What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia in men refers to a significant development of the mammary gland centered on the areola. In most cases, gynecomastia is bilateral. The aim of this cosmetic surgery procedure is to remove the enlarged mammary gland in order to reduce this bulky male chest. Gynecomastia is to be distinguished from adipomastia, which involves the removal of excess fat from overweight individuals.
Gynecomastia: practical information
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia has many causes. They may be hormonal in origin, or linked to the use of certain medications. But gynecomastia can also occur without any identified cause. In such cases, a "gynecomastia cure" can be scheduled.
That's why it's essential to first carry out a thorough check-up to identify the causes of gynecomastia, using hormone levels and X-rays. Once the cause has been identified, gynecomastia can be treated appropriately.
If the check-ups fail to identify a cause, gynecomastia correction surgery is an option.
Gynecomastia: objectives and principles
The main aim is to reduce, or even eliminate, breast swelling in order to achieve a more masculine-looking torso. This is achieved firstly by reducing the volume of the breasts, and secondly by reducing excess skin when this is too great.
What you need to know before surgery
Essential preparation steps and precautions to follow
As mentioned above, a check-up is necessary to find the cause of gynecomastia. This can be initiated by your GP or an endocrinologist. If this has not yet been done, your Clinique du Lac practitioner can accompany you and then decide when is the right time to perform the operation.
Before the operation itself, a pre-operative blood test is carried out, as well as a consultation with the anaesthetist.
It is essential not to take any medication containing aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 10 days before the operation. As with any surgery, it is advisable to stop smoking, as this can delay healing.
Gynecomastia: type of anesthesia and hospitalization conditions
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia, sometimes under local anesthesia, and sometimes under local anesthesia. Thanks to outpatient surgery, the operation is performed during the day and the patient can leave the hospital the same evening.
Gynecomastia correction: the procedure
The surgeon makes an incision along the lower edge of the areola to remove the mammary gland. If necessary, liposuction of the thorax is performed to create a harmonious result. Gynecomastia surgery generally takes around 2 hours.
The scar is discreet. It is located around the areola and, following healing, is virtually invisible. That said, if the excess skin is significant, the scars will be more visible. But in this case, your surgeon will have informed you in advance.
A drain is then placed to remove blood and lymphatic residues. Finally, once the pressure dressing has been applied, the patient remains under post-operative supervision for a few hours before being discharged home.
Following the operation, a ten-day convalescence period is recommended, and the operated area must be disinfected daily. Patients appreciate the final result a few weeks later. This is the time it takes for the swelling to subside and the excess skin to retract around the contours of the pectoral muscle.
Rates for gynecomastia
Every operation is unique. That's why, at your appointment with your Clinique du Lac practitioner, he or she will draw up a customized estimate for you.
SEE ALL OUR PRICES