Gynecomastia is a condition of enlarged breasts or over-developed breasts in men.  It can be caused by hormonal changes, disease, heredity, or drug use.  Whatever the cause, though, men find it to be quite embarrassing.  Gynecomastia can cause a man to lose his self-confidence and make him want to avoid physical activities and intimacy.

Visiting a plastic surgeon for help with Gynecomastia can be quite beneficial.  Plastic surgeons can fix this problem, giving men their lives back.  However, in order to get the assistance of a plastic surgeon, men must fit certain criteria.

Plastic Surgery Help

A plastic surgeon will ask certain questions of any Gynecomastia sufferer before agreeing to perform the procedure.  This is because the procedure may not benefit certain individuals.  Here are the criteria that plastic surgeons will be looking for:

• Men must be physically healthy and of a good weight
• Men must have realistic expectations of what the surgery will accomplish
• Men must have stabilized breast development
• Men must not be able to have their condition helped by any other means
• Men must be non-smokers and non-drug users
• Men must have a positive outlook and have goals in mind to improve the Gynecomastia

 

A plastic surgeon will also discuss why a man wants the surgery as well as a man’s general health.  He will also want to know about any medicines taken (including herbal medicines and vitamins).  Pictures will be taken for “before” shots.

Risks

Gynecomastia surgery is a serious surgery.  Plastic surgeons will warn that there are some very serious risks involved with this type of surgery.  Of course, most men who have this problem aren’t going to really mind the chance of these risks; however, pointing out the possible dangers is essential.

Scarring is obviously the biggest side effect of Gynecomastia plastic surgery—this is one risk that cannot be avoided. Men will have scars from the surgery.  Here are other possible side effects and risks:

• Bleeding/blood clots
• Infection or poor healing of the incision sites
• Changes in the nipple or breast sensation (these may be temporary or permanent)
• Skin discoloration, bruising, swelling
• Breast asymmetry (breasts may be of unequal size)
• Breast shape irregularities
• Pain
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation

 

For most men, though, side effects are mild.  Men will have to rest a great deal after the surgery—no heavy physical activity for awhile after the surgery.