Gynecomastia is a condition that causes excess breast tissue in males as well as othersymptoms, which can have a negative impact on an individual’s self-esteem and mental health. For cases of true gynecomastia, gynecomastia surgery is the most effective treatment option for permanent results. However, before choosing to undergo any form of surgery, it is important to understand what to expect post-op. Read on for an overview of what to expect following gynecomastia surgery and how to manage any discomfort.
What to Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery
Ultimately, the recovery time following surgery depends on the individual patient, the invasiveness of the surgery, and how well the patient adheres to aftercare instructions. However, the typical recovery time for most patients is 4-6 weeks.
For the first few days directly after surgery, you may experience discomfort, tenderness, and tightness in the chest area. Some people may also experience some nausea from the anesthesia used during the procedure. Swelling of the chest area is also to be expected, which can be reduced with the use of a chest compression garment.
By weeks 3-4, compression garments may no longer be required. The majority of swelling and bruising should be resolved, revealing more accurate visual results of the procedure.
By week 6 the recovery process should be near or at completion. Most patients will be able to freely return to most forms of exercise, including movements that put a strain on the chest area. Some mild swelling may still be noticeable in the pectoralis majors, which will naturally resolve over the next couple of weeks.
Pain Management
Mild to moderate pain or discomfort is to be expected following any type of surgery, especially during the first few days. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can help with this. Pain severity will depend on the individual and their tolerance level. While some discomfort is to be expected, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Delgado if you are experiencing severe pain or are unsure if you are healing properly.
Tips For a Quick Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
The healing process following gynecomastia surgery is usually quite easy. While Dr. Delgado will provide you with specific post-surgery instructions, here are some basic tips to help ensure a speedy recovery.
Wear your compression garment as directed. You will be required to wear a compression garment to ensure proper healing of the chest for the best possible outcomes.
Attend all post-op appointments with Dr. Delgado, which are imperative to ensure proper healing.
Cold compresses can be applied to the chest to help reduce swelling and discomfort. However, you should never apply an ice pack directly to the skin! Instead, place an ice pack in a cloth or towel and then place it against your skin.
Stay hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day.
Sleep on your back. Propping yourself up with pillows can help this position feel more comfortable after your male breast reduction surgery.
Limit any physical activity until you are cleared by Dr. Delgado. For one month following surgery, you should avoid chest and arm exercises. Full body training can often be resumed about one month following surgery. An inability to follow these guidelines may delay healing.
Gynecomastia Specialist in San Francisco
If you are considering gynecomastia surgery or would like to learn more about this treatment option, pleasecontact Dr. Delgado today. A highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeon,Dr. Delgado has been treating patients with gynecomastia for over 30 years and is committed to providing natural-looking surgical outcomes for his patients.
Gynecomastia FAQs
Are there other procedures that can be combined with gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal imbalance, specific medicines, drugs, or anabolic steroid use.
What are some common complications associated with gynecomastia surgery?
As with any form of surgery, there is a risk of complications with gynecomastia surgery. These may include but are not limited to, bruising, bleeding, wound infections, allergic reactions, asymmetries, loose breast skin, and more. However, when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Delgado, these risks are greatly reduced.
Note: If you ever experience trouble breathing, chest pain, or rapid blood loss following any type of surgical procedure, it is deemed a medical emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately.
What are the most common symptoms of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is often characterized by the following symptoms:
Enlarged or excess tissue in the breast area
Puffiness beneath the nipple
Nipple discomfort/pain
Nipple discharge
Are all cases of gynecomastia treated the same?
Overall treatment depends on your individual symptoms, your desired outcomes, and your overall health. For example, severe cases of gynecomastia may be treated differently than mild cases.
How do I prepare for gynecomastia surgery?
Prior to your surgery, Dr. Delgado may have you adjust or stop certain medications such as blood thinners, stop smoking, and more. Preparation steps can be discussed during your consultation appointment.
Have you ever seen a male friend or family member with enlarged male breasts? If so, they may havegynecomastia. This condition can have negative psychological effects on those living with it. Read on to learn more about the toll gynecomastia can have on a male’s confidence and feelings of self-worth.
About Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that affects males of all ages. It causes male breast enlargement due to glandular tissue in one or both breasts. It is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can result in an increase in glandular breast tissue. The second most common cause is anabolic steroid use which is used to build muscles.For some adolescent boys, gynecomastia may resolve on its own. However, if gynecomastia persists past the teen years, it will most likely stick around.
Impact on Self-Esteem and Confidence
This increase in male breast tissue can take a negative toll on a male’s self-worth and confidence. This can result in a number of negative mental health effects, including the following:
Anxiety
Gynecomastia can have a psychological impact on those living with it. One of the first emotional responses is often anxiety, as patients are unsure regarding the outcome of diagnosis and a possible treatment plan. Gynecomastia can also cause anxiety around social interactions where a male should take their shirt off such as spending time at the pool or beach.
Low Self-Esteem
Men living with gynecomastia often experience a negative self-image due to their enlarged breasts. They may experience feelings of shame to expose their body or incompleteness due to social phobia.
Depression
The most severe psychological issue associated with gynecomastia is depression. Individuals may feel that they have a low quality of life due to their condition. While women generally reach out to friends and relatives when they are experiencing psychological issues, men with gynecomastia have shown that they tend to conceal their mental condition. This can lead to feelings of helplessness.
Social Isolation
Many gynecomastia patients feel as if they don’t “fit in” with peers, which can lead to loneliness. Many males with gynecomastia, especiallyteens, tend to withdraw from social functions, which can lead to continued isolation as they grow into adults. Individuals may also withdraw from family and friends to conceal their breast enlargement to avoid possible teasing or judgment.
Disordered Eating
Some patients with gynecomastia may believe that weight loss can help to reduce their excess breast tissue. While weight loss may be helpful in cases ofpseudo gynecomastia, however,male breast reduction surgery is the best solution for true gynecomastia. Because of this, some patients may begin to control their eating habits in a disordered way, leading to dangerous conditions such as anorexia.
Schedule a Consultation
As you can see, gynecomastia can take an enormous toll on the mental health of those living with it. If you or a loved one are dealing with gynecomastia and are seeking treatment,Dr. Delgado can help. The most effective solution for treating gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. If you are interested in discussing your gynecomastia surgery options, pleasecontact Dr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment.
The primary concern regardinggynecomastia surgery is often the longevity of the results. Patients want to know whether or not gynecomastia surgery will provide them with permanent relief from gynecomastia symptoms, such as excess male breast tissue. Fortunately, the results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent, and below, we’ll tell you exactly why.
What is Gynecomastia?
First, let’s begin by touching ongynecomastia. This condition causes excess male breast tissue, resulting in enlarged breasts, or “man boobs”. It is often caused by an imbalance in hormone levels, which often occurs during puberty. However, gynecomastia can affect males of any age.
The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure
Unlike most body contouring procedures, which target stubborn fat, gynecomastia surgery is actually removing glandular tissue. When fat cells are removed, fat can easily reaccumulate if a patient doesn’t maintain healthy lifestyle habits. But the tissue that is removed will not grow back. The appearance of “man boobs” is caused by excess breast tissue in the chest, not the presence of fat cells. So, when this tissue is removed via gynecomastia surgery, it permanently removes it from the body, along with excess skin, and provides a long-lasting sculpted appearance.
After Your Gynecomastia Surgery
Keep in mind that the results from your gynecomastia surgery will largely be reliant on how you handle your recovery period and your lifestyle following treatment. While gynecomastia can permanently eliminate excess breast tissue, it cannot prevent the accumulation of fat in the chest and surrounding areas. You need to be aware that future weight gain may cause body fat accumulation in the chest where gynecomastia once affected you. Fortunately, as this is just fat-related weight gain, it can be more easily eliminated with diet andgynecomastia exercise when necessary.
Do I Need Gynecomastia Surgery?
The first step in determining if you need gynecomastia surgery is determining whether your symptoms are actually gynecomastia-related. If so, you’ve probably noticed that your chest remains unchanged despite diet and exercise habits. If you merely have stubborn fat in the chest, there may be other treatment options, including non-surgical ones, that will be more suitable than gynecomastia surgery. In cases where the appearance of man boobs is a result of gynecomastia and the buildup of fatty tissue and glandular tissue in the chest, gynecomastia surgery is often the best course of treatment to produce the desired chest contours.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you ready to treat your enlarged male breast tissue once and for all? If you are interested in learning more about male breast reduction surgery, pleasecontact Dr. Delgado today. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he is highly skilled in performing male breast reduction surgery on patients of all backgrounds to help improve their quality of life.Dr. Delgado has two convenient locations in Novato, CA, and San Francisco, CA.
When undergoing any type of surgical procedure, anesthesia will be used to keep the patient comfortable and allow for a safe procedure. Read on to learn more about the anesthesia options used for male breast surgery.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlarged male breasts in both boys and men. Male breast enlargement can be caused by a range of factors, including hormonal imbalance, certain medications, illegal drugs, and more.
It is important to understand the difference between truegynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia. While true gynecomastia is caused by an increase in glandular tissue and breast tissue, pseudo-gynecomastia is primarily caused by excess fatty tissue to weight gain.
The most effective solution for true gynecomastia isgynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction surgery. This procedure can be performed under a number of different types of anesthesia. Read on to learn more.
General anesthesia causes patients to fall into a sleep-like state with the use of a combination of medicines. This type of anesthesia is performed with an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask, also called an LMA. This is a lighter form of general anesthesia. It is considered a safe form of anesthesia for those without serious health conditions.
Local Anesthesia
This type of anesthesia is used to numb a specific area of the body and contains an infiltration of lidocaine, marcaine, epinephrine, and bicarbonate. Unlike general anesthesia, local anesthetics do not cause you to lose consciousness. Because of this, they are generally safer, and are associated with quicker recovery.
IV (Intravenous) Sedation
IV sedation refers to the administering of medication through the blood. Sedation relaxes you and sometimes makes you fall asleep. This type of sedation is often used for shorter, less complex procedures.
Determining Your Anesthesia for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Delgado performs the majority of male breast reduction surgery under light general anesthesia. This is because it gives him total control during surgery and keeps the patient comfortable, as well as avoids excess bleeding for the best outcomes.
The best way to determine which anesthesia option is best for you is to discuss your procedure with a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Delgado during a consultation appointment.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are tired of living with gynecomastia and are seeking male breast reduction treatment, please contact Dr. Delgado in San Francisco, CA today! You can give us a call or fill out ouronline contact form to get started.
Boys and males who suffer from enlarged male breasts often have a condition called gynecomastia. This condition is not life-threatening but can take a negative toll on the mental health of those living with it. Gynecomastia can actually be divided up into seven different types. Read on to learn more about these types and the best gynecomastia treatment option.
True Gynecomastia
True gynecomastia is caused by excess breast tissue and glandular tissue, causing large male breasts. This cannot be resolved with weight loss alone, and gynecomastia surgery is the only long-term solution.
Adult Gynecomastia
Adult gynecomastia usually affects men around the age of 50, because this is when “male menopause” begins, resulting in a decrease in testosterone production. In fact, one in four men will develop gynecomastia symptoms between the ages of 50 and 80. However, adult gynecomastia may also be the result of untreated adolescent gynecomastia.
Adolescent Gynecomastia
Adolescent gynecomastia affects teenagers due to a hormone imbalance caused by puberty. The most common symptoms include tenderness in the chest area, nipple soreness and sensitivity, a small lump beneath the nipple, and a puffy or shiny look to the nipple. If left untreated, this condition may follow patients into their adult years.
Medication-Induced Gynecomastia
In some cases, gynecomastia can be caused by certain prescription medications. The most common medications associated with gynecomastia include those for high blood pressure, ulcers, antidepressants, HIV, and prostate cancer. Illegal drugs that can lead to male breast growth include marijuana and heroin.
Steroid-Induced Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can also be brought on by the use ofanabolic steroids. This type is common among bodybuilders and athletes.
Severe Gynecomastia
Patients with severe gynecomastia will have severely large breasts and excess skin. Older men or those who are obese with diminished skin elasticity may experience this form of gynecomastia.
Pseudo-Gynecomastia
Pseudo-gynecomastia, or false gynecomastia, is the result of fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue and can often be resolved with weight loss.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
The best way to treat gynecomastia is with male breast reduction surgery. During this surgical procedure, Dr. Delgado will remove excess glandular tissue, remove excess breast tissue, and eliminate excess fat with liposuction techniques for a more masculine chest contour. He will create a personalized treatment plan for you that includes the best incision patterns and liposuction technique to help you reach your body goals.
This is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can return home to heal. You will need to wear a special compression garment during healing to reduce swelling and support your new chest contour. Also, be sure to follow Dr. Delgado’s instructions regarding pain medication for proper healing.
Schedule a Consultation for Gynecomastia Surgery in San Francisco
If you are bothered by enlarged male breasts, please do not hesitate to contact board-certified plastic surgeon,Miguel Delgado, MD. To schedule a one-on-one consultation regarding the male breast reduction treatment, please contact our San Francisco office today by giving us a call or filling out ouronline form.
