Mens Procedures
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “women-like breast.” Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it’s actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men.
For men who feel self conscious about their appearance, breast reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat or glandular tissue from the breasts and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured.
Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have first not attempted to fix the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcoholic beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause Gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.
The Surgery
Correction of enlarged male breasts may be performed under general, or in some cases local anesthesia plus sedation. More extensive correction may be performed under general anesthesia, which will allow the patient sleep through the entire procedure.
If Gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, Dr. Marouk will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola, the dark skin that surrounds the nipple. Or, the incision is places in the underarm area. A Cannula attached to a vacuum pump is then inserted into the incision. Using strong, deliberate stokes, the Dr. Marouk moves the Cannula through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out.
Gynecomastia Recovery
The pain after treatment of gynecomastia is usually fairly mild. It may feel like a strenuous chest work out. Most patients describe this as more sore than painful. A dose range of pain medicine is taken after surgery so, one may adjust the amount of medicine to suite there comfort level.
A double ace wrap will be placed around the chest for compression. This will help with discomfort and decrease bruising. This will be removed the next day and a compression type garment will be placed. The longer the compression garment is worn, the faster the swelling and bruising will subside. Most men will buy a tight nylon/spandex undershirt (i.e. body glove) to wear under work clothing.
Refrain from strenuous activity for the first 10 days. Most men return tow ork in 2 – 3 days and are at full activity by day 14.
All sutures are disolvable and hidden beneath the skin. Any bruising usually resolves by day 14.
Pectoral implants
Men who work out and are still unable to develop the pectoral muscles may consider pectoral implants to enlarge the appearance of their chest muscles. Pectoral implants are also used to correct deformities which may include torn or ruptured pectoral muscles.
Implants will enhance the bulk and projection of the pectoral muscles, but they will not improve the definition of the muscles. Since there are many sizes and shapes of pectoral implants, Dr. Marouk takes great care and time in helping select the implant that is right for each patient.
The Surgery
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia or heavy sedation. A small incision is hidden in the arm pit and an endoscope is used to create a cavity under the pectoral muscle. The muscle is not separated from its attachments to the rib cage or breast bone. A solid silicone implant is chosen based on the measurements of each patient’s chest made prior to surgery. The implant is soft, flexible, and durable and is places directly beneath the pectoral muscle.
Pectoral Implant Recovery
Patients typically go home on the same day of surgery. The dressing and sutures will be removed a few days after. Lifting and aerobic exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks. After a month, the scar usually fades and becomes very difficult to see.
