​Postoperative care after gynecomastia correction @ Amicus Clinic

​Gynecomastia or male breast enlargement is a  common condition affecting men of all ages. It is a cause of much distress in those affected. Due to the embarrassment, it causes they may avoid situations which reveal the chest deformity. These include places like gyms, swimming pools and places of religious worship. 

Corrective surgery for gynecomastia is a short stay procedure. Surgical correction results in definitive and longstanding improvement of this condition. As the enlargement is comprised of both fatty and glandular they are both removed separately.  

Procedure: During the day of surgery patients have to present at the surgical center with an attendant. This could be a close friend or relative. Once the markings are performed, the surgery is done under general anesthesia. 
Liposuction is used to remove the fat from the enlarged breast tissue with a small pipe like instruments. The remaining gland is removed directly with the help of a small incision near the nipple. Dressings are placed over sutures and are held in place with the help of paper tapes. A compression garment is placed for reduction of the swelling. Sometimes a drain is placed to help evacuate any fluid which collects at the operated site.

First week: Patients are discharged after an overnight stay. They can resume light activities once they reach home. In case a drain has been used it is removed during the first operative visit. This is usually scheduled two days after discharge.  During this visit, fresh dressings are applied. After this patients can shower and apply a dressing over the suture line. Suture removal is done at one week. 

The second week onward: Pressure garment is advised till one month after surgery. 
Most of the swelling is gone at the end of one week. It is common to have symptoms of abnormal sensation near the scar. This usually resolves in a few weeks without any intervention. Patients can return to light work at the end of the first week. Unrestricted activities like sports can be resumed at the end of one month. 

Pain after procedure: Gynecomastia correction is usually not associated with significant pain. This is probably due to the liposuction with the administration of local anesthetic mixture. Pain if present is usually well managed with oral medications. 

Scars: As the incisions placed are very small the resulting scars are small and not readily noticeable. An incision placed within the pigmented part around the nipple (areola) settles very well and is nearly inconspicuous. 
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Most of the operated patients are much relieved to get rid of the excess breast tissue and have an increased level of self-confidence after the procedure.