Breast development is a normal physiological phenomenon for every girl, but even in boys during puberty a certain activity of the mammary gland is observed, which, with the passage of adolescence, ceases until the gland shrinks and atrophies. Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by exaggerated development of the mammary glands (consisting of glandular tissue and fat) in men. For about 40% of boys after the age of 14, some presence of gynecomastia is normal and the breast can be somewhat developed, but then it shrinks in 90% of cases. Gynecomastia can occur in two forms: “true” – growth of the mammary gland with the same structure as that of the woman and “false or pseudo-gynecomastia” – only accumulation of fat. However, often in a male, both phenomena are present, exaggerated development of the gland and accumulation of fat. In addition to congenital cases, gynecomastia can also be caused by the side effects of certain medications, alcohol and marijuana abuse, etc. Other causes of gynecomastia can also be endocrine disorders, tumors and some chronic diseases. Often, it is not possible to eliminate gynecomastia with diet or exercise. In such cases, the preferred solution for this phenomenon is surgery, which is effective and definitive. The type of surgery varies depending on whether it is “True” or “pseudo-gynecomastia”. While in the first case it is necessary to remove the entire abnormally developed mammary gland, in the second the micro-liposuction procedure is preferred. In “true” gynecomastia the surgery is performed with an incision around the areola while in “pseudo-gynecomastia” a small hole on the side of the chest is sufficient. The scars in both cases are almost invisible. Gynecomastia surgery can be performed at any age, after the completion of male physical development.
What should we know about the procedure?
- Before the procedure, pre-operative tests are performed (blood count and blood group, coagulation tests, biochemical, viral, pregnancy and urine tests, visit with the cardiologist and ECG, visit with the anesthetist, etc.).
Starmed applies totally intravenous general anesthesia, which keeps blood pressure low, reduces the risk of bleeding and hematomas, minimizes the risk of nausea and vomiting and, for this type of surgery, is safer and more comfortable for the patient, as well as allowing the surgeon to work in optimal conditions.
The average duration is about 1 – 2 hours, depending on the areas to be treated.
One night’s hospital stay in the clinic.
Mild – moderate and normally tolerable pain.
Hematomas and edema in the operated areas that gradually disappear within 15 – 20 days.
Small scars around the areola or others of 3 – 5 mm, almost invisible at the insertion points of the liposuction cannulas.
Rapid recovery period, with gradual improvement in the appearance of the treated areas, the result is considered definitive 4 – 6 months after the procedure.
Post-operative advice:
- Use of oral antibiotics, usually up to 5 days after surgery.
Wound dressings every 3 – 4 days with the clinic staff.
Removal of stitches 8 – 10 days after surgery.
Avoid forced movements and heavy lifting for two weeks to a month after surgery.
Do not drive for the first 1 – 2 weeks after surgery.
Gradual return to physical activity 1 – 2 months after surgery, according to the advice of Starmed staff.
Special elastic bandage around the chest for 4 weeks after surgery.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Post-operative check-ups with Starmed staff according to our clinical protocols.