Gynecomastia

What is gynecomastia surgery?

​​​​​​​Gynecomastia surgery, also known as a male breast reduction, is not too dissimilar to a female breast reduction. It is normally carried out using general anesthetic, although in some cases patients can remain awake with a combination of local anesthetic and sedation.

After the anesthetic is administered, an incision may be made around the areola, detaching it temporarily so that it can be replaced in a new and improved position. This is necessary if you are having a large amount of excess fat removed from the breast area. The main part of the procedure is carried out using liposuction. First, saline solution will be injected into the breast tissue to help break it up, which will make it easier to remove. A cannula is then inserted into the area through several, very small incisions. The cannula is a long, thin tube with a hole in the center, and it is attached to a vacuum that sucks out the excess breast tissue, depositing it into a container. Dr. Brent Faulkner will move the cannula back and forth to sculpt the chest area and give it greater definition. Once the process is complete, the cannula will be removed, the incision closed using sutures and, if necessary, the areolas replaced. In some instances, it may be necessary for some excess fat to be cut away too. Your body will then be wrapped in compression bandages.

Recovery after gynecomastia surgery

​​​​​​​Gynecomastia surgery is a very straightforward procedure, but you will need to allow yourself a reasonable amount of time to heal and recover after. Your chest will feel tight beneath the bandages, and it will be swollen and uncomfortable. You’ll be prescribed painkiller to help you manage your discomfort during the early stages of healing.

Many patients will be allowed to return home the same day, but you will need someone else to drive you and stay with you. You will also be given comprehensive instructions to follow with regards to keeping your wounds clean, which is essential to minimize the risk of complications such as infection, and on wearing your compression bandages, which will likely need to be worn for up to 4 weeks depending on the rate at which you heal. You may need to schedule some time off of work and could be asked to avoid certain activities until you are fully healed – such as contact sports and swimming. It’s important that you follow the explicit advice of Dr. Faulkner and your cosmetic surgery team.

Click Here To Download The American Society Of Plastic Surgery Brochure
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For more information about gynecomastia surgery and it’s benefits, or to schedule a consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for this cosmetic surgery procedure, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team at Faulkner Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics in North Bethesda, MD today by calling (240) 802-8100.