Gynecomastia is a condition that causes swelling of breast tissue and is experienced by more than 70 percent of men. In most cases, this is a temporary condition that passes soon after puberty. However, for others, it transforms into a chronic condition requiring breast reduction surgery. Designed to eliminate excess tissue from a man’s chest, this procedure establishes a masculine upper body shape that you’d be proud to show off at the beach.
When planning for male breast reduction surgery, thorough preparation during your consultation with Dr. Tiffany Ballard or Dr. Pramit Malhotra will go a long way towards safely accomplishing the desired results.
Being well-prepared will not only help you feel more confident but will also increase your chances of a smooth surgery and a quick, trouble-free recovery. Of all the tips a man should follow before having gynecomastia surgery, these are perhaps the most important.
Consider the Best Procedure
Not all breast reduction procedures are the same. Liposuction may be all that is required to remove excess fat and tissue through a small incision on the chest. It is performed with local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
However, some gynecomastia conditions might require a broader approach, which would be decided during the patient’s consultation. Men who have too much breast tissue might need to have it removed by surgical excision during a procedure requiring a slightly larger incision but still with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery.
Apart from removing the excess breast tissue, this also an opportunity to address other aesthetic concerns at the same time, including the removal of excess skin and glandular tissue.
Having a clear plan for your ultimate goal is crucial in knowing that you’ll be satisfied with the outcome. By assessing your anatomy, our doctors will establish whether the fullness in your chest is due to:
- Excess fat
- Excess breast tissue
- Loose skin surrounding the areolas
Should age or extreme weight loss be factors, fullness in the chest could result from excess skin surrounding the areolas, easily removed with an areolar reduction.
In cases where gynecomastia is due to excess fat and breast tissue, you may require a surgical procedure to remove this.
Choose the Right Surgeon
While preparing for your gynecomastia surgery, an essential step is to schedule a consultation with the doctors at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery in Michigan who are:
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Have in-depth knowledge of the underlying causes of gynecomastia.
- Have performed numerous male breast reduction surgeries using the techniques needed for your procedure.
- Able to show you before-and-after pictures of previous male breast reduction patients.
Our doctors have an extensive understanding and broad experience in reducing breast tissue in men and recontouring the chest area to give it a more masculine appearance.
Get the Best Sleep After Your Surgery
Often overlooked by gynecomastia patients is the subject of sleeping after surgery. While this aspect of male breast reduction doesn’t top the list of concerns that usually center on topics like the results, discomfort, and getting back to normal activities, it is worth considering how to get optimum amounts of rest after surgery and help speed your recovery.
Here are the top recommendations we give to our patients:
- Sleep in a reclined position. The more you can elevate your head and torso, the better.
- Avoid belly and side sleeping. For the first few weeks, swelling, small sutures, and compression garments will probably have you feeling most comfortable on your back.
- Consult your plastic surgeon about medication. If you’re struggling to get enough rest, consider a sleep medication.
Commit to Lifestyle Changes
While your lifestyle might not have caused gynecomastia, this is an excellent opportunity to review your diet and exercise routine. Following the guidelines outlined below before and after your surgery will help preserve your results.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, white flour, and processed foods.
- Reduce your alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana consumption.
- Avoid taking steroids or hormonal supplements.
- Exercise between three and six times a week and include both weightlifting and cardiovascular activities.
Follow the Recovery Process
Before your surgery, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and be able to assist with household chores during the initial 48 hours after your surgery.
Returning home after your gynecomastia surgery and starting the recovery process will be a challenge. Plan to take some time off from work and other commitments, and expect to spend most of the initial recovery time resting.
Follow the advice provided by the team at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery and look forward to a quick and trouble-free recovery!
Get Ready for Your Gynecomastia Surgery Ann Arbor and Jackson, MI
Are you ready to address your gynecomastia and start living with renewed self-confidence and a leaner, more sculpted look? Then, be sure to visit our Male Breast Surgery Gallery and schedule a private consultation at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery to prepare for your gynecomastia surgery. The results will help you once again to feel proud of your manly appearance.
Contact one of our office locations at Ann Arbor, MI (734) 436-2186 or Jackson, MI (517) 789-9800 today.