Male Breast Reduction / Gynecomastia
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Male Breast Reduction / Gynecomastia Surgery in Vancouver
Men who have excess breast tissue on their chest may benefit from male breast reduction surgery. Many men will develop excess tissue in their chest area during adolescence, while some can have a hormonal imbalance. Medications that contain estrogen or use of steroids may lead to this condition.
The Surgical Experience
Gynecomastia surgery is performed through a combination of special liposuction technique and excision. A small incision is made around the areola (intra-areolar). This incision is typically 1.5 cm in length, and is not readily visible once healed. This incision allows access for lipousction, and for removal of excess fat and breast tissue. In severe gynecomastia cases, following resection of excessive breast tissue, tightening of loose skin may be necessary. All male breast reduction procedures are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure at an accredited surgical facility. The surgery typically lasts 2 hours. Following surgery, there will be some swelling and a compression garment will be worn for 4 weeks. Most patients are able to resume normal work schedules within 5-7 days and incorporate exercise within 4 weeks. In most cases, scarring is inconspicuous.
Cost
The cost of gynecomastia surgery varies based on the extent of the surgery. The cost runs from $8,000 to $10,000.
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FAQs
A common condition characterized by the development of breast tissue upon the male chest. It can range from mild with small deposits just behind the nipple, to severe involving the majority of the anterior chest wall resulting in a true male breast or ‘man-boob’.
Most frequently treatment requires a combination of excision (cutting out) of the breast tissue and liposuction of the excess fatty tissue. In a minority of cases liposuction alone can be effective. Our surgeons will discuss your individual case and what is the best approach during your consultation.
Typically, the scars are around the lower ½ of the nipple and in the majority of patients these settle down extremely well.
Showering and bathing:
Showering can commence the day after surgery as your dressings are showerproof. Do not shower in very hot water, rather use a more moderate water temperature. At the end of the second week it is usually OK to start taking baths, if your surgeon is happy with your healing.
Exercise:
Very light regular daily activities are allowed by day 2 after surgery, but these may be sore initially. Depending on the recovery and the first post-operative visit, you can increase your activity level after the first 2 weeks.You should not do any activity that increases your heart rate above 120 beats per minute for the first 4 weeks. It is important to ‘listen’ to your body: if an activity hurts or causes much discomfort then wait longer. Do not participate in any strenuous activity until 6 weeks after your surgery. This includes: heavy lifting/weight lifting, extreme stretching exercises such as yoga, strenuous sporting activities.
Driving:
You must not drive for 48 hours after a general anesthetic. Driving can typically begin again 5-7 days post-surgery.
Sleeping:
Make sure to sleep on your back and prop yourself up with pillows. This will help facilitate getting in and out of bed. Avoid sleeping on your belly or side for 6 weeks following your procedure.
Work:
Return to work depends very much on the individual and the type of work activity you perform. Most individuals can return to work in some capacity 1-2 weeks post-surgery (typically 1 week).
Follow-up:
Follow-up is tailored to the individual case but typically occurs, 1-2 weeks post-surgery, 4-6 weeks, and 3-6 months post surgery.
Use of a drain is dependent on the nature of the surgery and at the discretion of the surgery. Typically, no drains are required.
Yes, you will be provided with a compression garment after your surgery that you must wear for 6 weeks. It is essential that you wear this all the time for 6 weeks for the optimal cosmetic outcome. Failure to wear the garment will result in sub-par aesthetics outcomes.
Pain relief:
Most patients will experience some pain after their procedure, more so in the first few days after your surgery. The severity of pain experienced varies between individuals based on their tolerance for pain and the surgical technique used. Some women feel little to no pain whereas others will have to manage their pain level using prescription painkillers. Prior to and during surgery you will receive a combination of analgesics (painkillers) and local anesthetics to minimize post-surgery pain. Typically the operation causes minimal to modest pain. This pain can be well controlled with tablet analgesics that will be prescribed before discharge from the surgery centre. Some pain medications can cause constipation so please remember to stay well-hydrated and consider a stool softener to help.
Nausea and sickness:
Some people find that the anesthetic medication used during surgery can cause them to feel nauseous. You can try taking ginger drinks or Gravol tablets from the pharmacy, but if it persists a prescription for stronger anti-sickness medication can be provided. Even if you are feeling sick it is important to keep taking fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation.
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