Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia often causes discomfort and embarrassment for the patient and can lead to social and sexual disorders. The problem is deeply felt and the number of men who have undergone surgery in recent years has significantly increased. The surgical intervention aims to give a harmonious and masculine appearance to the thoracic region by returning the breasts to their physiological volume.

An initial consultation with the plastic surgeon will help to eliminate doubts and perplexities, to understand exactly how the operation will take place and what all the options and possibilities are suitable for your case. In order to achieve an optimal result, the possible minimal variations of the surgical procedure will be evaluated based on the anatomical characteristics and needs of the patient. The visit is not binding and gives the opportunity to receive all the information and satisfy any curiosity regarding the surgical and post-surgical program, the drugs to be taken, the analyzes and checks to be performed and the costs.

There are two possible surgical alternatives:
- liposuction in case of adipose gynecomastia;
- removal of the gland in case of true gynecomastia;
a combination of the two techniques in case of mixed gynecomastia.

The operation takes place under general anesthesia (local with minimal sedation) and lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. In case of false gynecomastia, liposuction is opted for: small incisions of 3-4 mm are made through which suction cannulae are introduced. In case of true gynecomastia, a small cut is made at the lower edge of the areola and the glandular tissue is eliminated. Finally, a compressive bandage is applied. The hospitalization will last one day. In the minimal forms, in which the operation is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, hospitalization will be on a Day Hospital basis.

48 hours after the operation, the compression bandage is removed, the wound is dressed and the containment band is applied to be worn for a period of 30 days. The removal of the sutures will take place approximately 15 days after the operation, allowing the wounds to be bathed; until then bathing and showering are not recommended. In the days following the operation, rest and limitation of movements, particularly of the upper limbs, are recommended. Work activity can be resumed after 7-10 days, and sports activity after approximately 30 days.

In the first post-operative days, the presence of slight pain, swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area will be normal. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with normal painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

The residual scars following liposuction are a few millimeters in size and almost invisible. In the case of glandular removal the patient will have a very barely visible lower periareolar scar.

The result of the surgical intervention depends on several factors: the initial clinical condition of the patient, the healing capacity and compliance with the post-operative instructions given by the surgeon: avoid inappropriate movements, abstain from sun exposure until complete stabilization of the scars and maintain an adequate lifestyle by avoiding weight gain and loss.

Complications of the operation are rare, but possible: hematomas and bleeding, infection, delayed healing of the surgical wound, hypertrophic scarring, modification of skin sensitivity. Loss of nipple sensation, if it occurs, is temporary and returns over time.