Waited until age 59

[jmailer]

Like many on this site I began the gynecomastia nightmare at age 13, puberty. It was embarassing to have breasts that were growing larger each day. By the end of high school I always wore sweaters or jackets to cover up. In college I lost some weight 25 lbs., but the breasts stayed.

A few years after college I got married and my wife said the large breasts never bothered her, but my own embarassment continued. Later, kids and a mortgage came into my life. In the 90s I got the courage and visited a P.S. who submitted a claim to my insurance company. Of course, it was denied. So I put the surgery off.

Years passed, but gynecomastia only got worse with age. After the kids graduated college I saved up the money and on March 15, yesterday I had the surgery with Dr. Lo, Philadelphia. I was very afraid of going under general anesthesia, but like President Roosevelt said, 'the only thing to fear is fear itself.' Anesthesia was a breeze and so was the surgery. You drift off to sleeep and when you wake up, it is over. The nurse anesthesist said I was breathing fine, so they did not use the intubation tube. The used the Laryngeal Mask Airway, so I did not have a swore throat after surgery. I did not have any issues with nausea either.

Dr. Lo used lipo to remove 500cc per breast (total 2lbs.) and a small excision under the nipple. There is no pain, just a minor ache in the breast area, which is very tolerable.  I do not have drains. I took Tylenol Extra Strength instead of the Oxy, which was suggested. Today, I removed the ace bandage and the comp. vest and saw my new chest. It is still swollen, but much improved. I feel good, still no pain. Dr. Lo and staff at Tuttlemen Surgical Center, Philadelphia were very attentive. I highly recommend them all.

My suggestion for all those considering surgery is get it done. I wish I had the surgery years ago. I guess the good news is technology has advanced in 20 years. I can't wait to lose a few more pounds in the stomach and take off my shirt in public, the first time in 49 years. I love to swim, but put it off because of the gyne. Life is good, even at age 59.

[waves]

Congrats, great story! 

[Raider Fan]

Welcome and congrats, jmailer. 

[mart]

Inspiring. Congrats.

[Paa_Paw]

Waiting was not what you wanted to do, but it was probably a good thing.

Surgery when you were a lot younger was not nearly as good as it is now.

Like you, I had other priorities for many years. I am not now a good candidate for surgry because of unrelated health problems. Besides, at 73 I really don't get to concerned any more.

Congratulations.

[popangul]

It's better late than never buddy. Congrats.

[captainhowdy]

Hi jmailer
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.  I'm glad to hear that you're happy with the result.  Have you got any before and after pics?