gynaecomastie

What is gynaecomastia?

When there are too many mammary glands or there is too much fatty tissue present in men, it can result in a bothersome problem: the formation of breasts. This formation of breasts is visible in young males, mainly during puberty, but can also disappear naturally. The circulation of certain female hormones in the male body can cause breasts to form. These hormones are also present in males during puberty. Luckily there are advanced techniques to treat gynaecomastia (breast formation).

The fatty tissue is removed using liposuction or liposculpture, and the excess of glandular tissue is surgically removed. Of course, the treatment can be a combination of both.

What are the advantages of this treatment?

  • You can wear what you want again
  • No more painful symptoms
  • No more ‘man boobs’
  • Free and non-binding advice

Who is a suitable candidate for a gynaecomastia?

You are a good candidate for the treatment for gynaecomastia when you have breast formation that does not suit your body type. You may also suffer symptoms when you wear, for example, braces or a rucksack. In addition to having excess skin, you may also have fat or glandular tissue which can also cause painful symptoms.

GYNAECOMASTIA BEFORE AND AFTER

How is the treatment done?

First, the surgeon will take photos for in your medical file. Subsequently, he will draw out the area to be treated, indicating where the incisions need to be made. The surgery can be done under a local anaesthetic or, should you prefer, under a general anaesthetic.  The type of anaesthetic used depends on the kind of gynaecomastia performed and the severity of the problem.

Is there an overly present (mammary) gland disc with little fatty tissue, then the removal of the glandular disc is often enough. The disc is removed by making an incision along the lower part of the areola. A small amount of the glandular tissue is left under the nipple, to prevent any dents from forming.

When performing a gynaecomastia with excess fatty tissue, and without an excess of glandular tissue present, then liposuction is the most appropriate method.

When dealing with the most common form of gynaecomastia – breast tissue, with both an overly present (mammary) gland disc and an excess of ‘fatty’ breast tissue, a combination of treatments is appropriate, namely the removal of the glandular disc and liposuction.

CONSULTATION

When you are interested in one of our treatments, then you will first need to come for a consultation. Our consultants will give you free advice about all the possibilities within our practice, tailored to treat your symptoms and meet your needs. During your consultation, you will be informed as to which doctor is best for you. You will be given plenty of time to ask any questions and to indicate what you expect from the breast reduction. A consultation is always non-binding. Would you like to receive treatment, then we will schedule a date with you for your surgery.

After your initial consultation, you will then meet with the doctor. The doctor will examine your breasts and determine if it is medically responsible to perform the surgery. Should everything be okay, then we can schedule your surgery. The law in the Netherlands stipulates that there must be at least a 7-day waiting period between your consultation with the doctor and your operation date.

What can I expect after having had the treatment done?

After your surgery, it is normal that your breasts will be swollen and bruised. You will not directly be able to see the effects of the operation. Once the swelling has subsided, however, you will see that your breasts are smaller.

The wounds will be dressed in bandages, and on some occasions, it is necessary to have drains put in, which are generally removed within 24 hours. The treated area will be sensitive after the operation, but a simple painkiller is usually enough to relieve the discomfort. In most cases, any mammary gland removed is sent off to pathology to be analysed. You will receive the results during your first check-up after your operation.

We advise you to avoid lifting any heavy objects, doing a workout and doing any sports for the first six weeks after your operation. Swimming and going to the sauna are also off-limits for the first six weeks. You will need to wear a supportive corset or jacket during the first six weeks to help support the healing process of the wounds and to prevent an oedema forming and reduce the swelling after your surgery. You should avoid direct sunlight for the first two weeks after your surgery.

Your breasts may be slightly swollen due to fluid build-up in the wound and there may also be some bruising. This will gradually subside by itself. The sutures will be removed after two weeks. Should any redness or swelling occur, or you develop a fever, or the wound opens up, or there are other concerns, please immediately contact us.