Gynecomastia, commonly known as "Man Boobs", is a condition characterised by excess breast tissue. It can be due to enlargement of the actual breast glands or deposition of fat tissues in the chest area. As its name implies, "man boobs" usually occur in men and boys and can affect one or both breasts. Many people think of gynecomastia as an aesthetic problem, but underlying medical conditions often cause it. Among the best methods to address this issue is plastic surgery called male breast reduction.
Shens Clinic is one of the places in Singapore where you can get male breast reduction surgery. The procedure is performed by Dr Shens, who is an accredited consultant plastic surgeon by the Ministry of Health and a member of the registry of specialists for Plastic Surgery in Singapore.
Here, you can read more about gynecomastia surgery at Shens Clinic.
There are a variety of reasons why men can develop male breasts or gynecomastia. Most often, enlarged breasts are caused by hormonal imbalances or when female hormone, estrogen, predominates over male hormone, testosterone. The increase of estrogen levels and the decrease of testosterone levels result in breast tissue growth.
Apart from hormonal imbalance, a variety of other factors can contribute to an increase in breast size. It is not uncommon for men to experience breast enlargement as a side effect of certain medications such as steroid injections, antibiotics, some drugs are taken for gastric disease or fungal infection, or stress-relieving medications. There are also several medical conditions that are related to gynecomastia, including obesity, cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, and more. In very rare cases, the enlargement of male breast tissue is caused by breast cancer.
A common cause of gynecomastia in boys is puberty and the hormonal changes that occur during this time. Enlarged breasts often improve on their own at an older age. It is possible, however, for the problem to persist into adulthood.
Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate you have gynecomastia.
It is important to note that having the above symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have gynecomastia. It is best to see a doctor in case you suspect that you are suffering from the condition. Besides reviewing your symptoms, your physician will also perform tests and exams such as blood tests, mammograms, and CT scans. Depending on the situation, tissue biopsies might also be conducted to ensure there is no breast cancer.
Gynecomastia can be classified into three categories based on the grade of development.
According to the types of tissue involved, gynecomastia can be further divided into two types.
It's vital for plastic surgeons to identify the grade and type of Gynecomastia since it will help them to determine which treatment is best suited for the patient.
Gynecomastia surgery is one of the best treatments for enlarged breast tissues in men. The operation can be done in two ways, through either the "scarless" or the "open" approach. The "scarless gynecomastia surgery" is usually done by using liposuction in which the excess fat is removed.
More severe cases of gynecomastia may need to be treated through the "open" approach (excision method), which involves removing excess breast tissue and loose skin. Incisions can be made on a portion of the edge of the areola or within your armpit, depending on your needs and your cosmetic surgeon's method of choice.
These incisions allow your plastic surgeon to remove fatty tissues or glandular tissue while creating a natural-looking chest contour. The surgical technique used will depend on the severity of the condition and the quality of your breast skin.
When done properly, liposuction can treat most cases of gynecomastia. The procedure involves making a 4mm small incision on each side of the chest. It can be done under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation.
If gynecomastia is more severe, the surgeon may need to perform "open" surgery or tissue excision in addition to liposuction. By doing so, the surgeon can remove a greater amount of glandular tissue and excess skin in order to achieve optimal results. The excision technique can also be used on patients who have a flat chest but appear to have a prominent breast disc.
Gynecomastia surgery at Shens Clinic is performed by using a High Definition Vaser liposuction technique. Thanks to this, Dr Shens is able to successfully treat patients who suffer from mild or moderate breast enlargement and model the desired shape of the men's chest.
High Definition Vaser liposuction is an advanced method of removing excess fat from the body. It works more precisely than traditional liposuction techniques. Vaser technology emits ultrasonic waves that melt fat cells beneath the skin with minimal trauma to blood vessels and skin. Besides that, it removes fat between the skin and muscle and exposes the cuts the muscle provides to the skin. This allows the surgeon not only to remove gynecomastia but also to contour the chest area better.
The technique is thought to be more effective than traditional liposuction. In addition, it is less painful, too, and allows a quicker and easier recovery.
Vaser Liposuction at Shens Clinic is performed under sedation by an anaesthesia provider in a day surgery facility. Day surgery provides better cost savings than surgery performed in a hospital. Gynecomastia surgery in Singapore must be done in the hospital only if the BMI is greater than 28. This is mandated by the Ministry of Health Act.
You might be a good candidate for surgical removal of gynecomastia in case you have any of the following concerns.
Surgical reduction of gynecomastia is usually an option for both groups of patients with pseudo gynecomastia and real gynecomastia. However, if you are very overweight, you would have to consider other options before having this cosmetic surgery. In such a case, you should consider getting weight loss surgery or losing weight.
Gynecomastia surgery usually begins with a consultation and evaluation between you and your surgeon. In this conversation, you will discuss preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details as well as potential complications of this surgery. Afterwards, you will be asked to complete your medical history and physical examination. The surgeon will discuss your goals with you and make suggestions based on those goals.
You will be instructed to stop smoking and taking blood thinners, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, at least two weeks before your surgery. You will also be advised to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home afterwards. The use of a pressure garment is usually necessary following liposuction to prevent swelling and improve contouring. Those clothes are normally made from breathable materials and are very well-fitted and comfortable. The compression garment should be worn for a few weeks after surgery. It will prevent any excess fluid from building up. In addition, it will help form new scar tissue that will enhance the new shape of the chest wall, promoting a masculine appearance.
Gynecomastia surgery usually has an easy recovery. It is possible that you experience pain and tenderness in the area for the first 2-3 days, but pain medications can alleviate it. It might be possible to return to work after one week, depending on the nature of your job. In most cases, light exercise can be resumed after three weeks. In about a month, you will be able to engage in full activity and unrestricted exercise.
Most patients who undergo surgical correction of enlarged breasts are satisfied with the results.
During your surgery, you won't feel any pain because you'll be under anaesthesia. However, after its effects wear off, you may experience soreness and discomfort in the chest area. You'll be prescribed medications to help you manage the tenderness. The "Scarless" approach, which is done through liposuction, is usually less painful, and most patients tolerate it very well.
The discomfort typically resolves on its own in 2-3 days following the operation. The "open" procedure is usually more painful and requires a longer recovery time. There may be mild discomfort and tightness for about a month following surgery.
Among the possible side effects and complications of Gynecomastia surgery are:
Usually, male breast reduction is considered a safe procedure and postoperative complications are rare. In order to ensure your safety, you should carefully choose the surgeon with whom you will be having surgery, as well as strictly follow his preoperative and postoperative instructions.
Costs for gynecomastia surgery in Singapore vary greatly depending on many factors. That is why it is best to contact Shens Clinic and schedule an appointment with us. As part of your consultation, the plastic surgeon will examine you and evaluate your condition to determine what treatment method is best for you. With this information, the doctor will be able to provide you with an accurate quote of the cost of Gynecomastia treatment.
Please contact Shens Clinic if you need more information about the procedure or if you have any questions. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
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