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Gynaecomastia (enlarged male breasts or “moobs”) is extremely common and in the general population up to 40% may experience enlargement of their chest which can lead to considerable anxiety and reduced self esteem. This can affect going swimming, training in the gym and personal relationships.
The cause of the condition may be related to diet, physiological reasons, hormones, alcohol or related to recreational or prescribed drugs. Usually your GP will investigate with blood tests to exclude anything abnormal before referring you on to Mr Banwell in Sussex, Surrey, Kent or Harley Street.
The first line treatment for gynaecomastia is liposuction (sucking out the fat and breast tissue through small incisions) and in the majority of cases this is very successful.
However, if there is excess skin or very fibrous tissue, a more extensive procedure may be required such as a Websters procedure. This operation carries more risks and complications but may be the best solution to the problem. Mr Banwell will discuss this in person with you.
As with any elective cosmetic procedure there are risks and complications and recovery time but these will be outlined in person at consultation as well as in writing. Please feel free to ask questions!
The use of a compression top for 8 weeks is vital to help contract skin and minimise contour irregularity (although this is still common) and our recommendation is the range of compression garments and CrystalSmooth leisure wear by MACOM.
Please contact Mr Banwell's office on 01342 330302 or email help@paulebanwell.com for further information.
Gynaecomastia surgery can be either unilateral or bilateral, and is performed under a general anaesthetic (with you asleep). You will wake up with a couple of small sutures where the liposuction cannulae have been as well as a foam dressing. If you have an ‘open’ surgical technique then you will have surgical tapes along the wounds and a surgical drain (tube) coming out of each side. You will need to go into a tightly-fitting compression top the following day. This will need to be worn day and night for 8 weeks.
Gynaecomastia surgery addresses the excess fat and breast tissue as well as any excess skin you may have as well. Furthermore, reducing the size of your nipples can also be performed if required.
The surgery takes about an hour and a half.
For liposuction alone you are likely to have your surgery as a day case procedure (in and out the same day) or an overnight stay. Otherwise, you will stay in hospital for 2-nights. After the surgery the wounds will be dressed with brown micropore tape. This is splash-proof and shower- proof. You will be able to shower from the day after surgery, then pat the tape dry with a towel and use a hair-dryer to dry completely.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. You may be able to drive after this period, but remember that you need to be comfortable in performing an emergency stop or you may invalidate your insurance. If you drive too early and you need to do an emergency stop, the wounds may burst apart from pressure of the seat belt.
Gynaecomastia surgery has a high success rate, with low instances of failure but frequently small revision and investigation procedures may be needed. The philosophy is always to be conservative with the surgery – it is better to need a minor further procedure to improve things than to have overdone the first operation (taken too much away) and have to correct it.
Lumpy scarring (hypertrophic or keloid scarring) which may be difficult to treat. Bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood in the wound that would mean that we would need to take you back to theatre to stop the bleeding), Wound infection & wound breakdown. Alteration in nipple sensation. Complete or partial loss of your nipple (a rare but important complication). Fat necrosis (dying of some areas of fat within the breast) – this either shows as an oily discharge from the wound or as the formation of lumps within the breast. It may mean we need to take you back to surgery, but can usually be treated as an outpatient with dressings (if the wound has opened) or with massage of any lumps. Asymmetry – no chest is perfectly symmetrical, and although we strive to make both sides as equal as we can, there will be differences between them. Chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) – these are blood clots that may occur in the leg (DVT) and travel to the lung (PE) which may be very serious – fortunately they are rare in gynaecomastia surgery. Further surgery may be needed to make adjustments to correct for imperfections or significant differences between the two sides (rates may be up to 20%).
I went to see Mr Banwell to get reassurance about the moles and blemishes which have been steadily growing since I was a young adult. 30 years ago we were not aware of the dangers of the sun and burning on holiday way an annual ritual. Thankfully we are all now aware that the sun damage can cause skin cancer and the changes in my moles mean I have a precautionary approach, particularly as older family members have had tumours removed. Paul knows exactly what he was looking for and studied each and every mole methodically. The two he highlighted for treatment were two of the least innocuous (in my opinion) which surprised me. Clearly to the trained eye they needed removal. I have since had an excision of one and due to have photo dynamic therapy treatment for the small red mark on my nose later this year. Without seeing Paul, this minor irritation would have been left and could possibly have created problems later in life. I advocate regular checks for anyone with moles and skin blemishes. The technology now is so impressive and it makes absolutely sense to take full advantage of Paul’s expertise.
Care given prior to, during and after my operation has been extremely thorough. With specialist available to speak to at my own convenience, all aspects of the operation were readily explored and advice was tailored to fit my individual expectations. A particular benefit of Mr Banwell’s surgery was the flexibility in timing with both appointments as well as the actual operation date. Although the decision to undergo surgery was a difficult choice, Mr Banwell proved honest and realistic about expectations and the final outcome was exactly what I had requested. Although it is a decision not to be taken lightly, I would recommend Mr Banwell to any woman in the correct mind set.
I was kept well informed and thought it was excellent to see Mr Banwell before surgery, during recovery and afterwards to hear all went well. It was something that caused me discomfort and sensitivity and now I feel much happier not only with the appearance but more importantly it is much more comfortable for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mr Banwell to my friends, he is truly professional yet has a nice relaxed manner which puts you at ease.
From initial consultation right through to arrival for surgery and the subsequent aftercare, I have found the level of courtesy, understanding and professionalism of yourself and your team (both medical and administrative) to have been exemplary. So please accept my heartfelt thanks for accepting me as a patient and for your surgical expertise which has made such a positive difference in so many aspects of my life.
Thank you so much to you and your team for all that you have done for me, it is greatly appreciated.
My whole experience was made comfortable by warm, friendly and welcoming nursing staff. Mr Banwell has a lovely bedside manner and was more than happy to discuss my worried however strange. At 37 years of age and after 4 children I never thought I would have the tummy of an 18 year old again, Mr Banwell is a very clever man.
The Banwell Clinic is recognised as a boutique cosmetic clinic specialising in all aspects of skin health and our philosophy is to help Protect, Restore & Rejuvenate your face and body. Our extensive portfolio of treatments include injectables, thread lifts, plasma shower, luxurious signature facials, acne treatments, microdermabrasion, hair removal and cellulite treatments, all carried out in a friendly, warm environment by an expert team.
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that these notes have been made for purely information purposes and make no recommendations for surgery.
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