Female Breast Reduction And Gynecomastia In Males By Dr. Ajaya Kashyap,md,facs

By Author: Ajaya Kashyap
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FEMALE BREAST REDUCTION AND GYNECOMASTIA IN MALES

By Dr. Ajaya Kashyap, MD, FACS

American Board Certified – General Surgery

American Board Certified – Plastic Surgery



Breast Reduction is a very popular procedure to help women who suffer from very large ptotic breasts with back and shoulder discomfort. The surgery enhances the look of the breasts but it is most gratifying for the relief it gives from back and shoulder discomfort.
Breast reduction for men is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.



Breast Hypertrophy, Macromastia, or Gigantomastia are different terms used to describe excessive breast enlargement in women. This can occur at any age and is quite common in India although the surgery is most common in the US.



The breasts become large and heavy and droopy or ‘ptotic’ which is a cause of a lot of back, shoulder and chest discomfort. Imagine walking around with two large bags of flour hanging around your neck and then imagine the relief when someone takes this load off.
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The relief after this procedure is such that most US insurances cover this procedure unlike any other Cosmetic procedure Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs. Most often, however there is no known cause.Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities, such as swimming, simply to hide their condition.



Gynecomastia is characterized by



* Excess localized fat

* Excess glandular tissue development

* A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue

* Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally




Preparing For Your Surgery


You'll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, when to stop smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.



Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed


Breast Reduction surgery is performed in a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center. If you are admitted to the hospital, your stay will be a short one. The surgery itself usually takes one to three hours, but may take longer in some cases where other procedures are performed in conjunction.



The Surgery


Female Breast reduction involves removal of excess skin, fat and Breast tissue in addition to lifting and repositioning the nipple. The latest techniques involve small incisions and the use of ultrasonic liposuction. The scars with the new techniques are hidden and settle down very well.


Male Breast reduction surgery can be performed in 2 ways depending on the severity of the problem – first is just liposuction alone, the second is liposuction in conjunction with gland removal and tissue excision. A useful addition is the use of Ultrasonic liposuction which is now available in a few centers in India. There are no visible scars after male breast reduction.


Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia if tissue removal, gland reduction and liposuction is performed; if only liposuction is performed the procedure can take place under local anesthesia.



After Your Surgery


After surgery, you'll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical garment. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.


The bandages will be removed a two days to five after surgery, though you'll continue wearing the surgical garment around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in two weeks after female breast reduction. Male brest reduction most often involves no sutures to be removed as the suture line is in the brown skin around the nipple (areola)



Getting Back to Normal


Although you will be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks.


Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most men and women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about one to two weeks.



Your New Look


Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months before your chest area settles into their new, improved shape. This is one of the most gratifying surgeries for both the surgeon and the patient and the boost in self image for most patients is tremendous.