What is Gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is a condition in which males develop increased breast tissue, leading to a more prominent chest appearance. It can occur due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, weight fluctuations, genetic conditions, underlying medical issues, or the use of certain medications that affect hormone levels.

The condition can present at any age and may affect one or both breasts. Signs can range from mild swelling around the nipple area to more noticeable breast enlargement. Anyone concerned about changes in their chest or breast tissue is encouraged to consult with a medical practitioner to explore potential causes and appropriate treatment options.

Surgical Treatment for Gynaecomastia

Sometimes gynaecomastia will resolve on its own or with conservative interventions. However, it is important to understand all your options if you have persistently enlarged male breasts. If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for this surgery, you can book a confidential consultation with Dr Alex Turner.

If conservative interventions have not addressed gynaecomastia, there are surgical treatments available. The surgical procedure used to treat gynaecomastia is called male breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age, however it is best done when the breast tissue is fully developed. 

Reasons to Consider Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Some men choose to undergo male breast reduction surgery to address the appearance of enlarged breast tissue and achieve a flatter, more contoured chest. This decision is often made for personal or physical comfort reasons. Individuals who have experienced significant weight loss may also consider this procedure to help manage excess skin in the chest area. 

Male Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure

Before undergoing male breast reduction surgery, you will have a pre-surgical assessment with Dr Alex Turner. She will assess your suitability for surgery and take your complete medical history. She will also discuss the procedure in depth with you, including the risks and possible complications.

Male breast reduction surgery is done under a general anaesthetic. The procedure typically takes about two to three hours, and patients are required to stay in the hospital overnight.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision around the nipple to remove excess fatty tissue. The fatty tissue may be removed with a scalpel, or in some cases, by using liposuction or a combination of both.

Potential Risks and Complications

Modern men’s breast reduction surgery is generally safe, but it does have the potential for risks and complications to occur. Specific risks and complications associated with gynaecomastia may include slightly mismatched breasts or nipples, another procedure may be needed to remove excess skin, and potential scarring. For more general and specific risks and complications of men’s breast reduction surgery, please click here to download.

Recovery After Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Recovery time following male breast reduction surgery varies from person to person. Many patients require several weeks before returning to their usual routines. It’s important to allow adequate time off work and avoid strenuous activities to support the healing process. Common post-operative symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and localised discomfort, which typically improve over time. Dr Turner will provide specific aftercare instructions and monitor your progress through follow-up appointments.

There are some important things you should do following your surgery to ensure a smooth recovery. For the first one to two weeks, you will need to wear a compression garment day and night to support the chest while it heals. Your stitches will either dissolve or be removed after a week or two.

You should avoid stretching, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about three weeks after the operation. You can expect to return to normal activities after about six weeks. 

Call Dr Turner's office today to book an appointment to discuss whether surgery is the right option to treat gynaecomastia for you.

Read further information about male breast reduction surgery on the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons' website here