Male
Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “woman-like
breasts”. Though this condition is rarely talked about, it’s
actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent
of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs
and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment,
there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.
For men
who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their chest, male
contouring for overdeveloped breasts using liposuction (tumescent
method), a recently developed surgical technique, can correct this.
Liposuction can be an effective tool for the permanent removal of
these localized excess fatty tissues, to restore a slimmer, masculine,
natural chest contour.
The
best candidates for gynecomastia correction
The ideal candidate for liposuction is a healthy man with localized
areas of unwanted fat deposits in the breast area that are disproportionate
to the rest of the chest. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men,
or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the
problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink
alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered
good candidates for surgery.




Planning
for your Surgery
The initial consultation with Dr Karanlik is very important. Dr Aylin
Karanlik will need a complete medical history, so check your own records
ahead of time and be ready to provide this information.
Preparing for your Surgery
Dr Karanlik will give you specific instructions on how to prepare
for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking
certain vitamins and medications.
Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of one or two weeks
before surgery and during recovery. Smoking decreases circulation
and interferes with proper healing. Therefore, it is essential to
follow all Mr. Yelland's instructions.
The Procedure
Liposuction for gynecomastia may be performed either under general
or local anesthesia. Dr Karanlik will see you before the operation
to answer any questions you may have and will draw some reference
lines on the areas to undergo Liposuction.
If local anesthetic is to be used you will be given some tablets to
take before the procedure, which include an antibiotic and a mild
sedative. A small needle will be placed in a vein through which the
sedation will be administered.
If general anesthetic is used then after Mr. Yelland has seen you,
you will proceed direct to the operating theatre.
Once
in the operating theatre the skin will be cleaned with Iodine and
following the injection of local anesthetic several small (2-3mm)
incisions will be made in the skin. A solution containing an anesthetic
and a substance to help prevent bruising is then injected into the
fat using a very fine needle through the small skin incisions.
After a short period of time when the area has been numbed the fat
is removed using a fine needle called a cannula attached by tubing
to a strong suction machine. During the procedure, if under local
anesthetic, you will be asked to change position to allow access to
the fat deposits and you will be asked to stand several times to assess
the progress of the procedure.
At the end of the procedure absorbent pads and a pressure garment
will be applied. You will then be taken back to your room.
Going Home
Most patients stay overnight but you may go home once the effects
of the anesthetic or sedation have worn off. You will receive written
post-operative advice and your follow up appointment will be arranged
for six weeks. Painkillers and antibiotics will be given to you to
take home. You should arrange transport home and should not drive
for twenty four hours.
Recovery and Return to Work
Recovery is rapid but there will be some swelling and bruising of
the treated area and to help reduce this you should wear the firm
support garment for at least 3 days or until the fluid drainage stops.
The worst of your swelling will go down in the first few weeks however,
it may be a couple of months before the full effect of the breast
reduction surgery is apparent. It is important not to carry out vigorous
activities for the first five days after the surgery. You can return
to work and resume most normal activities after three weeks and begin
exercise after six weeks.
Risks & Complications
Liposuction is extremely safe and patient satisfaction high. However,
as with all surgical procedures complications sometimes occur. Infection
is rare and antibiotics are given during the procedure and for five
days after.
The small scars, each of which is only 2-3mm are initially red but
over a number of weeks will fade to fine white lines. You should keep
the scars out of direct sunlight until they have faded as exposing
them to the sun can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing
the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong
sunblock.
Following Liposuction the skin retracts but in some people it may
not retract fully and there may be some loose skin, especially in
the elderly. If this occurs then surgical removal may be needed at
a later date.
The possibility of skin irregularities is minimized by the use of
very fine needles.
It is common to experience some numbness or tingling of the skin soon
after Liposuction but this settles rapidly.