Gynecomastia is the
term for enlarged male breast tissue. Correction or
removal of this problem may require liposuction or
excision of skin and tissue. Removal of the excess
tissue will help to improve the contour of a male
chest. Some men may have gynecomastia on both sides,
and often it is only on one side. The most common
reason for gynecomastia is unknown. Often weight gain
will also cause the enlargement of the male breast. As
well, some medications taken for long periods, such as
valium, and perpetual marijuana smoking can cause
gynecomastia.
With every surgery
there are possible risks and complications: Dr. Yaker
performs gynecomastia correction surgery. However;
there are risks associated with this surgery. Possible
complications following surgery include infection,
bleeding, poor healing, and reaction to anesthesia.
Smokers will need to stop smoking 4 weeks prior to
surgery and continue not smoking until approximately 6
weeks after surgery. Smoking increases the risk of
complications during the healing process.
About the Surgery:
The
procedure may be performed in our on site AAAASF
certified ambulatory surgery center under general
anesthesia. Dr. Yaker will meet with you for
consultation prior to surgery and determine if
liposuction techniques will enable him to remove the
excess tissue, or if an incision and removal of tissue
and skin will be required. There are times when
insurance will cover this procedure, when determined
medically necessary. The surgery will take anywhere
from one to three hours depending on the method used.
The incisions are usually placed at the lower margin
of the areola. There will be scars from the surgery,
which will always be present, although they should
fade over time.
Pre-Operative
Instructions
For
Gynecomastia
2 Weeks Before
Surgery:
- Do not take aspirin
or ibuprofen products (You may take Tylenol)
- Do not take any
diet pills or similar appetite suppressant
medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
- Do not take any
herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
- Do not take Vitamin
E
- Do Not Smoke - This
will interfere with the circulation and healing
process causing major complication
Products Needed at
Home:
- Fill your
prescriptions given to you during your pre-op
visit:
- Lortab or Darvocet
is for the pain
- Keflex is an
antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as
directed)
Extra-strength Tylenol
Benadryl 25mg - For Occasional Itching
The Night Prior to
Surgery:
- Eat a bland meal -
Nothing Spicy
- Take a Pepcid AC
- The Day of the
Surgery:
**Eating
or Drinking Prior To Surgery Will Result in
Cancellation of the Surgery**
- Wear loose
clothing, something very easy to put on after
surgery. Wear a top that buttons or zips in front.
(Do not wear jeans or tight clothing)
- Shave as usual
- Leave all jewelry
and valuables at home
- The person caring
for you after surgery will need to stay with you
for at least 24-48 hours
Post-Operative
Instructions
For
Gynecomastia
Medications:
- Take your pain
medications for the pain. Do not take it on an
empty stomach.
- Take the
antibiotics as directed until they are all gone.
- Should you become
constipated, you may use an over the counter stool
softener. If you do not have relief from your
stool softener, call the office.
- Remember no aspirin
products until 2 weeks after surgery.
Other Things to
Remember:
- If you feel you are
in an emergency situation, please call the office
at any time. Our phones are answered 24 hours a
day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding,
abnormal swelling, or a temperature over 101
degrees. Other calls should be made during
business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.
- We ask that you not
drive for 5-7 days.
- Most patients sleep
with pillows behind their back to help them feel
more comfortable while resting.
- You may have
surgical drains placed to collect excess fluid,
these drains will be removed 1-3 days after
surgery.
- Should the incision
have drainage, place gauze bandages under the
surgical garment, or ace bandage. Should drainage
continue, call the office.
- Most patients take
5-7 days off from work for the surgery.
- The sutures will
come out around 7-10 days after surgery.
- No Smoking.
- Remember no aspirin
products until 2 weeks after surgery.
- Patients are
encouraged to massage lotions containing Aloe Vera
or Vitamin E on the scars to help during the
healing process, once all of the sutures have been
removed.
- Keep activity
moderate for the two weeks. After 4 weeks you may
resume normal activities as tolerated.
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