Gynecomastia under local anesthesia

Question

Hi doctors, I am planning on getting a gyneco surgery during a long vacation. I read about general anesthesia and gyneco, the post-op is allegedly more painful than if it's performed under local. I was told there is fat, but also extra tissue in both of my breasts. I do not have a high tolerance to pain. Does any of you perform gyneco under local (which I would prefer)? Any clinic I called performs gynecomastia under general. I am willing to travel...

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Healthy male patients with excess breast tissue or unwanted breast 
development who have no underlying breast disease.Men who desire 
improved physical and aesthetic appearance should have realistic 
expectations based on their condition and the procedure performed. You 
should meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be able to get a 
formal diagnosis and to be able to decide on a course of treatment if 
necessary.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Most of my patiets having gynecomastia surgery can  be done under local with IV sedation. It is much more comfortable for the patient to have a twilight while the numbing medicine is put in. There is rarely a need for a general anesthetic ie. breathhing tube - only in severe cases when more advanced surgery is required.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes this can be done under local.Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine (because of the nerve blocks given during surgery) and usually feel very comfortable going out in public the same or next days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them in person the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and they might hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line. Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of short scar chest/breast reductions in men. Good luck with your future surgery!I hope this helps answer your question. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In certain cases I do perform gynecomastia correction under local anesthesia alone.  Patient's have little additional discomfort.  The reasons for which type of anesthesia  to use is based both on the patient's safety, concerns, and procedure to be performed.  Hope this helps.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

I perform gynecomastia surgery under local all the time. Yes, there is more pain but in some people this ins't an issue.  The tissues are anesthetized and in MOST cases there is little to no discomfort.  There is also the anxiety factor.  Some men naturally don't like being awake while someone is poking, prodding, and cutting their tissue.

Gynecomastia under local anesthesia

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Gynecomastia under local anesthesia

Answers (7)

Answer: Gynecomastia under local anesthesia

Answer: Gynecomastia under local anesthesia

Answer: Local vs Gen

Answer: Local vs Gen

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.