Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia at Sullivan Surgery & Spa
Gynecomastia is fairly common. It is a physiologic phenomenon that occurs during puberty when at least half of males experience enlargement of one or both breasts. Gynecomastia is also common among elderly men, particularly when there is associated weight gain.
Many things might cause gynecomastia. A number of researchers believe that in many cases (but not all), an altered androgen/estrogen ratio, certain medication or alcohol and drug abuse can cause changes in cellular elements in breast tissue. The most uniformly effective therapy at any stage is the surgical removal of the breast tissue through an incision in the breast. In patients with a large amount of breast tissue, liposuction may be performed at the time of surgery to improve the cosmetic results.
Who Is a Candidate?
- Men who have excessively large breasts
- Men who have excess or sagging tissue in their chest area after losing a large amount of weight
Procedure Description
- Excess breast tissue or fat can be removed with liposuction, excision or a combination of both
- Excess skin can be excised
- The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia but can be done with sedation and local anesthesia.
Recuperation & Healing
- You will go home several hours after surgery to be cared for by a friend or relative
- A compression vest or chest wrapping is usually indicated for a week or two alter surgery to help reduce swelling
- Sutures are usually removed within 7-10 days after surgery