume usual activities (excluding exercise) within one week of the operation. Regular physical activity, including exercise, can be resumed two weeks after the operation.
Result
The result is long-lasting or even permanent.