If you have chosen to undergo male breast reduction surgery to correct enlarged male breasts, it is understandable that you may have questions regarding the procedure. Understanding what to expect after gynecomastia surgery can help to ease anxiety and make you feel more comfortable about the experience.
The goal of this procedure, of course, is to correct gynecomastia, reduce the size of the male breast and to leave a masculine-contoured chest. Removing too much breast tissue may result in a “crater deformity” and may necessitate further surgery. If not enough excess tissue is removed, additional surgery may also be needed. It is important to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia to ensure you see the best possible results.
What to Expect After Your Male Breast Reduction Procedure
After surgery, you will most likely be wearing a compression garment to help support the new chest contour and avoid complications. You will also have drains in place. After two or three days the drains will be removed. The sutures are usually removed after one week. The compression vest is to be worn 24/7 for six weeks and is only to be removed when showering. Showering is allowed when the drain incisions have completely closed in about two to three days after removal. When the vest is removed, men need to understand what they see is not the final result of their male breast reduction. The incisions around the bottom half of the areola are evident, but when they have healed, they are almost invisible due to the change in skin texture.
The drain incision, which is very small, can leave a visible scar on the side of the chest. However, sensitive to men’s comments about the drain scar, Dr. Miguel Delgado now positions the drain incision high in the armpit area and is well hidden. Viewing the chest at the early healing stage can be very disconcerting for many patients.
Swelling is normal after any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure and is part of the natural healing process, it can last for several weeks, and some residual swelling can last several months. Swelling occurs to increase blood supply to the surgical area; this is to bring extra nutrients that promote healing. The inflammation also helps fight off infections. However, excess swelling and inflammation need to be watched closely for a possible hematoma, an abnormal collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.
When viewing your surgical results a few days after surgery, do not be alarmed if your chest still looks full. As the swelling subsides, the true contour of the chest will become evident, and the ability to go shirtless will finally be a reality. According to many postings on the website RealSelf.com, it is clear that many men are concerned about their puffy nipples after surgery. This has the potential of becoming a problem if all the swelling has subsided. Usually, if puffy nipples remain, it is an indication that not enough breast tissue was removed from behind the nipple, especially if liposuction alone was performed and there wasn’t any excision of breast tissue. This can be corrected but entails another surgery. Choose your gynecomastia surgeon carefully!
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about gynecomastia surgery in San Francisco, please contact Dr. Delgado’s office today. Your first step will be to schedule a one on one consultation to determine the best plan of action for you to achieve the desired result.
Gynecomastia San Francisco FAQs
What can I expect during my initial consultation?
During your consultation appointment with Dr. Delgado, you will discuss your medical history and any current medical conditions, and a physical exam may be performed. He will then speak with you regarding which surgical procedure is right for you to achieve optimal results.
What causes gynecomastia in males?
There are an array of possible causes of gynecomastia. The most common cause is a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. However, anabolic steroids and certain medications can also cause excess breast tissue and glandular tissue in males.
What is false gynecomastia?
False gynecomastia, also called pseudo gynecomastia, is a term used to describe enlarged breasts in males due to weight gain. This condition can commonly be corrected with weight loss from a healthy diet and exercise.
So, you have put in the work and have finally shed that stubborn extra weight, congratulations! While you are now a healthier version of yourself, you may notice that you are left with excess skin and tissue on your body, including on your chest. This can result in the look of enlarged breasts, which some people call “man boobs“. Thankfully, gynecomastia surgery after weight loss is an effective solution to help you enjoy your new body without that excess tissue. Read on to learn more about what gynecomastia is, what to expect during surgery, and how this procedure can be especially beneficial after losing weight.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes an increase in breast tissue on the male chest. It is usually caused by hormonal changes or an imbalance in hormone levels, but may also be caused by certain medications, certain drugs, and the use of anabolic steroids. Surgical correction is often the best option for those who have not found success with other avenues.
What to Expect During Gynecomastia Surgery After Weight Loss
Gynecomastia surgery after weight loss requires the expertise of a board-certified gynecomastia specialist. There can be a large amount of skin, fat, and tissue after weight loss that requires special skills for reduction beyond the traditional male breast reduction surgery.
For some men, the 2 stage procedure is an excellent solution to remaining tissue and skin after weight loss. The first stage reduces the amount of skin and tissue by excision in a doughnut shape around the areola which is then closed with purse string-type sutures. The second stage can be done as an office procedure under local anesthesia.
The 2 stage procedure is not an option for some men with excessive amounts of skin to be removed. In order to achieve a more masculine chest, your surgeon will need to make incisions around the areola, and vertical to the breast crease, known as an inverted T or the anchor incision. This incision will leave visible scars, but most men are comfortable with the trade-off.
Gynecomastia After Weight Loss
After Gynecomastia Surgery
Unless the patient is prone to keloids or developing raised scars, the incision heals nicely. However, for those who end up with more visible scarring, there are several treatments today that can minimize the final result. A skilled gynecomastia surgeon will use deep suturing techniques to reduce tension on the skin.
Silicone sheeting has proved to be a good treatment once the incision has healed by keeping the skin hydrated. Steroid injections, massaging, and laser treatments are all possible treatments. For the most difficult scars, scar revision surgery may be needed.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
For the best possible results, it is important that you seek out a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your male breast reduction surgery. With more than 30 years of success treating gynecomastia patients, you can feel confident that you are in good hands with Dr. Delgado. To learn more about gynecomastia surgery and if it is right for you, please contactDr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs
Is gynecomastia surgery a cosmetic surgery?
Yes, if a surgery is electively chosen for cosmetic reasons, it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Gynecomastia surgery falls under this umbrella.
Can obesity cause gynecomastia?
Those who are experiencing enlarged male breasts due to excess fatty tissue have what is known as pseudo-gynecomastia. Weight loss is an effective way for those who are overweight to reduce the size of their chest.
What can I expect during a consultation?
During a consultation, you will have a chance to speak with Dr. Delgado regarding your medical history and the reason for wanting to correct your gynecomastia. He will determine if you are an ideal candidate and then create a personalized treatment plan to help boost your self-confidence and overall sense of well-being.
If you’re in the process of learning more aboutgynecomastia, you’ve likely come across information about gynecomastia surgery and how it can help reduce breast tissue and fat. Plastic surgery can be a big commitment for anyone, so it’s normal to feel hesitant about going through with such a life-changing experience. One thing we recommend to be part of your research process is reading more about other men’s experiences with gynecomastia surgery. By reading firsthand accounts of men who have undergone gynecomastia surgery, you can get a trustworthy look at the whole experience from the first consultation to the operation to the final result. Here are a few reasons to explore testimonials andpersonal experiences as you consider your options with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Delgado.
They Spread Awareness
Many men go throughlife with gynecomastia and excess breast tissue without realizing that there are treatment options. Although “man boobs” are the butt of many jokes, gynecomastia is a medical condition that can be a serious detractor from your self-confidence. It’s normal for men to think they’re alone in being worried about the appearance of their chest until they encounter other men online who face the same problems. The more men learn about gynecomastia, the less likely they are to experience emotional distress and self-consciousness about it – especially after cosmetic surgery.
They Can Boost Your Courage
Learning more aboutgynecomastia surgery can be one thing, but going through with a consultation can be another. For many men, opening up about being self-conscious of enlarged breasts can cause embarrassment – especially when gynecomastia is already met with ridicule. Reading other men’s experiences with gynecomastia surgeons who understand the unique challenges of life with male breast tissue can help steer you in the right direction and boost your courage when it comes to scheduling an appointment.
They Help Build Community
Men with gynecomastia can feel extremely isolated for a lot of reasons. For some men, their self-consciousness prevents them from engaging in social activities with friends or family. Others may feel alone in their emotional discomfort of living with gynecomastia. Reading or watching other men’s experiences with male breast reduction surgery can help you feel a sense of community. By learning more about other men facing similar issues or even interacting on online forums, you can find answers and get support for your next steps.
They Help Manage Expectations
There’s a huge amount of information available about gynecomastia and male breast reduction surgery, but it’s not always relevant to your experience and expectations. Testimonials and reviews from other gynecomastia patients can help you understand the ins and outs of gynecomastia surgery with specific plastic surgeons you may be considering. You can find recommendations, advice, and tips from actual patients so you can better understand what to expect. And you can also see firsthand the life-changing results that can boost well-being and confidence.
Read Real Gynecomastia Stories
If you’re exploring your options with gynecomastia surgery, then Dr. Delgado can help. We maintain the largest online community of gynecomastia patients dedicated to offering support and helping men learn more about their options. The Dr. Delgado YouTube channel is an additional resource where you can find patient stories and experiences that you may find relatable to your gynecomastia journey. Visit ouronline forums and schedule avirtual consultation with Dr. Delgado in San Francisco or Novato, CA today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gynecomastia surgery worth it?
The vast majority of men who undergo male breast reduction surgery remark that they should’ve decided to go through with gynecomastia treatment years ago. For most of Dr. Delgado’s gynecomastia patients, the procedure and its confidence-boosting results are a complete success.
Can you get rid of gynecomastia without surgery?
This answer will be unique for each person. In some cases, gynecomastia can go away by simply waiting or implementing lifestyle changes. In other cases, surgical removal is the other way to get rid of male breasts.
Should I worry about gynecomastia?
Most often, gynecomastia is not harmful to your health (unless there are underlying health causes). However, many men still experience symptoms like anxiety and depression – in which case, plastic surgery with a qualified and experienced gynecomastia doctor can be beneficial.
