One-third of the world’s total male population suffers from gynecomastia. This is a telling revelation! Men sometimes tend to ignore it at first, as it does not cause any serious health repercussions. However, it causes a severe dent in a person’s confidence levels.
So, is there a permanent way of getting rid of this condition, more commonly known as ‘moobs’ or Man boobs? There is a permanent way of getting rid of the condition, known as the gynecomastia treatment or gynecomastia surgery.
What is the gynecomastia and what causes it? Gynecomastia is defined as enlargement of male breasts. Genetics, hormonal imbalance, and obesity cause this condition. Most men are subject to extreme ridicule and they feel self-conscious wearing fitted clothes.
The word gynecomastia is an amalgamation of two words, Gyanik (which means female) and Mastos (which means breast). It isn’t a serious condition, however, it causes undue stress to the sufferer. So, can a surgery change a man’s physique and restructure his body? The answer is yes! What are the steps involved in the surgery? Find out all the details here.
Gynecomastia Surgery – Know More about the Steps
A gynecomastia surgery procedure includes the following steps:
- AnesthesiaYou will have to undergo anesthesia to keep you comfortable, like most major surgeries, while you are being operated upon. You can either opt for intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will decide what’s best for you.
- Liposuction techniqueIn many cases, the gynecomastia condition results from excess fatty tissue, and in such cases, techniques such as liposuction are used. A cannula, which is a thin hollow tube, is used to make several small incisions. The cannula is used in a spate of controlled movements to separate the excess fat, which is then sucked out with a vacuum. There are several liposuction techniques and your doctor decides which technique suits your condition.
- Excision techniqueExcision techniques are used for removing glandular breast tissue or excess skin to fix the condition. Doctors use the excision technique when areola is reduced and the nipple is repositioned for a chiseled contour. Incision patterns differ, as per patient requirement.
Sometimes gynecomastia involves both liposuction and excision technique.
Recovery:The patients take 4 to 6 weeks for complete recovery. It all depends on the recovery pace and health condition of the patient. Patients are advised rest (two or three days) for complete healing. The post-surgery symptoms include pain, uneasiness, tightness or tenderness in the area. These symptoms disappear after a week or so.
Post – Procedure Recovery – How to Ensure a Faster Recovery?
- Diet– The diet plays a determining factor after the surgery, its only fluids for some hours after the operation before you graduate to solid diets. A healthy meal with plenty of water is the general norm. Keep hydrating yourself to prevent dehydration. Abstinence from alcohol, however, is a pre-requisite, at least 72 hours before and post the surgery. Avoid both smoking and alcohol.
- Activities – For speedy recovery, adequate rest is necessary. Strenuous activity is a strict no-no in the first twenty-four hours post-surgery. However, you increase your activity levels the second day onwards and brisk walks are instrumental in speedy recovery. You can indulge in moderate activities on the third day onwards; remember not strenuous, just moderate activities. Gradually increase your activity levels. The good news is that you can join work after 2 to 3 days.
- Compression garment – Wear a compression garment as it reduces swelling and bruising and improves the aesthetic outcome. Wear the compression garment for twenty-four hours ia day. However, try and maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the garment. Wash it in cold water and dry it to maintain the hygiene and avoid infection. After 4-5 weeks you can replace it with regular garments.
- Medication – During the recovery period you are requested not to take medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These may interfere with the blood clotting system and increases the chances of different complications. However, you can boost your immunity with multivitamin or vitamin E tablets.
- Be careful – Be careful of the medicines you partake. Start taking them 2 days after the surgery. Things like smoking and drinking alcohol can hinder your recovery and reduce the blood flow creating further complications.
Your gynecomastia surgery recovery depends much on the lifestyle you follow after the surgery, just maintaining usual things such as keeping your incisions clean, applying the recommended ointments and dressing the wound regularly as per the doctor’s suggestions. You will notice a gradual improvement, experiencing a more chiseled and sculpted appearance.
