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Breast Surgery for Males -
About the Operation
Males also have breast tissue under the nipple and this can enlarge along with fatty tissue to give a breast. This most commonly occurs in teenage boys but can be at any age. In most cases there is no specific cause. Occasionally it can result from a hormonal imbalance or after certain medicines. The breast swelling can be composed mostly of fat, breast tissue or a mixture. Although it can reduce in some patients it frequently remains life long.
Procedure in brief
Gynaecomastia can be a mixture of breast and fat. It can be a small marble sized lump or a large fully formed breast. When it comprises of a small lump of breast tissue it is best removed via a small cut through the nipple. When the breast swelling is mostly fat then liposuction can be used. This involves the use of 3-4mm needles to suck fat out from the breast.
Much larger cases frequently need removal of a large area of breast tissue. This effectively becomes a mastectomy (removal of breast). It is usually performed by making a cut around the nipple and removing some skin as well as breast tissue. In very rare cases the scars need to be bigger and onto the chest wall skin itself.
Scars
The scars will depend on the technique used (as above). Scars across the nipple become almost invisible over time. Scars around the nipple tend to be quite red in the first 6 weeks moving to purple over next 3 months and then fade to white. Most patients will form very good quality scars over time. Some reach this quickly, others take longer or may form raised or stretched scars. How other wounds have healed may be an indication.
Medicines and smoking
All medical history will be sought before any surgery. Do not take herbal medicines prior to surgery or for 3 days following (arnica etc). Also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and voltarol-based tablets. It is always better if you do not smoke. If you are a smoker try and stop for a minimum of one week before and after surgery as it can reduce the chances of complications.
