Gynecomastia Surgery, Melbourne

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.

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to
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:

Gynecomastia surgery
Liposuction
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.

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

Is gynecomastia surgery painful?

As an anaesthetic is used before the surgery, the procedure itself won’t be painful. However, after surgery, there may be some pain that may last up to a few weeks but the pain is usually manageable with prescribed pain medication.

Can male breasts be reduced without surgery?

When breasts in males develop due to obesity, it is possible to reduce them without surgery by following a nutritious diet and an exercise routine. But in cases where male breasts are formed due to imbalance of the hormone or genetically, reduction in breast size won’t be possible without surgery.

Is male breast reduction permanent?

The results are usually long lasting. However, there may be a need for repeat surgery to treat complications or for suboptimal results.
It is essential to adhere to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. Significant weight gain, use of steroids, or certain medical conditions can result in a recurrence of the male breast. Apart from this, drugs that impact testosterone levels could also influence the results of gynecomastia surgery.

What causes gynecomastia in males?

The major causes of gynecomastia in males include:
• Fluctuation in hormone level.
• Accumulation of a large amount of fat nearby the chest area
• Pubertal changes
• Major weight fluctuations and obesity
• Medications
• Use of excess alcohol and recreational drugs
• Hyperthyroidism

Will there be scarring after gynecomastia surgery?

Yes, there will be scarring after the gynecomastia surgery. As the incision will be made near the chest and areola complex. As scars mature they generally tend to fade but they will never disappear.

How much time does it take to recover from male breast reduction surgery?

The timeline for recovery varies for each patient depending on the extent of the reduction. Generally, most patients will be able to return to work within a week. Depending on the type of work, it may take longer in some patients. Less strenuous exercises can be resumed two weeks after surgery and vigorous activities should be attempted four to six weeks after surgery.

How long does it take to see the results?

Most patients should be able to see results shortly after surgery. However, there will be some swelling and bruising and it will take four to six months to view the end results.

Is gynecomastia surgery covered by Medicare & insurance?

Medicare will not cover gynecomastia surgery performed cosmetic reasons but it will cover gynecomastia surgery if it is deemed medically necessary and follows the following conditions:

• You have a history of chronic pain
• Your breast gland is of significant size
• You have gynecomastia for over a year

The medicare item number for gynecomastia surgery is 31525: “Breast subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia”.

For privately insured patients, depending on your insurance policy the insurance company may pay for some or all of your hospital fees.

Even so, you will have out of pocket costs.

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?

The expense for a male breast reduction surgery will differ for each patient. In order to get an approximate estimation, a thorough medical evaluation of the patient must be performed by the surgeon.
The price for gynecomastia surgery should include; the surgeon fee, hospital fees, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medication, post-surgery garments, and medical tests.

Please phone for an estimate.

What to do before gynecomastia surgery?

Before undergoing gynecomastia surgery, you should consider doing the following:
• Provide your complete medical history to your surgeon
• Be as fit as possible to aid the recovery process
• Reach your optimal weight
• Consult with your surgeon about your medications as some may need to be stopped
• Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery
• Prepare a recovery area in your home

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 Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast 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.

Gynecomastia Surgery, Melbourne

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to
Male Breast Reduction –
Gyno or Gynecomastia Surgery

Potential Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

What Causes Gynecomastia?