MALE BREASTS
Enlargement of breasts in male is quite common. It is estimated that more than 30 percent boys have this problem starting during adolescence. It often leads to social embarrassment and boys are hesitant to go to swimming pool or gyms. Some cases also complain of pain in the enlarged glands.
Commonest cause is some kind of transitory hormonal imbalance during early teens. Obesity is another important cause. Rarely, some liver disorders, drugs like anabolic steroids can also cause this problem. There is increase in the glandular tissue and fat in varying amounts leading to the increase in size; in some cases the nipple and areola also become large.
Operative and Post Operative:
The surgical procedure involves removal of both glandular tissues and the excessive fat. Through a small cut along the margins of the nipple entire tissues causing the bulge are removed by combination of direct excision and or Liposuction. After the removal a negative pressure drain tube may be kept under the skin for next 24 hour or so to remove out any excessive collection of fluid or blood. Most of the cases go back home the same evening with dressings applied over the chest wall. Stitches are removed after about 7 to 10 days and a pressure band or elasticized vest like garment is worn for next 2 – 3 months or so for the extra skin to settle.
Results and Complications:
This operative procedure is absolutely painless and is usually done under local or general anaesthesia. The results are very good and are permanent. Collection of blood requiring aspiration or drainage, mild skin irregularities, depression of nipple region, temporary loss of sensations over the nipples are some of the complications that might occur in small percentage of the cases.
