American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [782]
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is excessive growth of the male breasts. In some cases, the breasts may even produce milk. Forty to 60 percent of all adult men have some form of gynecomastia. In adolescents, a mild degree of gynecomastia is normal. Most cases of gynecomastia in adults are caused by an excess amount of the female hormone estrogen in the blood. Men normally produce small amounts of estrogen, but some men produce an increased amount because of disorders such as obesity, a liver disease such as cirrhosis (see page 790), or hormone abnormalities. Gynecomastia also can be a side effect of taking some prescription medications, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, or using marijuana. Rarely, gynecomastia is a symptom of breast cancer. In many cases, the cause is unknown. If the condition is caused by an underlying disorder, it usually subsides once the underlying disorder is treated. Most cases are not severe enough to require surgery.
After Surgery
After breast reduction surgery, you may experience temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, soreness, or a burning sensation that can last from several days to 2 weeks. You can resume your usual activities within 3 to 7 days and engage in strenuous activities in 2 to 3 weeks. The swelling and bruising usually subside within 3 to 6 months. The doctor may recommend wearing a compression garment for several weeks after surgery to help relieve some of the symptoms. Besides the usual risks from surgery (such as infection), possible complications of breast reduction surgery include asymmetrical breasts, saggy skin, abnormal skin pigmentation, and excessive scarring.
Most men are very happy with the results of breast reduction surgery, which are permanent. However, the procedure may have to be repeated if too little tissue was removed from inside the breast or if excess skin remains after the surgery.
Breast Lift
A breast lift is cosmetic surgery that lifts and reshapes breasts that have sagged and stretched from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. To perform a lift, excess skin is removed from the lower part of the breasts. Surgeons achieve the best results in women with small breasts because large, heavy breasts will begin to sag again after surgery. Breast lift surgery is not permanent, because no procedure can permanently halt the effects of gravity. If you plan to have children, consider delaying your breast lift until afterward because your breasts will probably stretch from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Procedure
A breast lift is usually performed on an outpatient basis while the woman is under general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 1½ to 3½ hours. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision that determines the boundaries of the area from which skin will be removed and locates a new position for the nipple. After removing the excess skin, the surgeon moves the nipple and areola into their new position and pulls the remaining skin down and together to lift and reshape each breast. Some women with small breasts choose to have breast implants inserted during breast lift surgery. If so, the surgeon inserts the implant in a pocket under the breast tissue or behind the chest wall muscle. The surgeon then stitches the incisions closed.
Breast lift
A breast lift raises and reshapes breasts that have sagged and stretched from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. To perform a breast lift, the surgeon makes an anchor-shaped incision on each breast and removes excess skin from the lower part of the breast. The nipple and areola are moved into a new position. The surgeon then pulls the remaining skin down and together to lift and reshape each breast.
After Surgery
Gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or surgical bra will be placed over your breasts immediately after surgery. After a few days, you will wear a soft support