Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia: What is it?

Gynecomastia, or the development of breast tissue in men, is a common condition. During puberty, it’s normal for this gland to develop in boys, but it usually resolves after a short time. Gynecomastia is a localized accumulation of fat in the breast area. This excess fat is sometimes accompanied by an enlargement of the breast gland. If the breast gland is enlarged, the surgeon can remove it through a surgical procedure called adenectomy. This operation is performed through a skin incision according to the surgeon’s preferred techniques. In addition, the amount of fat can also be reduced by liposuction.

Who is the ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery?

The ideal candidate for gynecomastia correction surgery is an adolescent or adult who experiences psychological discomfort due to the abnormal enlargement of their breasts. This body image disorder is sometimes accompanied by pain and a feeling of tightness in the nipples. This can also concern those who have managed to lose weight in other parts of their body, but still have fat accumulation in the chest area.

Pseudo-gynecomastia, on the other hand, concerns patients who have general adiposity with fat accumulation in other areas of the body (e.g., hips and abdomen) or those who have managed to lose weight in other areas of the body but maintain fat accumulation in the thoracic and breast area.

What is the average cost of gynecomastia surgery in Tunisia?

Tunisia Destination Santé offers a price for gynecomastia combining clinic fees, doctor’s fees and hotel accommodation. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quote.

What are the causes of male breast enlargement?

Male breast enlargement, also known as gynecomastia, can be caused by several factors. It is often linked to hormonal imbalances that lead to abnormal development of breast tissue. Gynecomastia can also be associated with underlying medical conditions, including endocrine disorders, liver or kidney diseases, and cancers. The use of certain medications can also contribute to this condition, such as anabolic steroids, acne treatments, and certain psychiatric medications. Lifestyle factors can also play a role, including alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. In some cases, gynecomastia can be idiopathic, meaning its exact cause remains unknown.

Before Gynecomastia Surgery

• To ensure effective communication, inform the surgeon of all medications you are taking, such as corticosteroids, contraceptives, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, hypoglycemics, antibiotics, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills;
• To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid at least one week in advance;
• Stop smoking at least one week before the surgical procedure;
• At the first symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough or skin conditions, do not hesitate to alert us immediately;
• For a deep clean, opt for a bath without creams or body oils;
• Fasting is required; you can drink clear liquids (tea, water) up to 6 hours before the operation;

Surgical Treatment of Male Breast Enlargement

Surgical treatment for male breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, is often considered when non-surgical treatments are ineffective or when the condition causes significant discomfort. Gynecomastia surgery aims to reduce the volume of excess breast tissue and improve the contour of the chest. This procedure is usually performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation and may include techniques such as liposuction to remove excess fat, combined with surgical excision to remove excess glandular tissue. The procedure is generally well tolerated, with a recovery period of a few weeks during which patients should avoid strenuous physical activity and wear a compression garment to support healing. Results are often lasting, with significant improvement in chest appearance and reduction of discomfort associated with breast enlargement.

After Gynecomastia Surgery

Make sure you follow these instructions to promote your recovery after your gynecomastia surgery:

• For the 48 hours following the procedure, dedicate yourself to complete rest. Be also prepared to observe swelling and bruising in the treated area during the first few days;
• Although rare, you may experience bleeding, infection, keloid scarring, and changes in sensitivity;
• From the third day onwards, you can resume a normal routine. However, strenuous physical activity, saunas and excessive sun exposure should be avoided;
• To promote your recovery after surgery, limit arm movements above your head and sleep lying down for the two weeks following surgery. You can then take showers, baths and wash your hair once the bandages and sutures have been removed, which is usually after a week. The elastic band must be worn day and night for at least one month;
• The chest will only reach the desired shape and size after a few months;
• Two weeks after surgery, you will gradually resume all your normal activities, including sports activities;

Alternative Gynecomastia Treatments in Tunisia

Liposuction is an effective alternative treatment for gynecomastia in Tunisia, particularly suitable for cases where excess breast tissue is primarily composed of fat rather than glandular tissue. This minimally invasive procedure uses a cannula to aspirate the accumulated fat under the skin, allowing for reshaping of the chest contour and reducing the appearance of swollen male breasts. In general, liposuction requires local anesthesia with sedation and has the advantage of relatively rapid convalescence, with a recovery period of approximately one to two weeks. Although liposuction is not a solution for cases of gynecomastia caused by excess glandular tissue, it is often effective in treating less severe forms of the condition. Results are often visible shortly after the procedure and can offer significant improvement in chest appearance with minimal scarring.

What are the typical results of gynecomastia surgery and how long do they last?

The operation has provided definitive results and does not require any additional sessions. Even if the breast gland is not strongly developed, it is often recommended to reduce it to obtain a chest as flat as possible, devoid of any disturbing protrusion on the areolae.

What is the usual recovery time after gynecomastia surgery in Tunisia?

After gynecomastia correction surgery in Tunisia, the recovery time is remarkably short. In just one week, the patient can resume their social and professional habits. In addition, the day after the procedure, the surgeon removes the dressing and the patient wears an elastic bandage for the following two weeks. The stitches are of absorbable quality, thus avoiding the need to remove them later.

What are the implications and appearance of scars after gynecomastia correction surgery?

Scars depend on the extent of the problem and the type of procedure. When undergoing simple liposuction, it is common to have scars a few millimeters long. These scars are usually found late on the thoracic region, and may possibly be located in the median area. On the other hand, if the breast gland needs to be removed, the scar can be placed in different areas, such as the upper, lateral, or median part of the areola, i.e. the area where the areola meets the surrounding skin. In some cases, when there is excess breast skin, it may be necessary to remove some of this tissue by making a full incision.

What are the potential risks and complications associated with gynecomastia correction surgery in Tunisia?

The main complication to be feared during the recovery process after this intervention is haemorrhage, which can lead to the formation of a haematoma. In this case, it is necessary to work in a sterile environment and, most of the time, to re-anaesthetize the patient before resuming the sutures, removing the haematoma and checking the coagulation. The surgeon can aspirate small haematomas after they have been removed.

Rarely, infections occur at the wound sites following surgery. In order to minimize this risk, the doctor always puts in place a preventive antibiotic treatment. The removal of the hypertrophied mammary gland can sometimes lead to de-epithelialization of the areola, however this generally heals in 7 to 10 days without intervention. Temporary changes in the sensitivity of the areola and nipple may also occur. Finally, in rare cases, a disruption in the healing process can lead to slight irregularity or slight depression of the areola, due to the presence of dead tissue under the skin.

Contact and Quote Request for Gynecomastia in Tunisia

It is essential for us to offer you an impeccable service in order to guide and support you at each stage of your gynecomastia procedure in Tunisia. If you are considering having this procedure abroad and wish to organize your stay in Tunisia, you can trust in the expertise of the professionals at Tunisia Destination Santé. Our team is at your disposal to help you prepare your file and plan your stay. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to request a free, no-obligation quote.