Gynecomastia and manual lymphatic drainage
Throughout the years there has been an increase in the number of gynecomastia surgeries performed in the UK. Gynecomastia like any other type of cosmetic surgery needs post- surgery care, also. After your surgery your body accumulates fluids, the chest area becomes inflamed, painful, you could develop hematomas, lumps and in some cases fibrosis and seromas. The aim of the post- surgery treatment is to drain the excess of fluid, reduce inflammation and the formation of scar tissue.
So, if you are concerned about the excess of breast tissue and considering having a cosmetic surgery, read this blog until the end as we will be talking about the most important characteristics of this condition and the key aspects of the procedure and recovery. Let’s start by understanding what gynecomastia is, causes, how treat it and the care after the surgery.
What is gynecomastia?
It’s a condition that causes the enlargement of the male breast tissue, and it doesn’t improve with exercise. Many men use surgery to improve the appearance of their chest.
What are the causes of gynecomastia?
The most common cause of gynecomastia is hormone imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. For suspected lowered testosterone levels, it would pay dividends especially in the long run to see mens low t clinic here. Estrogen controls female traits such as breast growth. On the other hand, testosterone controls male characteristics such as muscle mass and body hair. High oestrogen enlarges the breast tissue. Obesity, puberty and aging are related to this imbalance. Other causes can be:
- Side effect of some medicines
- High level of alcohol intake
- Kidney failure or liver disease
- Lumps or infections in your testicles
- Hyperthyroidism
How can I get rid of the excess breast tissue?
Gynecomastia usually is presented in both breasts. It’s possible that when you touch them you feel a palpable, tender, firm, mobile, disc-like grassy knoll of tissue that is located under your nipple-areolar complex.
If you don’t feel good about the way your chest looks, you can visit a certified surgeon (see our article: how to find a good surgeon) to have it removed through cosmetic surgery this procedure is called gynecomastia.
How to prepare before surgery
- Your surgeon should perform a proper physical exam.
- Stop taking anticoagulant medications.
- Stop smoking.
- Eat healthy to support your healing process.
- Get an appointment for MLD with us to be performed after surgery. It will help you drain fluids faster, get a better shape and speeds the recovery process.
During the surgery
Usually, the surgeon performs the procedure using general or local anesthesia (It depends on patient’s needs). Some cases just need liposuction of the excess fat.
When the patient needs surgical removal of the excess glandular tissue, the surgeon makes an incision in the margin of your nipple and areolar area to remove the knoll. But if there is large excess tissue, the surgeon will make a skin excision to give you a better chest appearance. If your areola needs to be reduced or the nipple repositioned, the surgeon will perform an excision, too.
How is the recovery time of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a safe procedure, almost all patients have smooth post ops. However, some complications, as in any other surgery, could happen; some of them are: bleeding, bruising, nipple numbness or contour irregularities due to fibrosis.
Your surgeon may use drains (temporal, small, thin tube that is located under your skin) after surgery to help fluid drain properly. Good post-op manage is key to have good outcomes, that’s why you should start with Manual lymphatic drainage right after surgery to help fluids drain faster, help body contour, reduce swelling and speed recovery. MLD is administered by massage; the number of sessions depends on your needs.
How long do I have to wear a compression garment after gynecomastia surgery?
You should wear your garment for 4 week after the surgery. It is important to use a good compression garment to reduce swelling, control bruising and give you a nice chest contour.
If your procedure was just a liposuction, you can start your daily activities in one week (working and exercising). However, if you had surgical removal of the skin, your wounds can take two or four weeks to heal properly before you can start your activities.
And never forget to follow your surgeon’s instructions and have a healthy lifestyle.
We hope this information was useful for you. If you have any questions about it or about our treatments, please contact us. We are in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help.
