Gynaecomastia, enlargement of male breast tissue, may require surgical removal in few cases. It can be done by two methods-Liposuction or Reduction mastectomy. The procedure is decided on the basis of degree of fatty tissue and glandular breast tissue. Sometimes both the procedures may be used.
PROCEDURE
Male breast reduction surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
In cases with excess fatty tissue, liposuction technique alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. It is moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is then sucked out.
Reduction/excision surgery is recommended if there is excess of glandular breast tissue or excess skin. If large area is removed, the nipples may need to be repositioned.
In some cases, gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.
DURATION
It takes from 1-3 hours to complete the procedure. Can be done as a daycare procedure or require 1-2 day stay in hospital.
RECOVERY
Compression garments are applied for at least 4 weeks. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. 5-7 day rest is advised. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercising should be avoided in the first 4-6 weeks.
RISKS
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Breast shape/contour asymmetry
- Damage to underlying nerves/blood vessels/muscle
- Fat necrosis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Loss of sensation in nipples