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Cosmetic Surgery Liposuction Tummy Tuck Face and Neck Lift Eyelid Lift Eyebrow Lift Frown Line Reduction Nose Surgery Breast Augmentation Breast Uplift Breast Reduction Men's Breast Reduction Surgery & Anesthesia About Dr. Hamas Robert S. Hamas, M.D. |
Gynecomastia (Men's breast prominence) During puberty, mens breasts enlarge in response to changes in hormone levels. Usually, the breasts shrink back to a normal size within two to three years. Unfortunately, some men retain prominence of their breasts throughout life. They are usually self-conscious about their prominent breasts. Many men with this problem are uncomfortable wearing knit shirts on a golf course or a T-shirt to work out. Some are so embarrassed by their prominent breasts that they will not take their shirt off to go swimming. When prominent breasts affect a mans body image and self-esteem, he usually decides to have treatment. Fortunately, this common condition can now be corrected by a simple day surgery procedure. Following this procedure, men are much more confident about their appearance in knit shirts, around swimming pools and in intimate situations.
Why do men's breasts enlarge? When young, mens breast tissue is mostly fibrous and glandular, gradually becoming more fatty with age. As a man gains weight, the fatty portion of the breasts can enlarge and become more prominent. Another cause of men's breast prominence is steroid use, such as for body building. Marijuana and a few prescription drugs are also associated with enlargement of mens breasts. How are mens breasts reduced? In the past, prominent breasts were usually treated by surgical excision. An incision around the lower edge of the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) was sometimes extended onto the chest. Because of the nature of this method, often there were irregularities and noticeable scars. It is rarely used today. A typical blunt-tipped liposuction cannula is effective for thinning body fat layers, but not mens breasts. This is because the blunt tip cannot penetrate dense, fibrous breast tissue. If a mans breasts are mostly composed of fatty tissues, this technique may be somewhat effective, but it can not remove the fibrous glandular tissue component. Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) destroys fat cells within fibrous glandular tissue, but it is not very effective for removing the fibrous glandular tissue itself. This technique has the potential risks of skin burns and fluid accumulations and needs a larger incision. A new liposuction technique involves a special sharp cannula specifically designed for reducing mens prominent breasts. It is far more effective than a blunt cannula and does not have the risks and limitations of ultrasonic liposuction.
I developed this new gynecomastia cannula a few years ago with a plastic surgeon in Australia. It is now used by a large number of plastic surgeons and our technique was recently selected for inclusion in The Year Book of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Through tiny incisions, this special liposuction cannula easily removes the dense, fibrous glandular tissue, along with the breast fat, to fully reduce all components of the prominent breast tissue. During the procedure, care is taken to be sure that the resulting contours are as smooth, even and symmetrical as humanly possible.
Reduction of prominent male breasts is usually done as a day surgery in the accredited office operating room facility. A light level of a short acting general anesthetic is used so you are completely comfortable and not aware of anything. The one-quarter-inch incisions are closed with absorbable sutures beneath the skin and covered with small dressings. What happens after surgery? A thin compression vest is worn day and night for two weeks and during the day for two additional weeks. It can be removed for showering. The thin vest fits easily under a shirt or suit jacket. Massage of the area, beginning two or three days following surgery, seems to help reduce swelling and speeds recovery. There is very little pain following this procedure. Most bruising and swelling are gone by four weeks. The tiny scars fade over time and become inconspicuous. Are activities restricted? Most men who have reduction of prominent breasts with this special gynecomastia cannula are able to return to a desk job in two or three days after surgery. Most men can resume full athletics without restriction by two weeks. What are the risks? Some of the risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry and contour irregularities. Detailed information is provided during the consultation. What about love handles? Often, men choose to reduce their prominent breasts at the same time as liposuction of the abdomen or flanks (love handles). These procedures can be combined easily with the same recovery period. The result is a much trimmer, more athletic-looking torso. Click here for information on liposuction. Where is the surgery done? Cosmetic surgery is done in my own accredited office operating room facility. Click here for more information. Is there financing? You may wish to use your VISA or MasterCard to pay for your surgery. Should you desire a personal loan, your own bank or credit union is your best source since they are already familiar with your credit history. If you prefer, the office will recommend a source for financing your cosmetic surgery.
For more information, or to schedule a personal consultation, call 214-363-1073 Robert S. Hamas, M.D. Certified
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