Your guide to choosing the best gynecomastia surgeon
Hormonal imbalances can often cause the men to develop enlarged breast, similar to their female counterparts. Commonly it is known as having Manboobs. Medically the term for ‘man boobs’ is gynecomastia and is often a result of hormonal imbalance, age, excessive use of alcohol and marijuana or utilization of certain medications such as those used in chemotherapy, depression, and prostate problems.
There was even an article on the BBC that suggested essential oils help develop the condition.
In most cases, regular exercise and/or dieting can reduce the swelling that accumulates around the chest area. In fact many body builders have gone on to win contests as ‘sufferers’. However, those who are looking for a quick solution often turn towards plastic surgery to rectify the issue.
Breast reduction through gynecomastia surgery is possible and usually leaves minimal to none scar. Post-operative recovery time is also limited, and most patients are allowed to return to normal activities within a couple of weeks.
If you are also considering getting a similar treatment for your condition, it is important that you start with the best gynecomastia surgeon in your area. Simply do a quick Google search, and you will get numerous results of plastic surgeons qualified for the purpose. However, claiming to be the best does not always equate to consistently great results, and it is important that you do your research thoroughly before making a final choice.
In this guide, here are some important factors to look for in a gynecomastia specialist.
1. Certification
A qualified gynecomastia surgeon should be affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is the only certificate that is accepted by the American Board of Medical Specialties and is considered top tier when it comes to cosmetic surgery for body and face.
When researching a surgeon for your surgery, make sure to choose one who is fully accredited with the above-mentioned boards.
2. Before and after photos
Visit the website of any cosmetic surgeon, and you are likely to see several photos illustrating before and after work. Assess each photo thoroughly and look out for consistent results to satisfy your requirements.
It is also important to address the:
- The asymmetrical aspect of each breast
- Visibility of scars, especially around the areola or the dark area of the breast
- Are the photos appearing as natural as possible or do they portray the effects of the surgery on the subject?
- Indentations post-operation
Make sure to verify that your chosen gynecomastia surgeon performed the picturized surgeries. Look out for uniformity in the background and the techniques used in the photography. Do not accept photos that appear to be copied out of a book, for example.
3. Experience of the surgeon
Evaluate the expertise of the surgeon by finding out how often he or she performs breast reduction surgeries on men. Is it on a weekly basis or just several times per year? Does the surgeon have experience of many years? Have they worked in the same facility for a major portion of their career?
Assessing the experience of the doctor will help you make a better decision about the surgeon you choose and minimize the risk involved in the post-operative practice.
Remember that the best gynecomastia surgeon will be the one that goes the extra mile in alleviating your concerns. Thy will suggest the best way to help you and you will have an almost instant rapport with them.
4. Search the internet for reviews
Reading reviews from previous clients is an excellent way to scour a surgeon for your breast reduction surgery. Besides their respective website and social media handles, take a look at different review sites to appraise their credentials.
Be critical about the reviews you read and if possible, contact the poster to share more details about their experience.
5. Talk to the doctor
Besides researching the doctors in question, it is also important to have an initial consultation with the short-listed surgeons to ensure that they meet their professional ability. For example, is the doctor able to address all the queries that you had? What about your concerns regarding the risk? Was the surgeon straightforward about the side effects that are associated with the breast reduction surgery?
Most importantly, talk to them about the techniques they use during the surgery. Is their recommended procedure a custom approach to the issue? Are they able to ease all the concerns you had with simple, uncomplicated explanations?
Conduct a simple search of the technique used in gynecomastia surgery. This way, you would be more prepared to follow what the surgeon is telling you and have it make sense.
6. Check the facility
Last but not least, check the facility where the operative procedure would be performed. The gynecomastia surgery is a day procedure, and patients are allowed to go home after 4 -6 hours. However, general anesthesia and equipment for incision are used during the protocol and maintaining hygiene, and maximum care is important to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
Some surgeons also prefer to perform the operation at their office surgery center. That is perfectly fine but make sure the premises are a certified surgery facility and accredited with its relevant agencies.
7. What if something goes wrong?
Gynecomastia surgery is a safe procedure, and the side effects post-operation are usually temporary. However, in some cases, a medical emergency can occur. This includes loss of blood, anesthesia issues, infections, fluid accumulation, and even breast asymmetry.
Although the possibility of something going wrong is quite rare, it is still important that the facility and the doctor you choose is prepared for emergencies. Talk to your doctor before the treatment day about the possible side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Moreover, ask your doctor what will happen if you are not satisfied with the results. Though it may not seem appropriate to ask the question to an experienced surgeon, it is important to understand each aspect of the situation before the actual surgery takes place. An accomplished surgeon is never upset with a few questions from a concerned client.
In conclusion
Take your time when choosing the best gynecomastia surgeon. Be patient and don’t be pressurized into selecting the first surgeon you talk to.
Above all, do not finalize the treatment plan until you are completely satisfied with the doctor and the facility. If you are having doubts, take extra consultation from the surgeon and convey all the worries and concerns you may be having.