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What Men Need to Know Before Having Gynecomastia Surgery

With A Warm, Caring Staff and Stunningly Natural Results,
Our Approach to Surgery is Anything but Plastic

Gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue in men, can be a source of embarrassment for men who face this issue. Gynecomastia surgery is one way to correct this condition. Before you decide to move forward with the procedure, here are a few things you should know.

Do I Have Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition of having excess breast tissue in men. It is not caused by excess fat. Possible causes are genetic factors, excess weight gain, hormonal imbalance, or a side effect of a medication. It can occur during different times in life. Gynecomastia usually presents as a tender, firm, disc-like mound of tissue that is located directly under the nipple and areola. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a medical history and physical examination by a physician. However, if you find that this tissue is hard, immobile, or accompanied by discharge or swollen lymph nodes, you should seek medical screening for breast cancer before seeking advice from a plastic surgeon.

How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Completing gynecomastia surgery may vary depending on the type of excess tissue present. Your surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue or skin through an incision near the areola and may use liposuction to remove excess fat contributing to the look of enlarged breasts. Liposuction is completed by making small incisions through which a cannula can be inserted, which is then used to break apart and suction out fat cells.

Recovering from Gynecomastia Surgery

Recovering from gynecomastia surgery varies depending on the extent of your procedure. If your surgery was completed through liposuction alone, you may only require a week to rest before returning to your normal routine. If other tissues were removed, you may require between two to four weeks. On average, most gynecomastia patients can return to exercise two weeks after their procedure. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and advise you when you can safely return to your routine. The results of gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent but can be influenced by future weight gain or medications.

Combining Gynecomastia Surgery with Other Procedures

If you have several areas of the body that you have concerns about it is possible to have other procedures in combination with gynecomastia surgery in order to address all of them during one procedure. Two of the most common are liposuction and tummy tuck.
Liposuction permanently removes stubborn pockets of fat and is used strategically to sculpt the body into your desired shape. Liposuction is commonly used as part of gynecomastia surgery, but if you choose, it can also be directed elsewhere in the body. Some common areas to receive liposuction include the abdomen, arms, back, or thighs.

A tummy tuck is designed to reduce excess loose skin and tissue in the abdomen. In men, this is commonly a result of dramatic weight loss. During tummy tuck surgery, your abdominal muscles will be repaired and tightened, and any excess skin can be removed.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about gynecomastia surgery and to find out if you are a suitable candidate, schedule a consultation with CARE Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC. Call (919) 335-9298 or request an appointment online.

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