San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Tom Pousti
Talks About Gynecomastia

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Description

Gynecomastia is defined as the visible or palpable development of breast tissue in boys or men. Gynecomastia is a condition in which males develop enlargement of the breast. This is quite common in adolescents and is often first noted at the onset of puberty. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men. It may affect only one breast or both. When gynecomastia is severe, when it persists, and in those cases where there is suspicion of malignancy surgical treatment may be indicated. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. In most cases, the incisions for this operation can be placed just inside the areolar border where they are less likely to be conspicuous.

The Surgical Procedures

The glandular tissue must be removed. This firm fibrous tissue extends from the nipple areolar complex down to the surface of the pectoral muscle beneath. In some cases, it is helpful to use liposuction to remove some of the fatty tissue which always surrounds this ductal tissue. Without this liposuction some patients would have a “donut” shaped defect after removal of the ductal tissue.

The most common complication following surgical removal of the ductal tissue is hematoma. When severe this could lead to a second operation to drain the collection of blood. Some residual deformity of the nipple areolar area may remain despite the best efforts of the surgeon. As with any operation, a wound infection could occur. Inadvertent injury to the blood supply of the nipple areolar region could result in loss of skin in the nipple areolar area. There would be the usual anesthetic risks associated with any surgical procedure. These complications and other even rarer complications do not occur often and the vast majority of patients undergoing this operation are very pleased and adopt a more normal life style with regard to exposure of the chest in normal social situations such as the beach.

Patient Testimonial:

I’m happy to have chosen Dr. Pousti to perform my gynecomastia surgery. He has an excellent staff, all whom were attentive at all times. Every day for a week after surgery I received check up calls to ensure my recovery was progressing smoothly. The doctor was also very straight forward about the risks of the procedure and provided me a realistic explanation of what results I could expect. I am about two weeks in recovery now and feeling great. I’m happy to have done the procedure and recommend to anyone thinking about gynecomastia surgery to consider Dr. Pousti.

What to Expect After Surgery

Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Pousti. In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

You’ll be swollen and bruised for awhile–in fact, you may wonder if there’s been any improvement at all. To help reduce swelling, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

Resumption of Physical Activities

You’ll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough–which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Your surgeon may advise you to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, and heavy exercise for about three weeks. You’ll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you’re back to all of your normal activities.

You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.

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Click here to learn more about San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti. To schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation in our San Diego office, call (619) 466-8851 or email appointments@pousti.com.