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Gynecomastia

Excision of breast tissue in males

Men have a mammary gland bud under the areola. Normally these remain undeveloped. Nevertheless, some men do develop actual breast tissue. This generally involves both glandular tissue and additional fat. Breast development in men most commonly occurs naturally. However, medical conditions causing gynecomastia have to be excluded or diagnosed before surgical treatment.

Under general anaesthetic, liposculpture can be performed on the breast, removing excess fatty tissue. Subsequently an incision is made at the inferior border of the areola, to minimize the visibility the scar. Through this small incision, the firm breast tissue is excised. Sometimes, larger incisions (and scars) have to be made to remove skin excess.

After-care generally takes one, sometimes two nights at the hospital. Pain at rest usually disappears within a few days; pain when moving the arms and stiffness can persist for a couple of weeks. During six weeks an elastic pressure garment is to be worn to reduce oedema of the operated area. Manual lymph drainage carried out by a physiotherapist will further speed up reduction of swelling. The first few weeks the areola will feel a little harder and is somewhat retracted in comparison with the surrounding skin; after scar maturation the surface will be much more supple and smooth.