|
|
GYNECOMASTY INTRODUCTION Reduction of gynecomasty
is not a medical decision, but a personal option. The way people
see themselves will define them as persons, helping them obtain social
recognition and approval. For some men a decrease in the size of their
chest will not represent an advantage, but the operation will offer great
personal satisfaction to those having a hyper-developed chest resembling
female breasts. Your friends and the
members of your family may give you their opinion regarding this procedure,
the plastic surgeon may offer you medical advice, but it is only you
who decides what is best for you. This type of operation
has been performed for more than 50 years and a large number of men have
reaped benefits from the procedure. Gynecomasty is the
excessive development of the mammary gland in males. The exact causes
are not known, but a connection was found between gynecomasty and administration
of certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, spironolactone, consumption
of alcohol and drug addiction as well as obesity. This condition may lead to mental blocks that deter social integration, inhibition among young people and adults.
The surgical intervention
consists of lypo-aspiration at the level of the mammary gland, which is
performed using cannules and vacuum aspirator by making small incisions
in the lower part of the mammary gland. The purpose of the
operation is to decrease the content of the tegumental envelope and to
give the chest a male aspect. Also, in the case
of massive gynecomasty the reduction mastectomy is performed, a procedure
to eliminate skin and glandular tissue in sufficient amounts to lead to
a beneficial effect. The surgery is performed
under general anesthesia, because it is safer and provides operating
comfort to the surgical team. The risks of anesthesia are low but they
cannot be completely eliminated. Please provide the anesthetist with your
case history in order to establish the course and conduct of the surgery. The time required
for the gynecomasty reduction operation depends on several factors, including
the surgical approach, patient anatomy and type of anesthesia. Generally, the procedure
lasts for 2-3 hours. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Some of the complications that may occur are: infection, hematoma (clotted blood between the mammary tissue and tegument, which has to be removed), modifications in the sensitivity of the nipple, necrosis of soft parts. Follow the plastic surgeon's counsel to avoid the appearance of such complications. POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS After the operation
you must wear an elastic bustle. This will help the correct positioning
of the glands during the healing period in order to maintain their symmetry
and compactness. Usually, current activities
may be resumed 2-3 days after the operation. Pain may persist for
a period and if so, avoidance of activities requiring intensive use of
the arms is recommended. Intense physical exercise should be postponed
in order to ensure the proper healing of the scars. Usually, complete
activity may be resumed 2-3 weeks after the surgery, but this period may
vary in length, depending on the technique employed and level of exertion
during current activities. The plastic surgeon will recommend the optimum
time when normal life may be resumed. Reduction of gynecomasty
will result in the reduction of the mammary glands as much as possible
to achieve a novel equilibrium of the body and a manly posture. This will
lead to increased confidence, as the new look will be pleasing to the
eye. The emotional and psychic benefits of the procedure are an increased self-assurance, a better self-image and great personal satisfaction.
· Wash thoroughly
before the procedure; This presentation
is made exclusively for information purposes. Radu
Voicu, MD Teaching Hospital
CF2, 63 Marasti Blvd, Sector 1, Bucharest e-mail: office@drvoicu.ro
|
|||||