Is Gynecomastia Surgery Safe? Risks, Benefits, and Expert Insights

Gynecomastia is a common worry, more than thought. Men who suffer from this condition hesitate to talk about it and have many questions about its surgical treatment. Some of the most asked questions include: Is Gynecomastia surgery reliable? Is gynecomastia surgery safe? How long do gynecomastia surgery results last? What are the gynecomastia surgery-associated risks and benefits? In this blog, all such questions are answered.

If considering male breast reduction surgery in Mumbai, but worried about its safety, don’t be. Here's the good news: Gynecomastia surgery has advanced significantly, now using the latest techniques and delivering predictable outcomes when performed by an experienced surgeon. In this blog, you can explore risks, benefits, and expert-backed insights on gynecomastia surgery and then make the best decision.

Potential Risks of Gynecomastia Surgery

Often reported, short-term aftermaths of gynecomastia surgery are:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Soreness
• Numbness
• Tingling.

Rarely occurring, serious risks that require prompt medical attention include

• Severe pain and swelling
• Blood clots
• Anaesthesia-related reactions
• Breathing issues.

Potential Gynecomastia Surgery Complications

• Infection- signs include warmth, redness, and pus
• Hematoma- pooling of blood beneath the skin
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Seroma- a collection of fluids
• Scarring- Usually made hidden with the strategic placement of an incision
• Contour irregularities- resulting from under- or over-resection.

Factors that Decide Male Breast Surgery Safety and Gynecomastia Surgery Success Rate

The safety of gynecomastia surgery hinges on:

• Your selection of surgeon: A surgeon with experience and expertise in gynecomastia surgery performs advanced liposuction techniques for stubborn fat removal and precise excision of excess glandular tissues and extra skin. Such a surgeon ensures minimal trauma to the chest, reduces blood loss, and prevents complications like poor chest contour or hematomas by first checking your suitability for gynecomastia surgery through blood tests, a comprehensive physical exam, and review of medical records.
  
  A good surgeon performs the surgery at a well-equipped surgical facility and ensures that the right type and dose of anaesthesia- either general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia, or sedation, whichever is best- is provided by an expert anaesthesiologist.
  
  
• Your diagnosis: By knowing your gynecomastia type and grade, a surgeon will decide and execute the best-suited, safest surgery approach. The choice is made between liposuction, excision, or a combination of liposuction and excision to ensure optimized chest sculpting with minimal scarring. For the right selection, experts advise having an open, detailed discussion with the surgeon about the surgery's risks and benefits before giving consent for gynecomastia surgery.
  
  
• Your general well-being: Gynecomastia surgery works right for men who are in good overall health, meaning no hormonal issues or serious medical conditions that would interfere with the procedure, delay healing, and cause complications. A pre-operative evaluation by the surgeon helps rule out illnesses like liver conditions, cardiovascular diseases, blood clotting issues, kidney disease/failure, or uncontrolled diabetes, and can determine your fitness for surgery.
  
  
• Your age, weight, and emotional stability: Gynecomastia surgery is safe and effective for males who have completed chest development, have enlarged breasts for over 2 years, and have the maturity to handle recovery and the expectations of the surgery, as well as those with a stable, healthy body weight.
  
  
• Your lifestyle habits: Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug addiction all can impact the body’s machinery that takes part in healing. If a smoker or alcohol/drug addict does not break these addictions before and after surgery, it would result in poor or delayed recovery, skin necrosis, or recurrence of gynecomastia.
  
  
• Your realistic expectations: Understanding gynecomastia surgery thoroughly and setting appropriate expectations about its outcomes can help avoid post-surgery dissatisfaction.
  
  
• Your aftercare routine: Strict adherence to the surgeon's post-operative instructions is essential for a successful recovery. The aftercare plan includes wearing a compression garment to alleviate swelling and ensure stability of the new chest contour; management of pain with pain-relieving drugs; avoidance of heavy weight lifting and any activity that puts pressure on the chest for 4-6 weeks; proper incision wound-care; and attendance for all follow-ups scheduled to monitor recovery progress and get any issues immediately addressed.   

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery and Who Can Enjoy Them

Gynecomastia surgery benefits outweigh its risks, and so most men with gynecomastia seek surgical breast reduction. The minimally invasive gynecomastia surgery provides less noticeable scarring, speedy recovery, and minimal post-operative discomfort.

Here are the upsides of undergoing gynecomastia surgery:

• A more positive body image 
• More fitted, comfortable clothing choices
• A flatter, firmer, well-defined chest (as that of a typical male) that stays for a lifetime with proper lifestyle maintenance
• No back strain, slouching, spinal problems, or poor posture stemming from enlarged, heavy breasts
• A lasting relief from chafing, irritation, and tenderness caused by the breast skin
• Reduced anxiety and depression, and more confidence to face others
• Freedom and comfort to go shirtless and participate in athletic events or swimming.

The gynecomastia surgery benefits only:

• Those who have good elastic skin
• Those who have a stable, healthy weight and overall well-being
• Those who are not addicted to any substance like nicotine, alcohol, or drugs
• Those who have a realistic mindset for gynecomastia surgery and its results
• Adolescent boys and men with a non-masculine chest are not relieved with other treatments or lifestyle changes.

The Final Thoughts: Expert Opinion on Gynecomastia Surgery Safety

Gynecomastia surgery generally poses minimal risks and is very effective in reclaiming the confidence of men with a feminised chest. That’s when it is performed by a proficient plastic surgeon on an eligible candidate using modern approaches. And, the patient diligently follows the surgeon-provided guidelines.

Where to opt for gynecomastia surgery in Mumbai?

Confirmation of personal safety for gynecomastia surgery can only be provided by an expert surgeon during consultation. Dr. Parag Telang is the most trusted, top-ranking plastic surgeon practicing safe gynecomastia surgery in Mumbai and has performed numerous successful cases.

You can consult him at Designer Bodyz Clinic.   

Note: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation.