Gynecomastia Surgery: What To Expect Before & After Surgery

The surgical correction of Gynecomastia in Sydney and Brisbane Australia, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, is recommended for men of any age, who are otherwise healthy and free of any conditions which may present a risk during the operation.  

If you’re a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Sydney or Brisbane and want to know how the procedure works, read on to learn what happens in the weeks leading up to your operation.

DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT

During your consultation at Esteem Cosmetic Studio, your aesthetic surgeon in Sydney or Brisbane will go through your medical history and answer any questions you may have. He will perform a physical examination of your chest and breast tissues, take some measurements, and make sure that your general state of health is suitable for surgery. Your surgeon will then take some clinical photographs that will be used for your “Before and After” comparison. 

During this initial stage, your surgeon at Esteem Cosmetic Studio in Sydney or Brisbane will attempt to rule out any potential pathologies that are behind your Gynecomastia. Such possible causes include impaired liver function, use of certain medications and use of anabolic steroids. If a medical problem is suspected as the cause of your enlarged breasts, your surgeon will likely refer you to an appropriate specialist.

If required, you may be advised to have a mammogram to check the physiological composition of your abnormal breast tissue further. Once your surgeon knows with precision how much glandular tissue is present, he will decide on which specific surgical technique best suits your case to remove your unwanted breast tissue.

Finally, your surgeon will explain the chosen surgical procedure in great detail as well as provide information regarding the type of anaesthesia that will be used on the day of your surgery in Sydney.

PRE & POST OPERATIVE CARE

Like any other surgical procedure, Gynecomastia surgery requires preoperative care. Since this surgery is usually performed under the effects of general anaesthesia in Sydney and Brisbane, you must comply with every instruction your surgeon at Esteem Cosmetic Studio or his medical team give you. For example, it is very important that you observe a strict fast of solids and liquids for 6 hours before the surgery. It is also a requirement that you bring a family member or close friend who can look after you and provide you with transportation home when you are discharged from hospital.  

Initial male breast reduction recovery time takes about eight weeks on average. During this time, patients will want to take it easy, and must avoid strenuous activity to facilitate healing and prevent complications. During this period, a compression vest will be worn to help the skin retract and prevent fluid accumulation from occurring. Substantial swelling and some bruising are to be expected during this time, and any pain can be controlled with prescribed medication.

After the recovery period, patients can begin to resume some normal activities, such as returning to work and light exercise with caution; though your surgeon will give instructions according to your unique case. Bruising and swelling will resolve gradually until final results can be seen over the months following surgery.

Smokers should stop smoking for a minimum of six weeks before surgery and during the entire recovery period. Smoking negatively affects circulation, and this can have a negative effect on your body’s ability to heal after surgery. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor which means it causes the vasculature to shrink and this can inhibit healing at a fresh surgical site, when blood vessels constrict, it can cause complications during surgery such as tissue death from lack of circulation. Remember, all sources of nicotine should be avoided. Not just cigarettes. This includes patches, nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, and second-hand smoking. This is to ensure good blood flow and adequate healing. 

Interested in Gynecomastia Surgery? Call the team at Esteem Cosmetic Studio on 1300 378 336 and schedule an appointment for an in-depth consultation.

Once again, thank you very much for reading our blog. If you have questions, feel free to fill-up the form at the bottom to drop us an email. One of our staff will respond to you shortly.

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Gynecomastia 101: What, Exactly, Is Gynecomastia?

A healthy adult male should never, under normal circumstances, develop large breasts. Therefore, the presence of visible tissue in the male chest is evidence of pathology or a disorder named Gynecomastia. 

Although Gynecomastia is not harmful, it does represent evidence of an underlying condition that may, itself, be harmful. Additionally, Gynecomastia generates severe emotional distress and insecurities in the majority of men who have it. Therefore, it is essential that we learn as much as possible about this common condition and ways in which to treat it. 

WHAT, EXACTLY, IS GYNECOMASTIA? 

Gynecomastia can best be described as the abnormal enlargement of a man’s breasts. It typically starts as a noticeable mass of subcutaneous mammary tissue, which may be firm or have a spongy consistency.

The initial mass may be as small as 1 cm or as large as 10 cm in diameter. It is typically located behind the nipple during its initial formation. Gynecomastia can develop on one or both sides of the chest, and it may present with or without asymmetry.

WHAT CAUSES GYNECOMASTIA TO DEVELOP? 

Gynecomastia is typically associated with hyperprolactinemia, which is the presence of abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a special kind of hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and which stimulates milk production in mammals, usually females, as well as the synthesis of progesterone in the body. Thus, when a man’s prolactin levels rise to sufficiently elevated levels, a few things occur. Adrenal function becomes impaired, electrolyte imbalances develop, libido drops, the prostate becomes compromised, and testicle function is affected. However, the most common side effect of hyperprolactinemia in men is breast enlargement. In extreme cases, some men may even begin to lactate.  

Gynecomastia may also be caused by liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, and other chronic conditions that affect the hormonal balance in the body. Some medications have also been linked to the sudden appearance of Gynecomastia in men.

HOW IS GYNECOMASTIA DIAGNOSED? 

Gynecomastia is the world’s most common pathology that affects male breast tissue. While overweight and obese men usually develop a form of Gynecomastia called pseudo-Gynecomastia, it typically resolves with proper diet, exercise, and other positive lifestyle changes.   However, it is crucial that a proper diagnosis is reached. And to do so, pre-operative mammography is typically performed, the results of which are used to determine the most appropriate treatment options. For example, in cases where mammography reveals the presence of fat but no other abnormal tissue, a liposuction procedure is recommended. In cases where glandular tissue is detected, an adenectomy may be necessary.  

Thankfully, the recovery time for a gynecomastia surgical procedure is quite short, and the results are almost immediate. Don’t let Gynecomastia affect your confidence and self-esteem. If you feel uncomfortable with the appearance of your chest, or feel that your enlarged breasts are adversely affecting your life, there is a solution. Consult with one of our aesthetic surgeons in Sydney Brisbane at Esteem Cosmetic Studio and find out which type of surgical procedure is right for you.

Interested in Gynecomastia Surgery? Call the team at Esteem Cosmetic Studio on 1300 378 336 and schedule an appointment for an in-depth consultation.

Once again, thank you very much for reading our blog. If you have questions, feel free to fill-up the form at the bottom to drop us an email. One of our staff will respond to you shortly.

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What Others are Reading:

• 3 myths about breast augmentation busted
• Breast Augmentation: What Happens If You Lose Weight?

Bra Cup Sizes and Implant Size … Decisions Decision Decisions

Breaking News: There is no standardize cup sizing in Australia. A “b” cup is a Berlei bra would not necessarily be a “B” cup in a Triumph bra !!

Implant size range is determined by YOUR anatomical measurements first and foremost and taking into account the answers to the questions of the surgeon to ascertain what your expectations are – 

• How wide your base width and sternum is?
• How lax the skin is?
• Where the breast sits on your torso – your breast footprint?
• How much natural breast tissue you have?
• How dense that natural breast tissue is?
• Cleavage, “side boob”, upper pole fullness, lower pole roundness, replace lost volume, in proportion with other body curves, out of proportion “fake” look?

Your final size is YOUR breast tissue + implant = final result

Cup and Bra sizing is not an exact science and there is no standardized sizing or universal sizing in Australia, each manufacturer/supplier/retailer will have a different sizing chart. It is impossible to predict what size you will be after surgery.

The only true way to see what size you are is to try the bra on, many factors change what size you will be – the country of manufacture, the brand, fabric, the cut of the bra, the width of the band, the width of the straps, position of the straps, strapless, whether it has wire or not, whether it has padding or not…

Most often women state they are a particular cup/bra size because they find a style, cut and often brand of bra as an everyday regular bra and then that is what they base their “bra/cup size” on, when they go and buy a special occasion type bra, they are often not their “regular” size.

Implant size is not a predictor or indicator of cup size, the same implant can look and affect the cup size VERY differently in different women.

Don’t believe us? Speak to a bra fitter!!

Post Written by Practice Director and Surgical Nurse: Justine Jahrmann

Interested in Breast Augmentation Surgery? Call the team at Esteem Cosmetic Studio on 1300 378 336 and schedule an appointment for an in-depth consultation.

Once again, thank you very much for reading our blog. If you have questions, feel free to fill-up the form at the bottom to drop us an email. One of our staff will respond to you shortly.

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What you need to know about Liposuction

Liposuction surgery can be extremely expensive so before handing your money over, step back and get an understanding if Liposuction surgery is actually for you.

Let this sink it. Liposuction surgery is NOT a weight loss procedure.

Liposuction is primarily a body reshaping procedure. It is suitable for patients who are close to their ideal weight but have areas of disproportion. At Esteem Cosmetic Studio, we inform patients that they must be +/- 5 kilos from their ideal weight and have good skin laxity.

Weight loss can be achieved by clean eating, regular exercise, if you are grossly overweight or morbidly obese, it would be best to see your GP and a referral to see a surgeon that specialises in weight loss surgery.

Once again, Liposuction should be regarded primarily as a body reshaping procedure and not a way of losing weight.  Liposuction is indicated for abnormal or disproportionate fat deposits.  These deposits are genetically pre-determined and for this reason, are resistant to diet and exercise.  Weight loss will make such areas smaller with the overall reduction of body fat but the disproportion will still be present.

Liposuction occurs above the muscle and below the skin. If you have a bulging chubby tummy due to the fat that is under the muscle and around the internal organs, this fat cannot be reduced with liposuction. This type of fat is called intraabdominal fat or visceral fat. This fat pushes out on the muscles that form the abdominal wall. Even if fat is removed from above the muscle, it will just be a smaller version of the rounded belly. For fat on the inside of the belly, proper nutrition and exercise are the only remedies.

Liposuction will not improve ‘cellulite’ irregularities which are due to contraction of the fibrous bands that extend from the under-surface of the skin to the underlying muscle.

Liposuction will NOT tighten to loose hanging skin. If you have a belly apron, you may want to explore the option of a tummy tuck procedure.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AFTER LIPOSUCTION?

Even though you will notice an improved shape immediately after your procedure the remaining fat in the liposuctioned area is still swollen from the remaining tumescent solution infiltrated into the area at the start of your procedure.  This swelling will settle over the ensuing three weeks and you will then notice a further reduction in size of the area concerned.  Thereafter, your skin and the tunnels created in the fat will continue to contract down over the next 3 or 4 months.  Therefore, your final shape may not be apparent until 3, or even 6 months, after your procedure. So patience is a must!

Discomfort after tumescent liposuction is usually only mild and most patients are up and about the very next day.  Any discomfort in the first few days can usually be relieved by Panadol. Rarely are stronger analgesics required.

Bruising after Tumescent Liposuction is usually only mild to moderate in amount and in any case largely disappears within three weeks.

Minor swelling of the treated area can last up to about three weeks.

Hardened areas under the skin may become apparent after the first week.  They are due to deep bruising, NOT residual fat, and will slowly smooth out and disappear as the body’s healing process absorbs the bruises. 

Minor irregularities in the remaining fat of the abdominal wall can sometimes be felt on passing the fingers over the abdomen.  These usually smooth out over the next six months or so.

Liposuction comes with its benefits and its limitations. A thorough consultation is important to determine if liposuction will actually benefit you. But if you are hoping this is a short cut to weight loss, it would be safe to say that the hope is misguided 🙂

Interested in Liposuction? Call the clinic on 1300 378 336 and schedule an appointment.  

Once again, thank you very much for reading our blog. If you have questions, feel free to fill-up the form at the bottom to drop us an email. One of our staff will respond to you shortly.

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