What Are The Dos And Don’ts Before Gynecomastia Surgery
The preoperative preparation period of gynecomastia surgery is very important in terms of minimizing the possible risks and complications. In the preoperative examination of the person who applies for surgery, his general physical and mental health status is questioned first of all.
It is investigated whether gynecomastia or another condition is the cause of the patient’s current breast enlargement complaint. Before applying for an aesthetic procedure, the patient should have been examined by an Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases specialist and diagnosed with gynecomastia.
During the preoperative interview, it is determined whether there is a condition in the patient’s medical history that could be unfavorable for the operation or whether there is a health condition that should be taken into account. Photographs of the patient’s breasts are taken from various angles so that the patient’s face is hidden from view, and chest and body measurements are taken.
Which surgical procedure will be performed for treatment is determined. The pros and cons of the procedure are discussed. The patient is given detailed information about the operation process.
Precautions to Be Taken Before Gynecomastia Surgery
Starting at least 15 days before the surgery date, the protective measures for the COVID-19 pandemic are explained in detail during the preliminary meeting held before the gynecomastia surgery. It is recommended that the person who will undergo surgery pay attention to social isolation, avoid spending time with other people in closed areas, and definitely wear an FFP2 or FFP3 mask correctly in cases where it is highly necessary. The mask should completely fit the face, and should not allow for direct air entry from the cavities on the sides of the nose, in particular. On our blog page, you can read our article about the conditions for safe plastic surgery during the pandemic.
One of the most important things to keep in mind before gynecomastia surgery is to avoid taking blood-thinning medications and nutritional supplements, besides taking measures against the pandemic. Drugs such as aspirin that reduce blood clotting with their blood thinning effect, herbal products such as green tea, and vitamins such as vitamin E should be discontinued starting from 2 weeks before the operation.
If the patient uses hormone-containing drugs such as birth control pills for any reason, it would be useful to stop taking them by informing the physician one month prior to the date of the surgery, in terms of reducing the risk of clot formation in the legs.
Not paying enough attention to these points increases the risk of unexpected bleeding complications during or after surgery. The patient is provided with a comprehensive list of foods, drugs, vitamins and herbal products that have blood thinning effect. .
Alcohol and tobacco products should be avoided before gynecomastia surgery. Bringing the body mass index to normal ranges before the operation would be beneficial in all respects. Obese patients are advised to lose weight first.
On the other hand, the patient should follow a strict well-balanced diet and get rest days before the surgery. The procedure should be performed in a period when the patient’s physical and mental health are at their best. After stressful and tiresome periods, such as exam or long travel periods, at least one week of rest is recommended before considering surgery.
1-2 days prior to the gynecomastia surgery, the patient has a preliminary interview with the anesthesiologist of the hospital where the surgery will be performed. After this interview, the required tests and PCR tests are performed.
Drugs used for the treatment of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, thyroid disease and diabetes should be used continued regularly in the preoperative period, and it should be confirmed in the preoperative period that the patient’s diseases are stable and under control.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Take?
Operations that involve only the liposuction procedure take 1 hour on average. Operations that involve skin incisions intended for breast tissue removal by may take 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the mass, the condition of the excess skin, and the surgical technique to be used.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Essential?
Idiopathic gynecomastia, which does not develop as a result of an underlying disease, is not a disease and its treatment is not essential. In terms of mental health, however, the problem of large breasts can lead to serious self-confidence issues and psychosocial abnormalities in some men.
A seriously increased self-confidence is observed in individuals whose breasts have gained a normal appearance after gynecomastia surgery. After surgery, these individuals become more at peace with both themselves and the people around them, and they become more mentally healthy and balanced. In conclusion, surgical treatment can be considered a relative necessity in cases of gynecomastia, which can cause mental problems that impair quality of life.
