 | |
Gynaecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words
for "women-like breasts." Though this oddly named condition is
rarely talked about, it's actually quite common.
|
|
 | |
All men have some breast tissue and, as with women, some men have more breast tissue than others. In extreme cases, some young adolescents grow the equivalent of a C cup. Sometimes this can be due to a hormone imbalance, but usually there is no such abnormality. Little point is served in debating the embarrassment caused to men by this problem, many of whom confirm that they will not be seen without their shirts and who cannot go swimming or sun-bathing whilst on holiday.
Problems caused to older children at school are such as to cause many to play truant sooner than attend physical education classes where it is necessary to shower following the lesson. No amount of diet or exercise will assist in establishing a normal breast and the only option available is surgery. During consultations, patients are asked a general medical history and the surgeon will request information relating to any previous surgery.
The surgeon will also be looking for good levels of fitness and wish to be assured that you are well motivated and fully understand the procedure you are asking him to perform. The method he uses to utilise will be fully explained as will the position of any scars he feels the procedure will leave. For seven days prior to your admission to the hospital you should not take Aspirin or any product containing Aspirin. Male Breast Reduction is a permanent solution to an otherwise permanent problem.
|
|
 | |
The surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia and you will be required to stay in hospital for one night. Your surgeon will advise you at your consultation. Two methods are available for this procedure and sometimes a combination is used.
1. By making a half moon incision around or below the areola and cutting away the unwanted breast tissue.
2. With the advancement of surgical techniques and the introduction of specifically designed lipoplasty equipment, the surgeon is able to break up and draw off excess breast tissue through a fine cannula.
The breast tissue is approached from a tiny stab wound towards the armpit or under the nipple. The small incision heals well and is difficult to see. Carefully working the cannula back and forth the surgeon is able to draw off the excess breast tissue under a high vacuum. Only when the area is flat and normal in appearance will the operation come to an end.
|
|
 | |
Problems following Male Breast Reduction are not common but occasionally they do arise. Bruising is a natural result of the surgery and may persist for a week or so. Hardness or lumpiness within the tissues due to swelling can persist for a month or so.
Bleeding post operatively is rare but a drainage tube is usually used as a precaution and then removed the next morning. Infection is uncommon but if it did occur it would be necessary for a course of antibiotics to be taken. Very occasionally, following the liposuction method a further operation is required to remove tissue, which could not be removed by lipoplasty. Unfortunately, this may not manifest itself until such time as all the swelling of the area has gone down.
Dependent upon your occupation and the method used, you may return to work between one and two weeks. Lifting should be avoided for about 14 days. Sport, particularly contact sport, should be avoided for at least one month. This includes swimming. Gentle exercise such as walking is recommended.
|
|
 | |
The Male Breast Reduction is quite successful in as much as it restores confidence and relieves a major cause for distress and embarrassment. Following treatment the breast tissue does not grow back but the swelling takes six to nine months to settle completely.
|
|
 |
You will need to sleep on your back for 2 weeks. Avoid any activity that puts stress on the
wounds, this includes raising your arms above your head, lifting and twisting etc. Try using
pillows or cushions to prop yourself up. You should avoid driving for at least 7 days.
|
| To help decrease the amount of bruising and swelling, we suggest that you take Arnica for
one week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards. If you have a large area of bruising, or
it is clearing slowly, you can apply some Lasonil cream to the area with gentle massage.
|
|
Avoid strenuous exercise or anything that is likely to increase your blood pressure,
particularly within the first 10 days, otherwise these can be resumed in 4 –6 weeks. Contact
sports are to be avoided for the first two months after the surgery, as they can lead to injury of
the area.
|
|
Please avoid taking aspirin/anti inflammatory tablets as these can cause bleeding. You may
recommence your usual medication as soon as you can eat or drink unless otherwise advised.
|
|
You need to rest the area that has been suctioned as much as possible, although it is important
to move around a little. Walking around your room once an hour would be enough to try and
prevent the occurrence of a blood clot.
|
|
You may be discharged with some antibiotics and it is important that the whole course is
completed. You will also be discharged with some pain medication. If the pain killers are not
covering your pain, please advise Mr Ion’s practice nurse and we can review them.
|
| |
During office hours you are welcome to telephone or visit Mr Ion’s nurse at the consulting rooms.
Please call her prior to your visit on 0207 486 77 57.
In an emergency or in case of doubt regarding your surgery and post operative condition, out of office
hours, please contact Mr Ion’s nurse on 0774 96 44 519 or the hospital where you had your surgery:
The Wellington: 0207 586 5959
The Cromwell Hospital Resident Medical Officer: 0207 460 2000
St Luke’s Hospital: 0207 388 4954
The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth 0207 806 4000
|
|
|
|
NEXT: More Information
If you would like to know more information on Male Breast Reduction,
please do not hesitate to get in touch.
|
|
|
|
The Complete Article
About Procedure
Informative Brochure
