GYNECOMASTIA (MALE BREAST REDUCTION)

PDF Version Aftercare PDF

 

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?CANDIDATES FOR GYNECOMASTIA GENERAL INFORMATION RISKS AND SAFETY

 

 

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Gynecomastia surgery reduces the size of the male breast by either liposuction or excision (removing some of the breast tissue and skin).  

 

GYNECOMASTIA CANDIDATES

There are many reasons why men choose to have breast reduction surgery.  Some of those reasons are:

  • Retaining a masculine figure
  • Feeling more confident in without a shirt
  • Enhancing self-image
  • Achieving symmetry

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Gynecomastia procedures are generally performed in the Erasmuskloof Cure Day Clinic.
  • You may experience an uncomfortable pressing feeling on your chest as well as pain and a burning sensation for a week or more.
  • Exercise may only be re-convened after 6 weeks post-operative.

Post-procedure Information:

  • Dr van Rooyen may prescribe some pain medication and in certain instances antibiotics.
  • You will have bandages and drainage tubes when you wake up.  Once you leave the Day Clinic you will be required to empty these drains and measure the contents thereof.  Please empty the drain on the day that you go home at 8PM. Thereafter you should empty the drains and measure the contents every 12 Hours (8AM-8PM).  Once you are home, you are required to phone us daily after you have taken your 8AM reading and give us the evening and morning reading.
  • Generally this surgery only has dissolvable stitches. 
  • Most of your bandages should be removed once Dr van Rooyen removes the drains.  After these have been removed you will be allowed to bathe and shower normally.  Before the drains have been removed you will not be allowed to get them wet and should take caution when washing yourself.
  • You will receive a compression garment which you should sleep in for 1 weeks.  It should be worn during the day for 1 month.  You can remove it for short periods when you get too uncomfortable.
  • You are not allowed to exercise for 6 weeks.
  • You may scar.  please note that scarring may take up to a year to heal and in some patients it will always leave some mark

 

RISKS AND SAFETY

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Surgery risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Skin loss
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Recurrent looseness of skin
  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Asymmetry
  • Suboptimal aesthetic result
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with Dr van Rooyen.

 

 

NOTICE: We DO NOT give quotations telephonically or via e-mail.  For any quotations or prices the patient is required to consult with the doctor first, only thereafter will we be able to give the patient a quotation or estimate.  Thank you for your co-operation.