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How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery
Having enlarged breasts can be extremely frustrating both for men and adolescent males, impacting self-confidence, social interactions and even activities.
If you suffer from gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) and want to have it treated, a surgical procedure is most often your best and only option.
If you are doing some research on gynecomastia surgery and its treatment, there are several things to consider as you pursue treatment.
What Is Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and/or glandular breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine-appearing chest.
Depending on your specific concerns, your anatomy and the underlying cause(s) of your gynecomastia, Dr. Turkeltaub will recommend the most appropriate techniques to give you the best results.
In every case, the primary goal is to remove the excess volume from the chest and reshape it to provide you with a more pleasing contour. Dr. Turkeltaub will either remove the excess breast tissue through an incision or — if excess fat is the primary cause — with liposuction. In some cases, patients have excess fat and glandular tissue, so these techniques are combined. When excess skin is also present, this will also be addressed.
What Should You Know Before Gynecomastia Surgery?
The first step in your gynecomastia process is to schedule a consultation with a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub specializes in breast surgeries, including male breast reduction. It is crucial that you choose such a plastic surgeon who is also experienced and knowledgeable in the treatment of gynecomastia.
The causes of true gynecomastia include:
- Obesity
- Anabolic steroid usage
- Medication side effects
- Marijuana use
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic liver disease
- Genetic disorders
- Aging
What to Expect From Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Turkeltaub will ask what your specific goals are and seek out your complete, relevant medical history, including possible underlying causes of your gynecomastia. He will also perform a thorough physical examination of your chest to assess the nature and degree of your situation that also includes the specific tissue type(s) causing your gynecomastia.
Based on all this, Dr. Turkeltaub will then provide you with the most appropriate recommendations to facilitate effective treatment. This will also include a full discussion of the expectations, risks and potential complications. If you need a more extensive medical evaluation prior to any surgical intervention in order to assess such issues as hormonal levels or other underlying etiological issues, he will make such recommendations.
It’s important that you have an honest dialogue during your consultation to make sure you are an appropriate candidate for surgery and that your goals are likely to be met. This is the best time to ask any questions that you may have. In fact, you may find it quite helpful to write down all your questions beforehand to ensure you get all the information you need.
Diet, Exercise, and Health
An excess of breast tissue due to a hormone imbalance cannot be remedied by diet and exercise. But if your gynecomastia is caused at least partially by excess fat, adopting a proper diet and exercise regimen to lose weight may help improve the appearance of your chest to some extent.
Preparing for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction surgery is real surgery, so you will need to plan accordingly. This means considering the restrictions of certain activities for a period of time and what effects that may have both at home and at work or school, including downtime.
You will be provided with explicit instructions and guidelines, including restrictions, by Dr. Turkeltaub that can help you obtain the best possible results while also reducing the risks for untoward issues.
Follow them!
Everyone’s situation is different, so if you have any unusual circumstances that you may have questions about, please ask.
You will need someone to drive you home on the day of your surgery as you will be recovering from anesthesia. You will also want someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours in case you need assistance. It would also be in your best interests to pick up your prescriptions before your surgery date.
Interested in Gynecomastia Surgery in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ?
Dr. Turkeltaub is a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His practice is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serves Scottsdale, the surrounding areas, all of Arizona and beyond. He specializes in breast surgeries, which include almost 35 years of practice in the Valley. He is extremely experienced and knowledgeable in gynecomastia surgery.
If you would like more information on gynecomastia surgery or to schedule a consultation, please call us today at (480) 451-3000 or fill out our online contact form.