Gynecomastia Pensacola, FL

Gynecomastia, or breast development in men, is very common.  The condition is usually it’s fairly easy to treat with liposuction or through direct incision.   In many cases, the procedure can be done in the office.  

Introduction to Gynecomastia

Typical Timing/Age

After the completion of puberty with most men having surgery between 19 and 50 years of age.

Problem

Excessive breast tissue in men.

Procedure

Most cases of gynecomastia can be treated using liposuction which only requires small incisions on the periphery of the chest. If the breast tissue is too fibrotic to be treated by liposuction alone, an incision may be made from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock along the edge of the areola to directly remove the fibrotic breast tissue. Skin excess in most cases will tighten up on its own after liposuction, thereby NOT requiring removal by excision and the requisite scars.

Goal

To remove breast tissue and create a more male chest contour.

Facility

Office/Clinic, Surgery Center or Hospital

Preparation

Patients should be at a stable weight.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia in the office/clinic; or general anesthesia at a surgery center or hospital.

Hospital stay

This is outpatient surgery and patients usually go home after surgery.

Assistance

You will be able to walk around, feed and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to care for others or drive a car.

Walking

You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.

Showering

If only liposuction is performed, you may shower immediately after surgery, otherwise you may remove dressings and shower 48 hours after surgery.

Exercise

You should do mild/gentle stretching exercises immediately after surgery to prevent your arm and chest muscles from getting tight. Exercise with limits guided by pain is ok 1 week after surgery.

Sex

Wait 1 week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period. After 1 week, sex is ok ONLY if your partner is able resist touching your new chest. You are the only person allowed to touch your chest for the 6 weeks following surgery.

Work

1 week or less depending on your type of work.

Swelling

Usually peaks around 3 days and gradually goes away.

Bruising

Should subside within 1-2 weeks.

Inherent Risks & Complications

Hematoma, Infection, Contour irregularities, Poor scarring, Need for revision, Complications related to anesthesia.

Performed by: Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, Dr. Patterson

*Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank: Statistics 2013. (2014). Aesthetic Surgery Journal / the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 34(1 suppl), 1S-22S.doi:10.1177/1090820X14542571