Would you believe at least one-third of the world’s total male population suffers from gynecomastia?
Though it may not prove to cause any serious health repercussions, it does cause a severe dent in a person’s confidence levels, and the only permanent way to deal with it is gynecomastia surgery; besides topical application of ointments and oral medications. Know more about the gynecomastia surgery before and after procedures and how you can prepare yourself for the upcoming surgery.
What is the Gynecomastia? It is the enlargement of male breasts, that can happen due to a number of reasons such as genetics, hormonal imbalance, obesity and so on. Men find it too embarrassing and uncomfortable a situation to bear with, and they feel self-conscious to wear fitted clothes.
Gynecomastia Surgery Before and After – Know more about the steps
A gynecomastia surgery procedure includes the following steps:
Anesthesia
Like all major surgeries, for gynecomastia to you have to undergo anesthesia to keep you comfortable, while you are being operated upon. You can either opt for intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will decide what’s best for you.
Liposuction technique
In many cases, the gynecomastia results from excess fatty tissue, and in such cases techniques such as Liposuction may be used. A cannula, which is a thin hollow tube, is used to make several small incisions.
The cannula is used in a spate of controlled movements to separate the excess fat, which is then sucked out with the help of a vacuum.
There are a number of liposuction techniques to be used and they’re selected by your doctor, who selects the technique according to your condition.
Excision technique
Excision techniques are used to remove glandular breast tissue or excess skin to fix the condition. Excision is utilized particularly when areola has to be reduced and the nipple is repositioned to get a chiseled contour. Incision patterns differ according to patient requirement.
Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with a combination of liposuction and excision.
Recovery:
The recovery takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Of course, it all depends on the recovery pace and health condition of the patient. Patients are asked for two or three days of total rest so that you heal from within. Some of the symptoms that follow after the surgery are the pain, uneasiness, tightness or tenderness in the area that is operated upon. Thankfully, they disappear after a week or so.
Post-procedure care:
Diet – The diet plays a determining factor after the surgery, its only fluids for some time before you graduate to solid diets. A healthy meal with plenty of water is the general norm. Keep hydrating yourself to prevent dehydration. You have to avoid alcohol though, at least 72 hours pre and post the surgery. Avoid both smoking and alcohol.
Activities – For a speedy recovery, adequate rest is necessary. Strenuous activity is a strict no-no in the first twenty-four hours post-surgery. However, you can gradually increase your activity levels the second day onwards; and brisk walks are instrumental in speedy recovery. You can indulge in moderate activities the third day onwards, just remember not strenuous; only moderate activities. Gradually kicking your activity level up a notch is the sensible thing to do. The good news is you can join work after 2 to 3 days.
Compression garment – The essential point to follow is wearing a compression garment, it reduces swelling and bruising and improves the aesthetic outcome. The compression garment is worn twenty-four hours in the first week after surgery. You can reduce it to 18 hours a day in the next week. Do however try to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the compression garment so that you avoid infection. Wash it in cold water and dry it to maintain the hygiene. After three weeks you can gradually replace it with regular garments.
Medication – Usually, during the recovery period you are requested not to take medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These may interfere with the blood clotting system and increase the chances of different complications. However, you can boost your immunity with multivitamin or vitamin E tablets.
Be careful – Be careful of the medicines you partake. Start taking them 2 days after the surgery. Things like smoking and drinking alcohol can hinder your recovery and reduce the blood flow, creating further complications.
Your gynecomastia surgery recovery depends much on the lifestyle you follow after the surgery; just maintaining usual things such as keeping your incisions clean, applying the recommended ointments and dressing the wound regularly as per the doctor’s suggestions. Gradually, you will notice a more chiseled and sculpted you, a look that will give you immense confidence to face the world. Also, the next time you wear your favorite fitted garment, you won’t have to think twice before wearing it. Yes! It is time to say hello to theNewyou!
