Four tips to prepare for gynecomastia surgery
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Posted on June 29, 2020 under Gynecomastia
For men between the age of 21 to 69, it is estimated that one out of four suffers from gynecomastia. This is a condition that results in enlarged or overdeveloped breasts. Suffering from gynecomastia does not only prevent one from wearing some types of clothing such as golf and athletic shirts but also comes with some extent of shame. As such, this condition may keep you from engaging in some activities such as swimming, working out, and going to the beach.
Due to the growing technology, patients with gynecomastia have realized different options for treatment. As such, you do not have to live with “man boobs” if you feel uncomfortable or you don’t want to. Due to too much content on the internet, you can get confused at times. For instance, many sites may discuss the importance of liposuction in treating this condition, but liposuction only works for some people.
Find out if it is Gynecomastia, Loose Skin or Pseudo-gynecomastia
This way of preparation entails figuring out the best procedure that can address your requirements. As such, it involves going for an in-person exam with a plastic surgeon who is certified. This surgeon will determine your state and assess whether it is due to
• Excess fat
• Excess breast tissue
• Flabby skin around the areola
• Both excess fat and tissues
In most older men and patients who undergo excess weight loss, the fullness that accumulates around their chest is a result of loose skin. It can be corrected through a skin excision. Some patients may be suffering from pseudo-gynecomastia, a condition associated with excess fat. To solve their condition, liposuction would be ideal. Nevertheless, most people who have gynecomastia have both excess fat and excess breast tissue. As a result, surgery is necessary for the removal of the breast tissue and the fat.
Choosing the Best Surgeon
While most men try to avoid the possibility of having surgery, gynecomastia scars can be easily hidden. However, it is crucial to choose the right surgeon, who is:
• Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Experienced in gynecomastia treatment
• Has a comprehensive understanding of most gynecomastia underlying causes
If a surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it means that you are in safe hands. A certified surgeon knows the different causes of gynecomastia, such as genetics, anabolic steroids, hormones, or prescription medication.
Changing Your Diet and Exercising
If your gynecomastia condition is a result of prescription medication and supplements, you might need to stop those before the surgery. If the cause of your gynecomastia symptom is excess fat, you can lose weight by:
• Eating more vegetables and fruits
• Cutting sugar intake
• Performing cardiovascular exercises and resistance exercises
• Reducing alcoholic beverages intake
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
When it comes to recovery, realistic expectations are essential. For surgery and liposuction, bruises and swelling may take effect for a week to two weeks. With surgery, you can have drains placed for a short period. As such, patients should wear a compression vest for their first six weeks full-time. This helps in the reduction of swelling and helps add to a great result.
Patients can walk immediately after surgery. Subsequently, they can return to light cardio in the second week and more workouts in the third week. Nevertheless, they must avoid upper body workouts until the fourth to sixth week. Regardless of the techniques used for your gynecomastia procedure, the result may take some time. Be patient throughout the healing process. You may have an irregular chest for the first few weeks, but it will be resolved with time.
If you feel you might have gynecomastia, kindly make an appointment with Cosmetic Surgery Associates to discuss life-changing treatment options.
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers