Gynecomastia surgery is not only the name of a surgical procedure but also the name of the condition it helps treat.

Some men develop changes in the chest area due to the presence of glandular tissue, excess fat, or loose skin. This condition, known as gynecomastia and may affect one or both sides of the chest. It can be influenced by factors such as hormones, weight fluctuations, certain medications, or medical conditions.

Surgical options may involve liposuction, tissue excision, or both, depending on the cause and extent of the excess fat and/or tissue. Dr Carmen can discuss the most appropriate approach for your needs during a personal consultation, after a full medical assessment.

GUIDE Male Breast Reduction

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Male Breast Reduction –
Gyno or Gynecomastia Surgery

Potential Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

  • Reduction in excess glandular tissue, fat, or skin in the chest area
  • Altered chest appearance (flatter and firmer)
  • Relief from physical discomfort sometimes associated with excess tissue
  • Greater ease when participating in physical activity or sport
  • Ability to wear clothing more comfortably

It’s important to note that results vary for each person. Dr Carmen will discuss what you can realistically expect for your individual needs and circumstances.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the presence of excess glandular tissue in the male chest. It may occur due to a range of factors, including:

  • Hormonal changes or imbalances, particularly during puberty or later in life
  • Certain medications or medical treatments
  • Underlying health conditions affecting hormone levels, such as liver or thyroid disorders
  • Genetic or hereditary factors passed down through families
  • Substance use, including alcohol or anabolic steroids
  • Increased body weight, which can lead to fat accumulation in the chest area and sometimes stimulate glandular tissue growth

Fat accumulation can be a result of diet and a lack of physical activity. However, true gynecomastia is due to the fluctuation in the levels of testosterone and estrogen in men.

In some cases, the exact cause may not be clearly identifiable. If you are concerned about changes in your chest appearance, a consultation with a qualified health professional can help determine whether further investigation or treatment is appropriate.

Surgical Options

There are various surgical methods of treatment available. The approach will differ depending on the cause. Some options for male breast reduction surgery include:

  1. Gynecomastia surgery
  2. Liposuction
  3. Gynecomastia surgery with liposuction

Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the growth of excess glandular tissue in the chest, which is brought due to disturbance in hormonal level giving a breast-like appearance to the male chest. 

1. Gyno or Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess glandular tissues and skin around the chest. It is an invasive surgery that allows the removal of glandular tissues and skin that would not have been possible through liposuction alone. The nipple-areola complex will be adjusted following removal of the skin if necessary, to achieve the desired result. 

2. Male Breast Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat tissues that persists even after weight loss through diet control and exercise. Liposuction may be employed if the condition is brought about by the excess deposition of fat.

Age, skin elasticity, and the presence of excess skin and glands around the chest should be considered before deciding if liposuction alone will be suitable or if a more extensive approach is required. 

3. Gynecomastia surgery with liposuction

This is usually chosen in cases when the changes have occurred due to the growth of glandular tissue and deposition of fat. It helps alleviate the condition and can provide a more comprehensive result.

Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery

1. The Consultation

Consultation forms the first phase of your male breast reduction journey. You will have an in-depth discussion with Dr Carmen about the different procedures available and select the right procedure for you.

Dr Carmen will take a detailed medical history while discussing your goals from the procedure. You should be honest and reasonable about your expectations as it can help you in getting your desired outcome.

Dr Carmen will discuss the details of the procedure, the alternatives, and the risks involved.

You will have to stop using aspirin and blood-thinning agents and will be advised to avoid smoking for at least 3 weeks pre and post the surgery as nicotine present in smoke has shown to increase the risk of complications and lead to a poor cosmetic result.

Cosmetic Surgery Regulation - Dr Carmen

2. The Surgical Procedure

This is the second phase. Surgery will be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on your condition and Dr Carmens recommendation. 

Gynecomastia surgery

An incision will be made around the nipple-areola complex. Any excess glandular tissues and/or excess skin present will be removed through this site. 

The nipple-areola complex will then be adjusted if required.

You’ll have dressing applied to the incised area and a drainage tube will be placed to accumulate fluid, and help with bruising, and soreness. Surgery will take anywhere from 2-3 hours or more. 

Liposuction surgery

First, diluted local anaesthesia is infused to reduce discomfort, bleeding, and trauma. 

Dr Carmen will make small incisions around the skin areola junction, to remove the excess fat.

A thin cannula is then inserted through the incisions to loosen and dislodge excess fat cells from the site using a controlled back and forth motion. 

The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a syringe attached to the cannula.

The incisions are then stitched after fat removal.

3. The Recovery

Recovery following Gynaecomastia surgery will vary depending on the surgical approach and individual healing. Patients can typically expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the initial days, which can be managed with supportive garments and prescribed care.

Most individuals return to light daily activities within a week, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually restricted for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide tailored instructions to support healing and help reduce the risk of complications.

Recovery after gynecomastia surgery

Post-operation, you may expect:

  • Drainage tube to collect fluid
  • Loss of sensation in the incised areas which should return gradually
  • Soreness, swelling, and pain. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help you manage these conditions.   

If you experience any unusual symptoms or excessive bleeding immediately call your surgeon and their team.

Recovery post breast liposuction

Recovery may take a few days or weeks depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients should be able to resume daily activities after two to four weeks, while it will take only a couple of days in case of liposuction. However, complete recovery may take a few more weeks. Most patients will be able to return to their workplace a couple of days after the procedure.

Risks and Complications of Gynecomastia Surgery 

As with any surgical procedure, gynaecomastia surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include:

  • Bleeding or haematoma formation
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Changes in nipple sensation (temporary or permanent)
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Skin irregularities or contour changes
  • Reactions to anaesthesia

Dr Carmen will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation, along with how they may relate to your individual circumstances. It is important to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to support your recovery and reduce the likelihood of complications.

For more information visit our risks and complications of surgery page.

Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs – Questions about Male Chest Reduction

Medical References – Further Reading

Male Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Carmen Munteanu – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Carmen Munteanu MD. FRACS (Plas) is a skilled and compassionate Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

She performs breast surgery and body surgery including; Breast ReductionBreast LiftBreast Implant Surgery and Body Surgery.

With over 25 years of surgical experience in Plastic Surgery, Dr Carmen firmly believes that a good surgeon is first a good doctor. She will always take into consideration all the health aspects and personal circumstances of each patient.

A dedicated Specialist Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr Carmen is renowned for providing exceptional care, support and helping achieve realistic goals for her patients.

 

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