Gynecomastia refers to enlargement of the male breast and can be informally known as male boobs or moobs. In the vast majority of men, there is no known cause for abnormal male breast development. Gynecomastia treatment, or male breast reduction, involves the removal of fat and breast tissue, resulting in a chest that is flatter and better contoured.
Gynecomastia surgery Canada should not be considered a substitute for weight reduction. The best results are seen in men with average body weights and firm skin tone. Also, certain drugs (eg. marijuana, anabolic steroids) and medical conditions (eg. liver disease) can aggravate gynecomastia – these should be dealt with before considering gynecomastia surgery.
Dr. Edelstein discusses anesthesia
This procedure is usually performed under General Anesthesia. An Anesthetist is always present. If you have any particular problems with anesthesia, please let us know.
The procedure takes up to 2 hours.
Two incisions are usually made for each breast. The incisions are very small, no more than 1 centimeter, placed inconspicuously near the armpit, adjacent to the flat part of the nipple (the ‘areola’), or at the outer edge of the fold under the breast.
Gynecomastia in men is most commonly treated with ultrasonic liposuction. First, a salt water and anesthetic solution is injected – this is called tumescence. An ultrasound probe is then inserted into the fat and breast tissue. Vibration of the probe liquefies these tissues. Finally, a thin, long, hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted under the skin through the small incision. A high pressure suction machine removes the fat and / or breast tissue as the cannula is moved back and forth underneath the skin. Tumescent and Ultrasonic Liposuction are the state of the art in this type of surgery. They help to reduce bruising and swelling, and to speed recovery.
Much less commonly, it is necessary to make a longer incision part way around the nipple in order to remove breast tissue under the nipple. Rarely, excess skin also needs to be removed.
Gynecomastia surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day once you have recovered from the anesthetic.
Stitches are removed between 7-10 days. Sometimes dissolving stitches are used that don’t have to be removed.
Most people feel tender and bruised post gynecomastia surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain. Pain medication will make you comfortable.
You should plan to be off work for 4-7 days. During that time you are encouraged to go for leisurely walks. Athletic activities usually have to wait until approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
A support garment is worn for 6 weeks – night and day for the first three weeks, and then during the day for another three weeks. This garment will help reduce swelling and conform the skin to your new shape. Showering is permitted on the second day after surgery. Massage of the treated areas will begin 7-10 days after surgery to help decrease the swelling faster and to smooth out any irregularities. Scars will initially be red and a little raised, but over 3-6 months they usually get lighter in colour and flatten out.
Reduction in the size of male breasts can be predictably achieved. The scars are usually well hidden. Most patients are very happy with their results.
The procedure re-contours the body by reducing the number of cells. This is permanent. If one does gain a significant amount of weight, however, the cells that do remain can enlarge diminishing the benefits. Overall contour, however, remains improved.
Make sure you let me know your complete medical history as well as any medications, drugs, vitamins, or natural herbs you are taking. For example, diabetes is known to affect wound healing after gynecomastia plastic surgery.
Smoking also affects your ability to heal, and I recommend that you stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory pills (like anaprox or motrin), and vitamin E also should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery because they can cause extra bleeding.Gynecomastia Surgery CostThe procedure will be customized according to your specific aesthetic goals. As a result, a quote for the cost of gynecomastic treatment for you will be provided during your private medical consultation with your Plastic Surgeon.
Our Plastic Surgeons are recognized as some of the best gynecomastia surgeons in Canada by our patients. We strive to make sure all of our patients are well informed. Your questions are more than welcome.
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