When it comes to breast anatomy, there are two major tissue components that make up the breasts: glandular and fatty tissues. The glandular tissue is the lean mass that gives structure to the breasts. The fatty tissue is a soft mass that is usually what makes the breasts much more visible.
When these tissues are produced in excess among males, it results to gynecomastia. It is not a disease, but rather, it is simply a manifestation of the changing proportion of estrogenic hormones to androgenic hormones. In this case, the dominance of estrogenic hormones gives off the feminine-like qualities in the chest area of males.
Surgical treatments aimed to permanently reduce these tissues to normal levels include liposuction and excision. While liposuction is a surgical method primarily chosen to reduce the fatty tissue, excision is typically undergone by patients to remove excess glandular tissue through the use of a scalpel. Excision is also recommended for the reduction and repositioning of the nipple. In comparison to liposuction, the method of excision tends to leave scars around the nipple area. The size is dependent on the the amount of tissue removed.
After the surgery, which usually lasts up to 90 minutes and is administered with general anesthesia, all patients are expected to experience breast swelling and bruising for the first few weeks. Recovery period lasts for up to 6 weeks. Complications, although rare, may include incomplete removal of excess tissues, lack of nipple sensation, imbalanced breast shape, and fluid buildup.
Two types of fluid may cause buildup after surgery: blood and water. The blood buildup is called hematoma. In this case, urgent blood drainage is required upon visible lump. A sign that may show that hematoma is positive is extreme chest pain. Treatments for hematoma include hemostasis and through needle puncture.
Patients who experience blood buildup should stop alcohol and steroid intake. They should also be on a complete bedrest. Exercise is not an option during recovery period. A compression garment should also be worn at all times for at least a week after blood drainage. Complete physical inactivity is highly recommended in order to prevent more blood from collecting in the chest area. The usage of these garments should be dependent upon the advice of the surgeon and the severity of fluid buildup.
Water buildup that occurs in the area where the skin was cut open during excision or liposuction treatment is called seroma. It may occur on one boob and it may also occur on both. Patients who experience this phenomenon may either be unilateral or bilateral gynecomastia patients. It is common for patients to experiece this as it is part of the healing process.
Upon visible buildup, patients are advised to consult their surgeon to determine whether it is the right time to remove the fluid. There are instances where fluid buildup recurrs after aspiration, but the fluid removal may be done afterwards. Another advice given to patients simultaneous with aspiration is the consistent and accurate use of compression dressing during recovery period. Common compression garments after gynecomastia surgery include elastic bandages and vests.
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