Compression Vest after Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia and Psuedogynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a medical definition for the occurrence of glandular tissue in the upper chest tissue of men, giving the appearance of breasts. The condition can vary in severity and is sometimes confused with psuedogynecomastia, which is of similar appearance but is a problem caused by a different type of tissue.

True gynecomastia can be definitely attributed with a hormonal imbalance within the body. The hormone responsible is called oestrogen, and is usually found in men, but in much smaller amounts. It is a dominant female hormone. During puberty, a number of teenage boys can suffer with gynecomastia as their bodies go through changes in hormone levels. For 90% of these teenagers, the gynecomastia clears up as they leave their teenage years. Sadly, 10% of adolescent boys find that the problem perseveres into adulthood. Gynecomastia is not weight related and it is not reversible through an exercise and diet regime.

Pseudogynecomastia affects around 95% of the men who believe that they have developed gynecomastia. The culprit for this development of 'man boobs' is weight gain, and the associated effects of an increase in oestrogen. The breast tissue is not glandular in nature, but adipose or fatty tissue. Very overweight men will develop some glandular tissue as the oestrogen changes associated with weight gain will have an effect, but typically, the man with pseudogynecomastia is one who could be considered obese.

Treating Gynecomastia and Psuedogynecomastia

In cases of true gynecomastia, if the patient is past their teenage years they are usually given a medication that will block the oestrogen being produced in the body. Drugs such as Tamoxifen (usually used for breast cancer) and Raloxifene have positive results. If these drugs prove unsuccessful, surgery is an alternative option. Glandular excision or mastectomy is performed, with a removal of any associated fat and a reduction in nipple size if necessary.

For psuedogynecomastia, the initial treatment is a strict exercise and diet regime. However, for many men this proves to be unsuccessful as the weight formation in the breast area can be extremely stubborn to shift. Many men resort to a surgical approach, opting for either a surgical removal or more commonly using liposuction. There may be a combined treatment if the problem has involved some glandular tissue alongside the adipose tissue. The compression vest is an important part of the liposuction treatment.

The Surgical Procedure

For gynecomastia, surgery usually involves a full mastectomy of the glandular tissues. There may be some fat involvement, which is often dealt with by using liposuction. It is carried out under a general anaesthetic.

In psuedogynecomastia, the most common treatment is by liposuction. Ultrasound waves may be used to break down the adipose tissue, which can then be removed using a suction device inserted under the skin through an incision. The procedure causes trauma to the tissues, with swelling and bruising.

Aftercare and the Compression Vest

Following liposuction and some breast removal procedures, men are usually required to wear a compression vest for several weeks, and to avoid any strenuous activities. The vest applies a gentle pressure to the area, keeping the disrupted tissues from moving as the traumatised area heals. All liposuction procedures make use of compression garments for this same reason. The vest needs to fit well, and apply the correct amount of pressure to assist in the overall healing process. Some surgeons will actually arrange for a perfectly fitting garment to be produced prior to the procedure, ensuring that the aftercare is perfect and that the chest area heals to a manly, flat shape.