Gynaecomastia
Operation Description
Gynecomastia is a condition in which there is an enlargement of male breasts, involving an increase in glandular tissue along with often-present fatty tissue. This condition most commonly occurs during the teenage years but can be present at any age. When gynecomastia occurs at a younger age, it sometimes resolves on its own after some time. However, if it persists, surgical intervention is the best solution.
Determining the exact cause of gynecomastia is not straightforward, but there are certain conditions believed to contribute to its development. Hormonal imbalance is considered the main factor leading to enlarged breasts in men. Reasons for hormonal imbalance vary, from hormonal changes during puberty, excessive obesity, and the use of medications such as steroids and antidepressants, to specific illnesses affecting hormone metabolism.
Despite being a benign medical condition that doesn't cause pain or qualify as an illness, gynecomastia significantly impacts the quality of life for men. Since there is no FDA-approved therapy for gynecomastia, surgery is the only safe and effective solution for this condition.
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, involves the removal of glandular tissue, liposuction of fatty tissue, or a combination of both. Through this surgery, male breasts achieve a firm and tightened appearance, which is the only safe way to reduce male breasts without health consequences.
If you believe you are a candidate for gynecomastia removal and want more details about the procedure, schedule a consultation at Colić Hospital at +38169 3699801. One of our expert surgeons specializing in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery will explain everything and help you make the right decision.
Candidates
Good candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men with one or more of the following conditions:
- Breasts larger than they should be
- Excess glandular tissue in one or both breasts
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple resembling a fatty lump
- Previously obese patients who failed to lose excess breast fat through diet and exercise
Preparation
Before gynecomastia surgery, certain preparatory steps are taken. As the intervention is performed under general anesthesia, laboratory tests and an internal examination with an EKG recording are necessary. It is advisable to quit smoking a month before surgery and discontinue taking aspirin and herbal supplements two weeks before to avoid affecting blood coagulation during the operation.
Operation time
The operation begins with the administration of anesthesia. An incision is made along the edge of the areola (nipple), and the removal of glandular and fatty tissue starts from there. Fat tissue is removed through liposuction, involving the placement of special tubes (cannulas) for suctioning fat deposits. If there is excess skin, it is also removed to ensure firm and tightened breasts. The incisions are sutured, and the intervention concludes. A compressive dressing is applied around the breasts, which the patient wears for several days during recovery. The surgery typically lasts around one hour.
Recovery
Patients stay overnight at the hospital and are discharged the next day. Mild swelling and bruising are possible after male breast surgery but diminish quickly. If any discomfort or pain occurs, it will be managed with medications. Stitches are removed two weeks after the intervention. Recovery largely depends on the patient's health and adequate rest, significantly contributing to a shorter recovery.
Patients usually return to their daily activities one week after the intervention, with complete recovery taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, avoiding intensive physical activity and heavy lifting is necessary.
Safety precautions
Gynecomastia surgery as other surgeries carries certain risks. Some more serious complications that could occur include infections, bleeding, significant swelling that doesn't subside, and anesthesia-related side effects. All of these are rare and can be entirely avoided by carefully following the preoperative and postoperative advice from the Colić Hospital physicians.
Price
The cost of gynecomastia surgery ranges from €3000 to €3500. Services included in the surgery cost are:
- Preoperative examination by an anesthesiologist,
- The surgery itself,
- Short stay in the hospital,
- Necessary medications,
- Check-ups and dressings in the days after the surgery,
- Stitch removal.
Not included in the procedure cost are the initial examination with the doctor, blood and ECG tests, examinations by specialists outside the hospital, costs before admission to the hospital, telephone costs, and medications that the patient takes at home before or after the procedure.
Refer to the exact price list for all services provided by Colić Hospital.