Growth of the breast tissue in men is common and is called gynecomastia. This condition often occurs during puberty and in many occasions resolves spontaneously. It can also occur in old age in which case it is unlikely to resolve but rarely requires treatment.

In people under the age of 20 treatment is rarely performed as the condition is likely to improve. In most cases the cause for the condition remains uncertain (idiopathic gynecomastia) and is has generally been attributed to an inbalance in sex hormones or the tissue unresponsiveness to them

However there are a number of factors that can produce the condition which need to be excluded. These include generalised weight gain. This is known as pseudogynecomastia and is best treated by judicious weight loss. Other causes include:

• Medication- the following drugs are believed to cause gynecomastia:
  • Cimetidine, Omeprazole, Spirinolacte and Cannabis

• Increase in the production of the female hormone estrogen
  • This occurs in certain testicular tumours and in patients with hyperthyroidism

• Decrease in the production of the male hormone testosterone
  • This can be caused by genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome. Diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary can also lead to low testosterone levels. Abuse of anabolic steroids has a similar effect.

It is important to remember that in the vast majority of cases no cause is found for the condition. In many cases other male members of the family have the condition and it can be considered hereditary.

Treatment

If you are overweight it is sensible to try and loose weight as this will reduce the fatty content of the breast tissue. In some cases this will not reduce the fullness in the area as it is composed of breast tissue rather than fatty tissue.

Exercising and building up the pectoralis muscled under the breast may make the condition worse. This is because it makes the muscle bigger and thicker but has little effect on the overlying breast tissue.

There a number of medications that are reported to reduce gynecomastia. There is little evidence that they are effective but they may be worth trying in the first instance as they are unlikely to cause any harm.

Surgical reduction of gynecomastia is possible and is either performed by fat reducing or excisional techniques. Liposuction is the main fat reducing technique and is works best on people with generalised prominence in the area without excessive skin laxity. Advantages of liposuction include minimal downtime and very little scarring. The scarring is limited to 2-3 short incisions approximately 5mm in length located at the edges of the breast tissue.

In excisional techniques skin is removed along with breast tissue. This technique is best reserved for people with significant skin looseness as it will reduce this. On the downside it does involve more scarring than liposuction. This is usually located around the nipple but can extend down the fold under the breast.

After Your Surgery

Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

You’ll be swollen and bruised for awhile–in fact, you may wonder if there’s been any improvement at all. To help reduce swelling, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. You’ll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough–which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

Your surgeon may advise you to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, and heavy exercise for about three weeks. You’ll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you’re back to all of your normal activities.

You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.

Your New Look

Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with your plastic surgeon.

The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you’ll be very satisfied with your new look.

To find out if you would be suitable for surgical treatment of gynecomastia it is best to see a specialist to discuss your options. At the Gatehouse Clinic a number of our surgeons have a special interest in gynecomastia surgery and would be more than happy to see you for a consultation in which the condition would be discussed and any of your questions answered. If you would like to arrange a consultation please contact us at the Gatehouse Clinic where your enquiry will be handled with the strictest confidence.

Gynecomastia is a common condition producing generalized enlargement of the male breast tissue.

It can be treated by Excisional techniques which involve an incision around the nipple allowing access to the enlarged tissue which is removed.

Liposuction techniques involve reducing the amount of breast tissue by suctioning it out via small incisions around the breast.

If you thought cosmetic surgery was reserved for Hollywood stars, you’re out of sync with the times. Nowadays it’s become a surprisingly affordable lifestyle choice for people from all walks of life. Here’s a look at some of the more common cosmetic procedures to help you decide if cosmetic surgery is for you.

Essentially, cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure carried out to improve a person’s appearance. As such, it can be applied to any part of your body. But the most common are the various regions of the face, the breasts and the waist. Let’s look at each in turn.

The most famous facial surgery procedure is the facelift (rhytidectomy). The objective is to tighten up skin and smooth out the lines and wrinkles that time etches on your face. The end result is a more youthful appearance.

The second most common is the nose job (rhinoplasty). This works to bring balance to the face by changing the shape of your nose, by making it wider or narrower, for example. It’s also used to remove bumps in the nose.

Then there’s eye enhancement. This procedure centres on removing unsightly bags under the eyes.

Lesser known is ear surgery. This is for people who feel their ears are too prominent. The operation adjusts the shape of the ear cartilage so that the ear lies closer to the head.

Next is breast surgery which involves altering the size and/or position of the female breast. The most sought after procedure is breast enlargement which is achieved through implants. Another popular procedure is the uplift which corrects sagging breasts. Finally there’s breast reduction for women who suffer from back or shoulder pain due to excessive breast weight.

Finally, body surgery involves ways to improve the shape of the body, particularly the waist. The two most popular procedures here are tummy tucks and liposuction. The tummy tuck involves removing folds of overhanging skin and fatty tissue from around the midriff to give that smooth, tight, youthful look. For moderate weight reduction, liposuction is available. This involves the selective removal of fat cells by vacuum suction through a small metal tube inserted into the affected areas.

These are the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. But in addition to the above, there are also more specialized procedures such as weight loss surgery, cosmetic surgery for men and anti-aging cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon can give you details of these.

In deciding whether to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, the first step is to consult a surgeon to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. The surgeon will take many factors into account such as your age, state of health, skin texture, bone structure and healing ability. Though most cosmetic surgery procedures are safe and carried out under local anaesthetic, there are risks involved and your surgeon will make you aware of them.

Another key factor is how realistic your expectations are about the results of your surgery. If you’re expecting to be transformed into a clone of Julia Roberts, you’re probably setting yourself up for disappointment. Results tend to be subtle rather than transformational and it’s important to remember this. However, they can be life changing too.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery operation that helps sculpt the body by removing fat from specific areas like the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck. The fat is usually removed through a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (a suction device).

Liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, but it can remove stubborn areas of fat that does nor respond to traditional weight loss method.

Best candidates for liposuction:

The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, and realistic in your expectation. Individuals with medical problems like diabetes, heart or lung problems poor blood circulations are not suitable candidates for liposuction.

Anesthesia for liposuction:

Your surgeon will select the type of anesthesia that is most suitable and safe for your surgery. If only small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas. Regional anesthesia is a good choice for more extensive procedures. In such cases the anesthetist makes sure you are completely asleep during the procedure.

Preparing for surgery:

Patient should stop taking anticoagulants for two weeks before surgery. Smoking must be avoided for about two months prior to surgery. As it interferes with circulation and causes blood clots.

The surgery:

The time required to perform liposuction varies considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and techniques used. Through or tiny incision, a narrow tube is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin.

The cannula is then pushed and pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out by a vacuum pump or a large syringe. The fluid lost along with the fat is replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. Under careful observation the patient receives intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

Techniques used in liposuction:

The basic technique of liposuction as described above is used in all patients undergoing this procedure. A medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed, is commonly used by plastic surgeons today. The fluid is a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) help the fat to be removed easily, reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after surgery.

Some patients require neither a breast augmentation nor reduction. They have lost the elasticity of the skin of the breast either after pregnancy or weight loss. For these patients a breast lift is performed.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is an operation to remove excess skin that has been stretched during pregnancy or weight fluctuation. The amount of skin removed is related to the degree of drooping of the breasts. Breast implants may by used at the same time when the breasts have lost substance due to pregnancy

Although there is some scarring with this procedure, women are pleased with the restructured shape and size of their breasts as well as with the way they appear in clothing and swimwear.

The patient undergoes general anesthesia with the surgery lasting three to four hours.

A breast lift surgery is normally safe when significant by a qualified surgeon. Significant complications from breast lifts are not frequent. Thousands of women go through surgery, without experiencing major problems and are pleased with the results.

Following a breast lift surgery, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple may vary slightly, permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revisional surgery may be helpful where incisions have healed poorly. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are not common, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce the risks by clearly following your physician’s advice before and after surgery.

Reasons for undergoing a breast lift: Breasts that lack substance or firmness. Some of the candidates have breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size. Nipples and areolas that point downwards, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease. Loss of elasticity, weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding affect the shape and firmness of the breasts.

A breast lift surgery is normally safe when significant by a qualified surgeon. Significant complications from breast lifts are not frequent. Thousands of women go through surgery, without experiencing major problems and are pleased with the results. Following a breast lift surgery, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple may vary slightly, permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revisional surgery may be helpful where incisions have healed poorly. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are not common, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce the risks by clearly following your physician’s advice before and after surgery.

Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck

Man has always been amused by the way our Creator had conceived the human body. This could be appreciated in the works of eminent artist and sculptures, particularly during the renaissance time. The human body with its curves and contours as we portray it in our mind should be complete and flawless. However, nothing in this world is created with inestimable beauty. As we witness the changes that our body would undergo through time. In particularl our abdomen, this would be skin laxity, fat deposits at the middle and lower abdomen and protrusion of the abdominal musculature. This is brought about by multiple interrelated causes; such as ageing, pregnancy and massive weight loss.

The abdominal transformation that we incurred through time could be address by abdominoplasty or commonly term as tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it would not necessarily change your looks to match your standard, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. Prospective patient that are good candidate for this procedure are men and women with large fat deposits and / or loose abdominal skin that would not respond to diet and exercise. This procedure will particularly benefit women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can not return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. Tummy tuck can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen and also tighten lax and / or excess skin.

Tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis using general or regional anesthesia. The procedure does produce a permanent scar that usual extends from hip to hip. A horizontal incision is made at the lower abdominal area, from hip bone to hip bone along the “bikini” line, just above the pubic area were the resulting scar could be concealed by clothing. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. Initially, the surgeon gently separates the skin and subcutaneous fat from the abdominal wall, and the abdominal muscle and fascia are tightened with plication sutures to lessen the protrusion. The excess skin and fat are removed then flap is closed by layers of sutures. A tube drain may be left in place for several days. A mini or partial tummy tuck is used to remove fat deposits near the navel, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched. This procedure is sometimes conducted endoscopically. In which a small incision is made near the belly button and excess fat is removed through it. A complete tummy tuck generally takes about 2 to 5 hours.

An elastic bandage is applied following the surgery to help prevent swelling and give comfort to the patient. In some cases, drainage tubes are inserted for the first 2 to 3 days to help remove excess fluid. There is the possibility of infection following any surgery. However, when done by a qualified plastic surgeon that is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Your surgeon will likely prescribe you with antibiotics to avoid infection in addition to any pain medication. Swelling, bruising and numbness are normal after the surgery and will subside in a few weeks to months. Patients are encouraged to begin walking right away even it they can not stand upright. Stitches are removed in 5 to 10 days, after which a support garment is used in place of the dressing. Healing from a tummy tuck is slow since this is major surgery. Most patients return to normal activity within 4 weeks. Exercise is encouraged after the initial recovery period to help tone the muscle. The scar is permanent but will fade in 6 to 9 months.

For more information on Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck or Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery you may visit www.philippinecosmetic.com or email us at peregrinovii@yahoo.com

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