Gynecomastia is a condition characterised 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 a more firmer appearance on the chest. It is important to seek medical evaluation and treatment in order to address the condition and achieve relief if you’re in discomfort.
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. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Gynecomastia surgery can reduce the impact of the condition and achieve a more firmer chest.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused 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, tumours 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 surgical 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 suitable candidate for surgery. If the underlying cause is treatable, then that should be addressed prior to considering gynecomastia surgery.
If you are interested in gynecomastia surgery on the Gold Coast, it is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon. Someone who has a track record of performing the surgery and achieving surgical 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 to patients on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Queensland.
Gynecomastia Treatment
Depending on the size of your breasts and the amount of enlarged tissue or fat causing your gynaecomastia, Gold Coast Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle has two main options for your male breast reduction surgery. Liposuction or surgical excision. Dr Doyle uses these techniques to remove excess breast tissue and create a firmer chest region.
Liposuction
Liposuction 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 reduce the size of the chest. This is generally 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 biological. The benefit of using liposuction on the chest to reduce the size of enlarged male breast tissue is through a minimally 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. Please note, sometimes the tissue is too hard to be removed with liposuction alone.
During gynecomastia 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 is removed respectively. Then the areola, is repositioned, leaving the patient with a flatter chest.
Gynecomastia Surgery Before and After Photos
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
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 1 -2 weeks 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 the provided 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 4 – 6 weeks until complete recovery.
Minimising Gynecomastia Surgery Scars: Strategies to Consider
Minimising gynecomastia surgery scars can be 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 improve scarring.
Recognising that genetics play a role in scarring is important too. It’s possible to minimise 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 from $12,270:
- Surgeon’s Expertise: The experience of the plastic surgeon can influence the fees.
- Hospital Fees: These encompass the utilisation 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 unique surgery case will be evaluated, and a tailored cost breakdown will be provided, taking into account your specific requirements and procedures. With a starting price from $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 bodily feature for both men and women. Having enlarged breasts can cause discomfort for men. With no underlying medical condition, it is possible to have enlarged male breasts surgically removed.
If you are researching reducing 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, and gynecomastia, please contact us on 07 5598 0988.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – 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 fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
