In the field of cosmetic surgery, developments have paved the way for transformative procedures that address a number of concerns. One such procedure, liposuction for gynecomastia, stands as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to regain confidence and comfort in their own skin. Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery, brings a wealth of expertise to this differentiated treatment. In the next article, Dr. Keith Jeffords provides a comprehensive exploration of liposuction as a solution for gynecomastia, revealing the potential for renewed confidence and well-being that this procedure offers to those affected by the condition. Gynecomastia, a condition characterized by overgrowth or enlargement of the breasts in men that has been called “man boobs” or “moobs” in everyday language, can be quite uncomfortable in life. It’s much more common than most people think, and breast fat is notoriously difficult to shift, even with the best weight loss/exercise regimen. Thus, men are constantly turning to liposuction for excellent results. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves targeted fat removal through suction for improved body shape. Otherwise known as contouring, lipoplasty or body contouring, the procedure is a confidence boost for many people by getting rid of stubborn fat from the arms, neck, buttocks, hips, stomach, thighs and breasts. Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery, says that despite popular perception, it is not a total weight loss alternative or method. Those who are overweight can lose much more fat through diet, exercise, and other types of surgery. Liposuction is for people who have tried everything but just can’t get rid of that last little bit—or excess breast tissue, in this case. Exercise and caloric restriction are not effective for men with gynecomastia, as the excess tissue is not necessarily fat, but glandular breast tissue. Even those with pseudogynecomastia (ie, false gynecomastia), which is the accumulation of excess fat, may still need liposuction because the pockets of fat are so resistant to less invasive methods. For men with gynecomastia and an otherwise stable body weight, liposuction can be a lifesaver, eliminating the remaining tissue for a lean, toned physique, says Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery. Like any procedure, there are a few steps patients must go through before and after surgery to ensure they are prepared for anything that might happen.
Consultation
Plastic surgeons and liposuction professionals experienced in gynecomastia reduction will discuss the different types of breast reduction methods to ensure the perfect choice is made — microliposuction, surgical liposuction, or jar liposuction. Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery, explains that this marks the first step in the journey to male breast reduction. Doctors and staff will review everything from the patient’s medical history to treatment and risks for complications in aftercare and recovery. Previous patients note the importance of always asking questions. Understanding every inch of the process is non-negotiable in order to reduce the chance of miscommunications.
Pre-Operation
Before the procedure, patients are evaluated against the clinic’s patient selection criteria to ensure the person is a safe candidate, notes Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery. Doctors review the patients’ medical history, while a pre-operative nurse advises on the various tests that need to be done before the procedure. While everyone is different, preoperative breast reduction tests in men tend to include blood, MRSA swabs, blood pressure, and urine samples.
Procedure
The length of the procedure depends on the type of anesthesia and technique used, but patients tend to arrive an hour before the scheduled procedure.
Upon arrival:
- Nurse takes blood pressure and prepares patients for surgery.
- Patients meet with the surgeon or liposuction doctor to discuss the procedure again and answer questions.
- The nurse takes pre-operative pictures and the surgeon marks the breast for surgery.
Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery, says that despite the various techniques available, liposuction generally involves the following steps:
- Patients are given general or local anesthetics
- The surgeon makes an incision around the nipple
- Liposuction absorbs excess fatty tissue
- Any excess skin is removed
- The areola and teat are moved to sit proportionately on the reduced breast if necessary
- The surgeon uses absorbable sutures and tape to close the incision. Sometimes, a compression garment will be applied
- Patients are moved to a room for observation
- Patients are discharged and free to leave with a friend or relative
aftercare
Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery, explains that all patients receive a post-op instruction sheet detailing how to care for the area in the coming weeks. For some patients with gynecomastia, liposuction may need to be accompanied by other procedures to ensure satisfactory results. Dr. Keith Jeffords, founder of Jeffords Plastic Surgery, notes that most patients with the condition reportedly need glandular tissue for surgical removal, which requires a larger incision.
