All 2 Clinics that provide Male Breast Reduction in South Africa

Gynaecomastia is a condition affecting men where they develop abnormally large mammary glands. Its causes are varied, and not limited purely to obesity. Increased breast size which is solely the result of fat deposits (adipose tissue) is sometimes referred to as pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia.

While gynaecomastia is not physically harmful in and of itself, it can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious underlying illness. Consultation with your doctor is necessary before seeking any treatment as testing for these other root causes is advisable.

Even though the symtpoms of gynaecomastia can usually be hidden quite easily in every day life, shyness about your appearance can lead to withdrawl from social activities and to depression. It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor at the same time, as surgery may not be the best or only solution.

Length

Male breast reduction surgery usually takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the complexity of the procedures involved. Some procedures will only involve liposuction, others require glandular tissue removal, and others again require both.

Procedure

The procedure itself will vary depending on the underlying condition and the desired results. The position of the scars is also dependent on which procedures are needed. Liposuction, glandular tissue removal, and repositioning of the nipple are all common in male breast reduction, but not necessary in all cases. Typically the procedure will be carried out under general anaesthetic, although it is become more common to use just local anaesthetic in certain cases.

Recovery

You may be able to leave the clinic or hospital on the day of the surgery, but normally there is a stay of between 1 and 3 days. Recovery times vary from person to person, but typically range from 2 to 6 weeks. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise during your recovery period.

Risks

As with all major surgery, there are risks involved. Consultation with your doctor(s) should include a frank discussion of these risks, and you should be happy with the answers to any questions you have before proceeding with surgery.

The risks involved can include scarring, loss of sensation in the breast and nipple, asymmetry of the breasts, infection, blood clots, and other typical risks involved with surgery.

Organizations

The South African Ministry of Health holds overall responsibility for health directives and policy. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a politically independant body that organizes and regulates South Africa's professions, including its medical ones. A full register of Physicans qualified to practice in South Africa is maintained by the HPCSA.

The Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa represents over 98% of registered plastic surgeons in South Africa. It has an address book to locate members. Many plastic surgeons are also registered with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgeons and again details can be verified online.

Education

The basic medical degree takes 6 years. After this a doctor may become a Registrar within one of the specialties recognised by the HPCSA. Specialty training in Plastic Surgery takes a minimum of 4 addtional years of training as a Registrar.

There is an ethical and statutory obligation to engage in continuing education - referred to as Continuing Professional Development. The HPCSA monitors courses that award continuing education units (CEUs), a plastic surgeon has to maintain a balance of 60 CEUs in a 24 month period. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of the licence to practice.

In addition to these mandatory requirements the professional associations organize lectures and courses to enable their members to further enhance their surgical skills.

Complaints

An ombudsman deals with complaints regarding the medical profession. Findings of the ombudsman may be passed to disiplinary committees organized by the HPCSA. The committees have the power to censure, fine or suspend the right to practice.

Civil proceedings may also be persued and if diciplinary proceeding find behaviour that is criminal in nature they will pass the case to the civil courts.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

The HPCSA publishes guidelines for the storage of medical records - these reflect statutory requirements and the ethical values of the medical profession.

Medical records are generally stored for a minimum of 6 years though some conditions may require the indefinite storage of information. The National Health Act states that all patients have a right to confidentiality - It is the responsibility of the physican to ensure the safety of their patients records.

Additionally the Health Act and the ethical responsiblities of the physican guarrantee a patients access to their medical records and copies of scans, x-rays etc... at a resonable cost.

Resources

Medical Schools directory on iime.org:
http://www.iime.org/database/africa/southafrica.htm

Ministry of Health website:
http://www.doh.gov.za/

The Health Professions Council of South Africa website:
http://www.hpcsa.co.za/

Documents on ethical and professional conduct can be found here.

Recognized qualifications for the practice of Plastic and Reconstructive can be found on the HPCSA's sight here.

Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa website:
http://www.plasticsurgeons.co.za/

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