Will taking omeprazole after gynecomastia surgery affect my results?

Question

My doctor prescribed me omeprazole during 1 month after my gynecomastia surgery. I´ve read omeprazole cause gynecomastia. It will be favor te reappearence of glandules if I take this medicine? There is an alternative for omeprazole? Thanks!!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for the question. I do not do this and I have not heard of many surgeons that do. It is not apparent to me as to why this would need to be prescribed - especially as it can be a causative effect in developing gynecomastia. Has he given you quite strong painkillers (naproxen/ nsaids)nthat might require a protective effect of the stomach lining? I would suggest speaking to your surgeon again to ask the reason for this.I hope this is of help to you

Peter A. Felice, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! 
There is literature that associates proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) with development of gynecomastia. However, there is some discrepancy as to the incidence and dinifitive likelihood of this relationship (Deepinder 2012, Nuttall 2015, Pharmaco-Villanueva.eu). 
The best advice I can give is that you speak with both your Plastic Surgeon and the doctor recommending you take omeprazole to see if it is an appropriate drug or whether there is an alternative therapy that would be beneficial for you.
I hope this is useful, best of luck to you! 
Peter A. Felice, MD

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It is true that certain medications can increase the risk of gynecomastia, but that of course is only if you have glandular tissue for the drug to act on. If you have had a surgical mastectomy then the chances arr remote that this will recur. A good surgeon will leave some tissue behind the nipple itself, so this is the only area that may respond to drug effect and enlarge, but should equally resolve once treatment is stopped. Your doctor should advise on any other antacids which you can take. Of course be aware that if you put weight on then the remaining fat component of your breast will of course increase proportionately!

Will taking omeprazole after gynecomastia surgery affect my results?

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Will taking omeprazole after gynecomastia surgery affect my results?

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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