Gynaecomastia

• Some men may have breasts which are larger than the size most men have and this is called as Gynaecomastia

• The most common cause of Gynaecomastia is idiopathic (Meaning that there is no obvious reason behind this) . It can also occur due to the intake of various medications or from hormonal changes

• Gynaecomastia is fairly common and studies have shown that it can be as high as 40% among the age group 18 -26*

• Men find it embarresing removing their shirts during religious functions, going to the gym, swimming and changing shirts in the locker room. They also don’t like wearing tight outfits and this can prevent many men from going to the gym and participating in many outdoor activities. This can also dent their confidence.

• Surgery for gynaecomastia is done under general anaesthesia. A small incision of about 5 mm is made in the chest and the excess fat in the breast is sucked out by a procedure called liposuction. Another incision is made just around the areola and the excess breast bud tissue is removed.

• After the surgery the patient may have swelling and bruising over the chest which will go away in six weeks.There may not be an appreciable change in the size of the breast immediately after surgery due to the swelling and the final result maybe evident only 6 weeks after surgery when the swelling subsides. Patient may have minimal pain which will be controlled by painkillers. Most patients are discharged home the next day. Men are then advised to wear a tight compression garment after surgery which will reduce the swelling faster and will give a good result.

  Haematoma
• which may settle by itself or may need evacuation
 Seroma
• Serous fluid can get collected under the skin which can be aspirated with a needle and a syringe
 Change in the sensations over the nipple
• There can be minimal change in the sensations of the nipple due to the surgery which will come back after a few months
 Mild Asymmetry
• Inspite of all our efforts there may be a mild asymmetry of bothe the breasts

• Patients are usually very satisfied with this procedure because they have an appreciable change in the size of their breasts which allows them to go to gym, swimming, wear tight clothes and approach life with more confidence.