Gynecomastia is a common yet often embarrassing condition among men. In this blog, we discuss what patients can expect from their gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Lo, from their initial consultation through their procedure and recovery.
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Anyone who believes men don’t care about how their bodies look hasn’t been to a gym in the early a.m. hours, but there are certain conditions that no amount of pumping iron can address. Gynecomastia is a common yet often embarrassing condition among men. However, when it comes to seeking surgery to correct it, one of the biggest hurdles that prospective gynecomastia patients face is fear of the procedure itself. While any surgery carries some risk, some recovery pain, and some downtime, when it comes down to it, gynecomastia surgery is an easily manageable procedure. This blog discusses what patients can expect from their gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Lo. We cover preparation, the procedure itself, and what you should know about recovery so you can maximize your results.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Often referred to as “man boobs” or “moobs,” gynecomastia is a condition where there is an increase in the glandular tissue of a man’s breasts. It is extremely common, affecting up to 65% of men and boys at some point in their lives. It’s caused by a hormone imbalance, which is why many pre-teen and teenage boys suffer from it, as well as many middle-aged and older men. In fact, even incredibly fit men can be affected by gynecomastia. Movie star and entertainer Dwayne Johnson (The Rock,) has spoken about undergoing gynecomastia surgery in 2005 because he was self-conscious about the appearance of his chest, especially since he spent quite a bit of time shirtless when wrestling or in movies.
While you may think gynecomastia can be remedied by diet and exercise, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, weight gain alone can cause your chest to look flabby and increase in size. This is known as “pseudogynecomastia,” which may resolve if you lose weight. True gynecomastia is increased glandular tissue in the breast and can only be managed with surgery.
Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
When you come in for your gynecomastia consultation with Dr. Lo, he will examine your chest to determine which surgical method will offer you the best results. This is the time when you can ask questions, address your concerns, and look at before-and-after photos of his previous patients.
Dr. Lo will have an open and honest conversation with you about your health and medical history to determine the source of your gynecomastia. While hormone imbalance is often the culprit, there are several other causes. Steroid use, recreational drug use, and certain prescription medications can also result in gynecomastia, so knowing the true reason can help prevent the condition from reoccurring. He will then create a customized treatment plan and let you know how to prepare for the procedure.
Your Gynecomastia Surgery
The type of technique used to address gynecomastia depends on your needs and desired results. All gynecomastia procedures are outpatient surgeries performed using general anesthesia. Dr. Lo may use one or more of the following techniques to give you a more sculpted and masculine chest:
Advanced Liposuction
Using a small incision hidden in your armpit, Dr. Lo will first inject a sterile solution into your chest area to help loosen the fat. He will then use a thin tube , known as a cannula, to suction out excess fat and sculpt your chest as needed.
Surgical Removal of the Glands
When your gynecomastia is caused by excess glandular breast tissue, Dr. Lo performs a subcutaneous mastectomy. Put simply, he removes the breast gland through an incision hidden along the bottom edge of the areola to reduce visible scarring.
Male Breast Reduction
In severe cases of gynecomastia, once the fat and glandular tissue are removed, there may be excess skin in the area. Dr. Lo will trim away loose skin and reposition your nipples if necessary so that your chest looks natural and symmetrical.
Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery recovery is relatively quick, with most men back to exercising and other everyday activities within two weeks after their procedure. You will need to rest for the first few days, and you may experience some swelling and a mild ache in your chest. Any discomfort is easily alleviated using over-the-counter pain relievers. You will likely be able to return to work within a week or less, depending on how physically demanding your job is. You will wear a compression garment for about a month, which helps to minimize swelling and shape your new chest contour. Dr. Lo also recommends chest exercises to help tone your pectoral muscles and tighten your skin.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Philadelphia
If you’re dreading summer because you don’t want to be seen with your shirt off, it may be time to consider gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Lo’s skill and compassion for his patients ensure that you will get the results you want for a condition that can be difficult to talk about. To schedule your gynecomastia consultation, call our office today at (215) 829-6900 or complete the online contact form.