Gynecomastia / Enlarged Breast in Men in Bangkok, Thailand
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that affects the breast tissue of men, resulting in the enlargement of breast tissue. Various factors, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and obesity, can cause this condition.
One of the most common causes of gynecomastia is an imbalance of hormones in the body. Men's breast tissue is sensitive to changes in hormone levels, and an increase in estrogen or a decrease in testosterone can cause the breast tissue to enlarge. This is particularly common during puberty when hormone levels fluctuate.
Certain medications can also cause gynecomastia. Some medicines used to treat prostate cancer, for example, can lead to the development of breast tissue in men. Additionally, some antidepressants and antibiotics have been linked to the condition.
Obesity can also be a contributing factor to gynecomastia. Men who are overweight may have an increased amount of breast tissue due to the presence of excess fat in the body. Fat cells can convert androgen into estrogen, leading to an imbalance in hormone levels.
Picture 1 Classification of Gynecomastia
A good candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery
A good candidate for a gynecomastia surgical procedure is typically a man who:
- Has developed breast tissue due to hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or obesity and is experiencing discomfort or embarrassment as a result.
- Has been diagnosed with gynecomastia by a medical professional and has no underlying medical conditions that would contraindicate surgery.
- Has realistic expectations for the surgery's outcome and understands the procedure's potential risks and benefits.
- Is in good physical health, does not smoke, and is at a stable weight.
- Has completed puberty. As the condition can be temporary in some cases, it is important to wait till breast development is finished.
- Understand that the surgery will leave scars, although they can be hidden in most cases.
Pre-operative Care for Gynecomastia Surgery
The pre-operative routine for gynecomastia surgery typically includes the following steps:
- Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with gynecomastia surgery experience. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine your breast tissue and discuss your goals for the surgery. They will also review your medical history and perform any necessary tests to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery.
- Laboratory Tests: Your surgeon may require blood tests, EKG or chest X-ray, and other tests to ensure that you are in good health and ready for surgery.
- Stop smoking: If you are a smoker, your surgeon will likely advise you to stop smoking for at least 4-6 weeks before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
- Medications and Supplements: You will be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, several weeks before the surgery. It would be best to inform your surgeon of any supplements or herbal remedies you are taking.
- Pre-operative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what to do before the surgery. This may include instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery and what to wear on the day of the surgery.
- Pre-operative meeting with anesthesiologist: Before the surgery, you will meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss the type of anesthesia used.
It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments leading up to the surgery. This will help ensure that the surgery goes smoothly and that you have the best possible outcome.
Post-operative Care for Gynecomastia Surgery
The post-operative care for gynecomastia surgery is an important aspect of the recovery process. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions to ensure that the surgery goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible outcome. Typically, the post-operative care for gynecomastia surgery includes the following steps:
- Pain management: You may experience pain and discomfort in the breast area for several days after the surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with pain medication to help manage the pain.
- Swelling and Bruising: After the surgery, the breast area is expected to experience swelling and bruising. These should improve within a few days and will continue to improve over the next few weeks.
- Wearing a Compression garment: Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support healing. You will need to wear this garment for several weeks after the surgery.
- Rest and Recovery: You should take it easy for the first few days after the surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least the first week after surgery.
- Follow-up Appointments: You must attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and check the healing process. Your surgeon may also give you additional instructions on how to care for yourself after the surgery.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Your surgeon will advise you to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can slow down the healing process.
- Incision Care: You must care for the incision area, keeping it clean and dry. You must avoid showering for the first 24-48 hours and use only mild soap when showering.
It is important to remember that recovery time can vary from person to person. The swelling and bruising will take time to subside, but with proper care and following your surgeon's instructions, you should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Risks and Complications for Gynecomastia Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with gynecomastia surgery. Some of the possible risks and complications include:
- Infection: An infection can occur at the surgical site and may require additional treatment.
- Hematoma or Seroma: Hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels, and seroma is a fluid collection. These can happen after surgery and may require additional treatment.
- Scarring: All surgeries leave scars, including gynecomastia surgery. However, most scars can be hidden in the underarms or around the areola.
- Numbness or Tingling: The nerves in the breast area may be damaged during the surgery, leading to numbness or tingling.
- Asymmetry: In some cases, the breast tissue may not be removed evenly, resulting in asymmetry between the two breasts.
- Changes in Sensitivity: Some men may experience changes in sensitivity in the breast area after surgery.
- Recurrence: In some cases, the breast tissue may return or grow again after surgery. This is rare but can happen if the cause of the gynecomastia is not addressed, such as hormonal imbalances.
- Unsatisfied results: In some cases, the patient may not be satisfied with the surgery's results, which may require revision surgery.
It's important to remember that most of these complications are rare and can be avoided by following your surgeon's instructions and choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon. It's also important to have realistic expectations and understand that the outcome of the surgery may not be perfect. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more detailed information on the risks and complications of the surgery during your consultation.
Getting to Know for Gynecomastia
Comparing Gynecomastia and Excess Fat
Gynecomastia and excess fat in men are two distinct conditions that are often confused with each other.
How to treat Gynecomastia or Enlarged Breast in Men?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which men develop excessive breast tissue, causing the breast to appear...
What happen if gynecomastia is not treated?
Unfortunately, many men who suffer from gynecomastia do not seek treatment, either due to a lack of...
Before & After for Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia surgery
What surgical techniques are offered at Kamol Cosmetic Hospital for treating Gynecomastia?
Kamol Cosmetic Hospital offers a variety of techniques for treating gynecomastia. Here are a few of the methods that are used at Kamol Cosmetic Hospital:
- Liposuction: This technique removes excess fat from the breast area. The surgeon makes small incisions and uses a thin tube called a cannula to suction out the excess fat.
- Excision: This technique involves incision in the breast area and removing excess breast tissue and skin. It may be used in cases with a significant amount of excess breast tissue.
- Ultrasonic Liposuction: This technique is similar to traditional liposuction but uses ultrasonic energy to break up and remove the fat before suctioning it out. This technique can remove large volumes of fat and is often used in severe gynecomastia cases.
- Vaser Liposuction: This is similar to ultrasonic liposuction, but it uses a different type of energy, called Vaser energy, to break up the fat before suctioning it out. This technique can remove large volumes of fat and is often used in severe gynecomastia cases.
- Combo surgery: This technique combines liposuction and excision to remove the fat and the glandular tissue. This technique is used in cases where there is a combination of excess fat and glandular tissue.
Note that the best technique for you will depend on each case. After examination and consultation, the surgeon will recommend the best method for your case.
