Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the presence of excess breast tissue in men. It is a common condition that can affect men of any age and is often caused by hormonal imbalances. There are several potential causes of gynecomastia, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
There are treatment options available such as lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. Gynecomastia surgery is performed using liposuction or excision to remove excess breast tissue and create more firmer appearance to the chest. It is important to seek medical evaluation and treatment in order to address the condition and achieve relief.
Gynecomastisa, at a glance
Target area: Excess breast tissue in men
Time off work: 1-2 weeks
Total recovery: 6-weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full-time wear, 6 weeks total
Scar position: Along the fold beneath the breast
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue and excess skin, to reveal a firmer chest. It is performed to treat gynecomastia, a condition that causes swollen or enlarged breasts in men.
While it is not a serious medical condition, it can cause physical discomfort and stress. There are several surgical techniques that can be used to address gynecomastia, including liposuction and excision. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Surgeons will do this under local or general anesthesia. Gynecomastia surgery can reduce the impact of the condition and achieve a more firmer chest.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia causes by an imbalance of hormones, specifically an excess of estrogen or a decrease in testosterone. This hormone imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Natural changes in hormone levels during puberty, old age, and other times of hormonal fluctuation
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and steroids
- liver disease, tumors or other underlying health conditions that affect hormone production
- Genetics
- Obesity
It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the specific cause of gynecomastia and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Right Candidate
Gynecomastia surgery is typically recommended for men who are in good overall health and who have realistic expectations about the procedure and its outcomes.
Your plastic surgeon will consider factors such as the size and location of the excess breast tissue, the elasticity of your skin, and your overall goals for the surgery. It is important to be open and honest with your surgeon about your medical history, including any medications you are taking or any underlying health conditions you may have. This will help the surgeon determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and ensure that it is performed safely. If the underlying cause is treatable, then that should be addressed prior to gyno surgery.
If you are interested in gynecomastia surgery in Gold Coast, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Someone who has a track record of producing natural-looking results. A consultation with a Dr Mark Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery can help you determine if the procedure is right for you and what you can expect from the surgery. He’s offering consultation to patients interested in male breast reduction surgery in Brisbane.
Gynecomastia Treatment
Depending on the size of your breasts and the amount of enlarged tissue or fat causing your gynaecomastia, Gold Coast Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle has two main options for your male breast reduction surgery. Liposuction or excision. Dr Doyle uses these techniques to remove excess breast tissue and create a firmer chest contour.
Liposuction
It is a technique that uses a hollow stainless steel tube, or cannula, to suction out excess fat. It is also performed to remove excess breast tissue and contour the chest. This is more likely if gynaecomastia is caused by being overweight.
During surgery, the surgeon’s priority is to reduce the size of your breasts while keeping your chest looking natural. The benefit of using liposuction on chest to reduce the size of enlarged male breasts is the benefit of achieving this through a mildly invasive procedure that leaves only a small incision mark after surgery.
Surgical Reduction (Mastectomy)
Excision involves the removal of excess breast tissue, skin, and fat through an incision in the chest. This technique is used when there is a large amount of excess breast tissue. Sometimes the tissue is too hard to be removed with liposuction alone.
During surgery the breast is exposed by removing the areola allowing your surgeon to remove fat from the area, this can also be done through liposuction depending on the amount of fat to be removed. Fat and excess skin will be removed respectively. Then the areola will be repositioned, leaving patients with a flatter chest.
Gynecomastia Surgery Before and After Photos
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery: What to Expect
Gynecomastia surgery recovery is an important part of the procedure. This surgery involves the removal of excess tissue and fat. As it is a surgical procedure, there is an expected recovery duration.
Most individuals can return to work about a week after the surgery, but strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks to facilitate proper healing. Postoperative discomfort is common, and can be managed with pain relief and following given instructions for wound care.
Wearing a compression garment aids healing by reducing swelling. Temporary effects like swelling and bruising are expected but diminish over time. The gradual return to regular activities takes approximately four to six weeks until complete recovery.
Minimizing Gynecomastia Surgery Scars: Strategies to Consider
Minimizing gynecomastia surgery scars is done through proactive techniques. Although complete scar removal is unlikely, strategies like therapeutic massaging, silicone sheets, and scar-reduction products containing ingredients such as silicone or vitamin E can significantly enhance scar appearance.
Recognising that genetics play a role in scarring is important too. It’s possible to reduce the appearance of gynecomastia surgery scars by following Dr Doyles’ advice on proper scar care. This can contribute to a smoother recovery and lasting results.
What are the risks of Gynecomastia?
Here are some potential risks associated with gynecomastia surgery:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Post-operative bleeding or hematoma
- Changes in sensation around the nipple area
- Scarring, which might vary in visibility
- Asymmetry in chest contour or appearance
Following your surgeon’s guidance, attending scheduled follow-up appointments, and monitoring changes during your recovery process are important steps to reduce these risks.
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
When assessing the expenses associated with gynecomastia surgery, several variables warrant consideration, starting from a baseline cost of $12,270:
- Surgeon’s Expertise: The experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon can influence the fees.
- Hospital or Surgical Facility Charges: These encompass the utilization of the operating room, nursing staff, and related facilities.
- Anesthesia Costs: The expense of anesthesia services provided by an anesthetist.
- Type of Gynecomastia: The extent of the gynecomastia, whether it’s glandular, fatty, or a combination of both, can impact the complexity of the procedure.
- Post-Surgery Expenses: Factoring in costs associated with recovery, such as medications, follow-up appointments, and compression garments.
For an accurate cost estimate for your gynecomastia surgery, it’s advisable to arrange a consultation with Dr. Doyle. During this consultation, your individual case will be evaluated, and a tailored cost breakdown will be provided, taking into account your specific needs and procedures. With a starting price of $12,270, please note that the final cost may vary based on the factors mentioned above.
Next Steps for Gynecomastia Surgery Gold Coast
The chest is a gender-defining feature for both men and women. Having enlarged breasts can be uncomfortable for men. With no underlying medical condition, it is possible to have enlarged male breasts surgically removed.
If you are uncomfortable with the shape and size of your chest and are looking to change it through cosmetic surgery, contact Gold Coast Plastic Surgery and book your consultation today.
For more information on male breast reduction, gynecomastia, please contact us on 5598 0988.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
