Dr Turner answers all your questions about Gynecomastia – Male Breast Reduction FAQs

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure used to treat gynecomastia – the enlargement of male breasts. It involves the permanent removal of excess breast fat and tissues.

Dr Scott Turner is a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney NSW. In this blog, he answers the most common Male Breast Reduction – Gynecomastia FAQs.

Gynecomastia FAQs – Male Breast Reduction Questions

Does male gynecomastia go away?

In some teens, gynecomastia naturally goes away after puberty. However, in most cases, the effects of the condition are permanent and may need a surgical approach to correct.

Do I need gynecomastia surgery?

It depends. If your large breasts are caused by significant weight gain or excess fat deposits, you may try losing weight first. However, cases of significant gynecomastia need male breast reduction surgery to remove the excess fat and tissues. In addition, you may need gynecomastia surgery if the size of your breasts is causing physical discomfort and is affecting your activities of daily living.

What happens if gynecomastia is not treated?

Gynecomastia is generally not a serious medical condition. In some teens, it goes away on its own without any medical treatment. However, you are more likely to experience skin irritation and some breast pain due to the size of your breasts. Sometimes, it can be unhygienic especially when sweat accumulates under the skin folds of the breasts.

What are the stages of gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia has the following grades or stages of development:

Grade I: This is characterized by small breast enlargement without the presence of excess skin.
Grade IIa: This is characterized by moderate enlargement without the presence of excess skin.
Grade IIb: This is characterized by moderate enlargement with minor skin excess.
Grade III: This is characterized by significant breast enlargement similar to female breasts with the presence of excess skin.

How do you confirm gynecomastia?

The common symptoms of gynecomastia are lumps around the nipple area, swelling, pain, and breast tenderness. If these symptoms are present, your surgeon can run some tests to determine the cause of the condition. The tests can include:

Biopsy of breast tissue
Blood tests
Chest X-ray
CT scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Mammogram
Ultrasound

What are the disadvantages of having gynecomastia?

Having enlarged male breasts can significantly affect your quality of life because:

It causes physical discomforts such as breast pain, skin irritation, and unpleasant odour.
It increases your risk of breast infection.
It affects your activities of daily living.

What can I expect after male breast reduction?

You may experience discomfort after a male breast reduction. Soreness and swelling are expected during the first week of recovery. Pain can be managed with pain medications and rest.

What should I do before a male breast reduction?

Before a gynecomastia surgery:

Get lab tests or medical evaluation.
Stop smoking before surgery.
Avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications that can affect healing or increase your risk of complications.

What other surgeries can be combined with male breast reduction?

If you have excessive fat tissues, the surgery is often combined with liposuction. Liposuction can remove excess fat by using a thin tube attached to a powerful suction machine.

Gynecomastia FAQs About Suitability for Gynecomastia Surgery

How do I know if I need a male breast reduction?

Common signs that you need a male breast reduction:

Fluids are coming out from your nipples.
You have severe breast pain or swelling.
You have large or hard lumps around your nipple areas.

What is a good age for male breast reduction?

Eighteen and above is the best age for having the surgery. It is recommended for men with breasts that are fully developed or past their puberty period.

Who is a good candidate for male breast reduction?

You are a good candidate for the surgery if:

You are relatively healthy.
You are near your ideal body weight or BMI.
You have large breasts that affect your daily activities by causing pain and other physical discomforts.

Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs – Questions About Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Does male breast reduction require anaesthesia?

Yes. Male breast reduction can be done under general or local anaesthesia. This will depend on the condition of your breasts and the surgeon’s preferences.

Are you awake during gynecomastia surgery?

Under general anaesthesia, you will be asleep during the entire procedure. Under local anaesthesia, however, you will be awake and aware of the surgery.

Recovery after Male Breast Reduction – Gynecomastia FAQs

What is the fastest way to recover from a male breast reduction?

Here are some tips for a faster recovery after a male breast reduction:

Follow your surgeon’s post-procedure instructions.
Wear your compression garments.
Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 6 weeks.
Apply a cold compress to your chest to reduce pain and swelling.
Have plenty of rest and avoid stress.
Avoid extreme activities for the first month of your recovery.
Stay active to maintain good blood circulation.

Can you sleep on your side after male breast reduction?

Yes. You may sleep on your back or side after the procedure but don’t lie on your stomach. Doing so will put too much pressure on your chest area. This can cause injury to your new breast contour.

How do you sleep after male breast reduction?

The best position for sleeping after a male breast reduction is lying on your back. This position will prevent applying excessive pressure to the surgical areas. You may also sleep on your side as long as it doesn’t cause any discomfort.

How can I sleep after gynecomastia?

You may sleep on your back or side with your head elevated with at least one or two pillows. Sleeping this way can help reduce the swelling.

When can I wash my hair after a male breast reduction?

You may take a shower after 48 hours. Make sure to wash your incision sites for a short time then gently pat them dry. Make sure to avoid applying too much pressure on your incision lines to avoid further injury.

How long do I have to wear a compression garment after gynecomastia surgery?

You will need to wear your compression garments for about 4 weeks after your surgery. Wearing them helps support the treated area and reduces swelling.

How long before you can drive after a male breast reduction?

You will need to wait for 24 hours until you can drive again. Undergoing general anaesthesia can make you feel groggy so you need to get plenty of rest first. It is important to have someone responsible drive you home after the surgery to ensure your safety. After a day or two, you should be able to drive on your own again.

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

You may need a couple of weeks to achieve full recovery after the surgery. During this period, you will need to avoid strenuous activities. You will need to rest as much as possible and follow the postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon.

Is there noticeable scarring after the surgery?

Yes. Some scarring is unavoidable after the procedure. However, most scars can be concealed in the natural creases of the breasts. Over time, your scars will lighten making them less noticeable. For visible scars, they can be concealed with clothing. Post-op scar treatments like laser, dermapen, or silicon gels can help

How long does it take to heal after a male breast reduction?

In most cases, one to two weeks of the recovery period is enough for you to go back to your normal routine. However, you should avoid heavy lifting and extreme activities that may put pressure on the incision sites.

What can you NOT do after a male breast reduction?

For the first month after your procedure, you should remember not to engage in any strenuous activities. You should also stop smoking because it can delay your recovery by affecting blood flow within the blood vessels. Another thing to remember is to avoid applying too much strain or pressure on the incisions or operated areas.

Longer-Term Results of Gynecomastia FAQs

Can gynecomastia grow back after surgery?

It depends. Maintaining your ideal weight is important to prevent your breasts from developing excess fat again. Also, steroid and drug abuse must be avoided to prevent the condition from returning.

How long does a male breast reduction last?

The results of a male breast reduction are regarded as permanent. As long as you maintain your ideal weight and the cause of the condition is addressed, it is likely that the condition won’t return.

Does male breast reduction last forever?

The results of the procedure are typically permanent as long as you commit to a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to keep in mind that weight gain can cause the remaining fat cells in your breasts to expand. This in turn can alter the results of your surgery.

Can a male breast reduction be done twice?

Yes. It is possible to get another male breast reduction surgery if there are still fat and glandular tissues left.

Concerns and Risks of Gynecomastia FAQs

Does male breast reduction hurt?

Discomforts may be reduced during the procedure due to the effects of the anaesthesia. After the procedure, the effects will wear off so you’ll start to feel pain. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to address this.

Does male breast reduction leave scars?

Yes. Like other procedures that involve incisions, some scarring is inevitable. However, the visibility of scarring can be reduced by creating incisions on the natural folds of your breasts. Post-op scar treatments can also help.

What can go wrong with male breast reduction?

The risks and complications associated with the Male Breast Reduction procedure can include the following:

Anaesthesia risks (e.g. difficulty breathing, itchy skin, or rashes)
Bleeding
Blood clots
Breast asymmetry
Death of fatty tissue
Delayed wound healing
Fluid accumulation beneath the skin
Infection
Irregularities in the size and shape of the breasts
Loss or changes in nipple sensation
Nerve damage
Persistent or increasing pain
Possibility of revision surgery
Unfavourable scarring

Pricing & Funding of Gynecomastia FAQs

Does Medicare cover male breast reduction?

In most cases, Medicare does not cover male breast reduction because it is commonly performed as a cosmetic procedure. In some cases, you may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement (MBS Item Number 31525) if the surgery is performed to correct health issues after significant weight loss and you meet the strict criteria.

Does health insurance pay for male breast reduction?

Health insurance plans may partly cover male breast reduction surgery if you meet the Medicare criteria and have the right level of coverage. Talk to your health insurance provider before the surgery to clarify your coverage questions.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

Download a Procedure Guides to find out more about your surgery.
Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.

Making The Most of Your Consultation

Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing and payment plans
Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation

You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.

Book a Phone Call for More Info

To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.

Email us for more information: [email protected]