Understanding Gynecomastia Grades
When considering gynecomastia surgery, the first step is determining the grade of your condition. At Evita Clinic, we classify gynecomastia into four grades based on the size of the breast tissue, fat accumulation, and skin sagging:
- Grade I: Small breast enlargement due to gland growth
- Grade II: Moderate breast enlargement with gland growth and fat accumulation
- Grade III: Large breast size with moderate skin sagging, gland enlargement, and fat accumulation
- Grade IV: Severe breast size and sagging, resembling a female breast, with significant gland and fat accumulation
Surgical Approach for Gynecomastia Grade 3
For Grade 3 gynecomastia, the surgery involves three main steps:
- Liposuction: Removes excess fat from the chest
- Gland Removal: Excises the enlarged glandular tissue
- Skin Resection (Circum-Areolar Type): Addresses moderate skin sagging
Among these, skin resection is often the most concerning for patients due to the potential for scarring. However, it plays a crucial role in achieving a flat and natural-looking chest by removing excess, stretched skin.
Who Should Consider Skin Resection?
Not all patients need skin resection. Younger patients, especially those under 40 and single, may opt for only liposuction and gland removal. With dedicated post-surgery exercise and healthy lifestyle changes, they may naturally reduce skin sagging and achieve optimal results without additional skin removal.
Dr. Francis Jeon advises that after gynecomastia surgery, the ideal approach is to build muscle mass (bulk up) to naturally address skin sagging. He emphasizes that achieving this requires a lifestyle change inspired by the motivation from the surgery.
Importance of Post-Surgery Exercise
Grade 2 Gynecomastia cases: Both patients above are in their 20s. Looking at their “Fitness Score”, the one below, has a higher BMI. Their glands are almost of the same size. But you can clearly see the difference of their results 4 weeks after their surgery. The one with a good Fitness Score has a better-looking chest.
Regardless of the surgical method chosen, exercise is vital to maintain and improve results. Regular workouts help the skin retract and avoid the appearance of a “crying chest.” Patients with higher fitness scores typically see more impressive outcomes after surgery.
Whether one decides to have the skin resection or not, working out after the surgery is very important.
It is hard, we know.
But the results will be worth it.
Personalized Consultation at Evita Clinic
At Evita Clinic, our experienced medical staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the best treatment options for your gynecomastia grade. Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation!