Gynecomastia: breast treatment in humans

Gynecomastia

The gynecomastia is the development of the mammary gland in men. The goal of this surgery is to reduce the mammary volume, often considered unaesthetic, and to retrieve a more masculine torso. This type of plastic surgery is also called “gynecomastia cure”. Details of the intervention, hospitalization modalities, cost…. La Clinique du Lac tells you everything you need to know about it!

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia for men represents the important development of the mammary gland centered on the areola. In most cases, Gynecomastia is bilateral. This plastic surgery removes the hypertrophic mammary gland to reduce the prominent male breast. Men who consider this surgery are usually embarrassed by these bulging breasts. 

It is important to differentiate Gynecomastia from adipomastia, which concerns people who are overweight and are considering removing the excess of fat.

Gynecomastia: practical information

There are multiple reasons causing gynecomastia. Hormones or medicine can cause it. Gynecomastia can also happen for no identified reason. It is in this specific context that a “gynecomastia cure” is scheduled. This is why it is important to run tests (hormone doses and radios) beforehand to detect its origin. As soon as its origin is found, the proper treatment allows the resorbing of gynecomastia. If the tests were not conclusive, then the surgery is considered.

Gynecomastia surgery: objectives and principles

The main goal is to reduce or erase the swelling of the breasts to retrieve a more masculine and aesthetic torso. First, by reducing the mammary volume, and second, by reducing the excess of skin when the volume is too prominent. 

What you need to know before the intervention : 

As mentioned before, a check-up is necessary to research the cause of the gynecomastia. It can be initiated by the general practitioner or by an endocrinologist. Your practitioner at Clinique du Lac can guide you and decide when it is best for you to undergo the surgery if it hasn’t already been done. 

Before the surgery, a pre-operatory blood test is realized alongside a consultation with an anesthesia doctor. 

At least 10 days prior to the surgery, it is necessary to not take any other medicine with aspirin or anti-inflammatory. 

As suggested before every surgery, it is important to stop smoking because it can delay the healing process. 

Gynecomastia: types of anesthesia and hospitalization modalities

The Gynecomastia surgery is done under general anesthesia but sometimes can be done under a deep local anesthesia or a simple local anesthesia. 

Thanks to the ambulatory surgery, the intervention is done during the day and the patient can leave at night. 

Gynecomastia : the intervention

The surgeon does an incision on the inferior edge of the areola to take the mammary gland off. If necessary, he does a liposuction of the thorax to create an harmonious result. On a regular basic the intervention lasts 2 hours. 

The scar is discrete. It is located on the rim of the areola and after the healing process becomes almost invisible. Tis being said, if the excess of skin is important, the scars will completely blend in. but in this case, your doctor would have mentioned it to you prior to it. 

A drain is then placed to eliminate the blood and lymphatic residues. After the compression band-aid is placed, the patient stays a few hours under post-operatory surveillance before returning to his or her home. 

You will need ten days of convalescence after the surgery and the operated zone needs to be disinfected daily. A few weeks later patients like the results; the time for the swelling to go away and the excess of skin to retract around the pectoral muscle. 

Cost of Gynecomastia

Every surgery is unique. This is why you will get a detailed and personalised quote established by your doctor at Clinique du Lac.