male chest (gynecomastia)

overview

Men can often be over looked when we think of weight problems however in reality they can be just as self-conscious as women with their bodies. Whether it’s competing for jobs or just wanting to look good socially, the area men are often very self-conscious is their chest.

Enlarged male breasts, is one of the most common areas to affect how a man sees himself. Frequently the breast / chest area can enlarge with weight gain which most commonly is due to simple lifestyle changes. However for a significant percentage of men it can also be affected by the growth of breast tissue combined with fat. This growth of male breast tissue is a medical condition known as Gynaecomastia. There is no known cause or any associated medical condition known to cause this simple male breast enlargement. Frustratingly enough the extra fat stored in the chest is not easily removed with healthy eating or exercise, and can for some be a debilitating problem that causes self-consciousness and shame. Luckily, in most cases any fat and or breast tissue is generally located outside the muscle wall and can be removed si mply and quickly by liposuction. In rare cases, a small excision may be required to remove breast tissue..

the procedure

Because most men like to have a well-defined chest that shows the muscle structure it is important to try to remove as much fat as possible. Because of this, chest liposuction is usually performed under light sedation at an accredited Day Surgery Clinic. Patients recover quickly and are usually home after four to five hours.

After the patient is sedated Dr Rich makes a small number of tiny puncture marks to the crease and the base of the chest to allow access to the fat just under the skin. Most commonly there is also an area called the ‘tail of fat’ which is usually suctioned at the same time to keep the smooth appearance of the chest, this area is located at the sides of the chest and travels under the armpit.

recovery process

After the procedure two compression garments are fitted. One is a firm vest which must be worn fulltime (day and night) for two weeks and then half time (either day or night) for another two weeks. The other is a binder that is only worn for the first 48 to 72 hours, which ensures any tumescent fluid that remains under the skin is removed. Most patients find the garment so comfortable they prefer to wear it for a longer period of time. Any discomfort or pain following the procedure is similar to the stiffness and muscle aches after having worked hard at the gym. This discomfort is usually controlled by over the counter pain medication.

All patients have ‘24 hour back up’ for any concerns they may have following their surgery. During the first 24 to 48 hours following liposuction, oozing will occur from the tiny holes, which minimizes and the holes close. It is normal for the area to be swollen and bruised for usually one to two weeks, however deeper swelling maybe present for several weeks before subsiding. If desired external ultrasound treatment can be carried out in the first week to encourage circulation and resolve bruising and swelling more quickly. The tiny holes heal quickly and any marks gradually fade, so in time there is usually little if any evidence of the procedure being performed. It is normal for the area treated by liposuction to feel slightly numb for a period of time with full sensation slowly returning after a few months to six months after the procedure.

considerations

Generally, patients return to work after a few days; however this is usually dependant on the type of work the patient performs and their recovery rate. Exercise is recommenced when the patient feels comfortable doing so. Light exercise immediately following the procedure is usually beneficial to gain quick mobility with Dr Rich usually recommending a light walk the day after the procedure.

risks and complications

Liposuction is a relatively safe procedure, however with any medical procedure there are still risks that must be taken into consideration. Although rare, infection is possible. This risk is reduced by the anti-bacterial action of the tumescent fluid and prophylactic antibiotics which are given prior to and after the procedure. Seroma, is also possible although extremely rare, Seroma is fluid that remains in the skin tissue that becomes infected, in rare cases this fluid may require to be drained from the area.

faq’s

What is gynecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is a medical condition defined as breast enlargement due to breast tissue. This differs from common male breast enlargement, which is usually due to an excess fat deposition rather than actual breast tissue.

Will I be in pain after the procedure?

Any discomfort or pain following chest liposuction is generally not severe, although pain / discomfort varies from patient to patient. Most patients complain of stiffness and muscle ache similar to having worked hard at the gym.

When will I see my results?

Results can be seen as soon as one to two weeks after the procedure as the bruising and swelling subsides. Full results will not be visible until the deeper swelling subsides.