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What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia, or the swelling of breast tissue in males, is a common problem. It is caused by the imbalance of the testosterone and estrogen levels in the body, and is especially common during puberty or with the onset of old age when hormonal changes occur in the body. While this is not a condition that normally has an adverse impact on overall health, it can cause social anxiety, embarrassment and physical discomfort.
Toronto Male Breast Reduction Section
Male breast reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure to correct this condition. Dr. Colin Hong is a Toronto plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience in male breast reduction surgery. The development of male breasts may also be the result of obesity and the collection of fat in the breast region, known as Pseudoynecomastia. Any male with excessive breast development should contact a healthcare professional to determine the cause of the problem; if it is determined to be Gynecomastia, a cosmetic surgeon should be consulted to examine the surgical options for curing the condition.
If you are found to be a candidate for male breast reduction surgery, you will be given instructions on diet, medications to be taken and other factors that must be observed for two weeks prior to the Gynecomastia surgery. The surgery itself involves incisions made either on the edge of the nipples or in the underarm areas. Using these incisions the surgeon cuts away the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from under the nipples and the sides and bottom of the breasts. If a large amount of fat and tissue is to be removed, excess skin is also cut away to prevent the development of folds and to enable the skin to mold to the new beast contour. In some cases a small drain, which is removed later, is left in place to help the remove excess fluids. Post-surgery dressing is used to cover the incision, and an elastic bandage is used to cover the chest and hold the skin in place during the healing period.
Recovery Process
Male breast reduction can be performed as an outpatient procedure, and you can return home the same day. Because of the grogginess that will be felt for a day or two after the surgery, a caregiver should be present to take care of you and give you the prescribed post-operative medications. Post-gynecomastia pain and discomfort is controlled by painkillers, and you should be able to return to normal work after a few days, although strenuous physical activity must be avoided. Driving around Toronto can normally be resumed, with the doctor’s approval, after a week or so.
Because of the post-surgical swelling, it may initially appear that the male breast reduction has not achieved the desired results. The true results are only apparent after the swelling has gone down, which may take up to two weeks. The elastic bandage around the chest have to be used continuously for two weeks or so, and then for a few more weeks when sleeping. A regular, and progressively more strenuous, exercise routine is advised to allow you to return to normal activities in a few weeks.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gynecomastia/DS00850
http://www.gynecomastia-md.com/
https://www.medicinenet.com/gynecomastia/page3.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_gynecomastia
Dr. Hong offers a variety of breast enhancement procedures for women, in addition to helping male patients improve the look of their chest. He is highly regarded as a gifted, empathetic breast augmentation Toronto surgeon. His reputation as an experienced Toronto breast lift and breast reduction specialist is unsurpassed.
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Related Services:
Coolsculpting
Blepharoplasty
Breast Lift
Amazing experience, Doctor Hong is very confident and good at what he does. Every time I go to him I always get good results that I love and feel safe. Very friendly and helpful staff!