The term gynecomastia means development of breast tissue in
a male; however, the majority of the patients we see more often have fat deposits
in the chest area that can be unsightly and disturbing. The fat is often
combined with actual breast tissue development in the male. As previously
mentioned, it is a very common condition.
The treatment of this condition changed for the better when
liposuction techniques were developed. Now, most men can be treated with
liposuction alone. The actual type of procedure will depend on whether the
enlargement is primarily fat or breast glandular tissue. Usually, Dr. Morris
can tell by carefully examining you. Dr. Morris will use liposuction if the
breast enlargement is mostly due to fatty tissue with minimal to moderate
amounts of breast tissue; however, if the enlargement is due mostly to very
firm breast tissue, direct excision and removal is required. The
instrumentation used for liposuction has improved in the last few years so that
we can use liposuction exclusively for almost all patients.
If, as is the usual case, liposuction alone is used, only
tiny incisions beneath the breasts are necessary. If actual excision of
breast tissue is necessary, the incision will need to be a bit longer and a
drain tube may be left in place for a few days.
Surgery usually takes about one hour. We will apply a
compression garment to the chest, usually an Ace bandage works very nicely.
Most people are driving and functioning normally within a few days.
Patients can go back to any
form of exercise usually within a week or two. Once the condition is treated it
is extremely unlikely for it to recur.
The Stages of Recovery
For gynecomastia procedures
with liposuction, the average....
