Gynaecomastia Surgery in Sydney | Dr Turner Plastic Surgeon

Understanding Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia refers to the development of excess glandular breast tissue in men, and can be a source of significant self-consciousness and discomfort. It often results from hormonal imbalances but can also be linked to certain medications, genetic factors, underlying health conditions (like liver disease or malignancies), or substance use. However, in many cases, the specific cause remains unknown (idiopathic).

Dr. Turner understands the physical and emotional impact gynaecomastia can have and provides a supportive environment to discuss your concerns.

Types of Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia can present in different ways, often classified by the primary type of tissue involved:

Glandular Gynaecomastia: Primarily composed of dense, firm glandular breast tissue located directly beneath the nipple/areola complex.
Fatty Gynaecomastia (Pseudogynecomastia): Characterised by an accumulation of soft, fatty tissue without significant glandular enlargement.
Mixed Gynaecomastia: A combination of both excess glandular tissue and fatty tissue, which is the most common type.

The specific type and grade (severity) of gynaecomastia will influence the surgical techniques Dr Turner recommends during your consultation.

Non-Surgical Options

While surgery is the definitive treatment for true gynaecomastia involving glandular tissue, other factors are considered. For pseudogynecomastia (excess fat), significant weight loss may improve chest appearance. If gynaecomastia is suspected to be caused by medication, adjusting the medication (under medical supervision) might be an option. However, once glandular tissue has developed, it typically does not resolve without surgical intervention. Dr. Turner will discuss all potential options during your consultation.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for Gynaecomastia Surgery

Ideal candidates for male breast reduction surgery typically meet the following criteria:

Are men experiencing concern due to excess breast tissue?
Are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight (ideally with a BMI below 29).
Are non-smokers or are willing to quit well in advance of surgery and during recovery.
Are at least 18 years old (with specific considerations for younger patients).
Have realistic expectations about the surgical outcome and recovery process.
Are not currently taking medications or substances known to cause gynaecomastia.
Complete the mandatory psychological assessment required in Australia for all cosmetic surgery patients

During your consultation at his Sydney clinic (Manly or Double Bay), Dr Turner will conduct a thorough assessment to determine your suitability.

Gynaecomastia Surgery: What to Expect?

Gynaecomastia surgery with Dr Turner is a carefully performed procedure designed to remove excess glandular tissue and/or fat from the male chest, creating a flatter and firmer chest contour. The surgery is tailored to each patient’s specific anatomy and aesthetic goals, carried out with precision to ensure safe, natural-looking results.

Here’s a general overview of what the procedure involves:

Where It’s Performed

Dr Turner only performs gynaecomastia surgery in accredited Sydney private hospitals, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care. The procedure is typically done allowing patients to return home the same day or after a short overnight stay, depending on the individual case.

Anaesthesia Options

Gynaecomastia surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia, administered by a qualified specialist anaesthetist, ensuring you are completely comfortable and unaware during the procedure. Dr Turner will discuss the most appropriate anaesthesia plan for you during your consultation.

Surgical Techniques

The specific techniques used depend on whether excess fat, glandular tissue, or both are being addressed:

Liposuction: Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) may be used to remove excess fatty tissue through small, discreet incisions in the armpit and around the areolar. Dr Turner typically performs small-volume liposuction for contouring the chest wall region.
Excision (Glandular Tissue Removal): For true gynaecomastia involving firm glandular tissue, surgical excision is necessary. This involves removing the tissue directly through incisions typically made along the natural border of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). This placement helps to minimise visible scarring once healed. Liposuction incisions are very small and placed discreetly.
Combined Approach: Most commonly, a combination of liposuction and excision is used to address both fat and glandular components effectively.
Skin Excision: In cases with significant excess breast gland and skin, techniques involving skin removal may be required to remove the redundant skin and potentially reposition the nipple/areola complex.

How Long It Takes

The procedure typically takes about 90 minutes, though timing can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific techniques employed.

After Surgery: Compression and Care

Following the surgery, a compression garment or vest is applied. This is crucial to reduce swelling, support the new chest contour, and help the skin adapt. Incisions are closed carefully to promote optimal healing. Dr. Turner and his team will provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions, including how to care for the surgical sites, manage discomfort, when and how long to wear the compression garment, and activity restrictions during your recovery.

Your Consultation with Dr Scott Turner

Booking a consultation is the first important step in exploring gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction). This one-on-one session allows Dr Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS), to assess your concerns, discuss your goals for achieving a flatter chest, and determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Consultations are available at Dr Turner’s Sydney clinics in Double Bay (Eastern Suburbs) and Manly (Northern Beaches).

What Happens at Your Consultation

Your consultation for gynaecomastia surgery with Dr Scott Turner is designed to help you understand your options and make an informed decision, while meeting all AHPRA safety requirements. As of 1 July 2023, you must have a referral from your GP before your first appointment.

During the consultation, you’ll discuss your concerns—such as excess glandular tissue, chest puffiness, or discomfort with your chest appearance—and what you hope to improve. Dr Turner will review your medical history, including past surgeries, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors like smoking, to ensure surgery is safe for you. A physical examination will follow to assess the type and severity of gynaecomastia (fatty, glandular, or mixed), skin quality, and any asymmetry.

Based on this evaluation, Dr Turner will recommend a suitable treatment plan—whether liposuction, gland removal, or both—and explain the procedure, incision placement, and expected outcomes. He’ll also outline the risks, recovery process, and post-surgery care such as wearing a compression garment. A detailed quote covering all associated costs will be provided, and you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions about any aspect of the procedure.

Why Choose a FRACS-Qualified Plastic Surgeon?

Seeing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with FRACS qualifications, like Dr Turner, means you’re consulting with someone who has completed the highest level of accredited surgical training in Australia.1 This expertise helps ensure you receive a safe, accurate assessment and a treatment plan tailored specifically to your individual anatomy and goals for gynaecomastia correction.

Risk and Complications of Gynaecomastia Surgery

As with any surgery, it is important that you are fully informed of the potential risks associated with male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) surgery. While all care is taken by Dr. Turner and his team to minimize these complications, they may and do occur despite the best medical care.

It is important that you carefully read and understand the potential risks. They will be discussed in further detail during your consultation with Dr Turner.

General Surgical Risks

Bleeding or hematoma – may require drainage if blood collects under the skin
Infection – at the incision site or treated area, despite antibiotic
Seroma – Fluid collection requiring aspiration
Poor wound healing or scarring – including thickened, widened, or visible scars
Anaesthesia risks – side effects from local sedation or general anaesthesia
Blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism) – rare, but possible with any surgery

Procedure Specific Risks

Contour Irregularities: Unevenness or asymmetry in the final chest shape.
Nipple/Areola Changes: Altered sensation (temporary or permanent numbness or increased sensitivity) in the nipples or surrounding skin. In rare cases, partial or total loss of the nipple and/or areola can occur.
Recurrence: Although uncommon, gynaecomastia can potentially recur, especially with significant weight gain or hormonal changes.
Need for Revision Surgery: Further surgery may occasionally be required to address complications or refine the aesthetic outcome.

Recovery After Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Recovery after male breast reduction is generally straightforward, especially when you closely follow Dr Turner’s post-operative instructions. Healing times vary slightly between individuals, but here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Immediately After Surgery

You’ll wake up wearing a compression garment, which supports your new chest shape and helps minimise swelling. Gynaecomastia surgery is usually a day procedure, meaning you’ll return home the same day—but someone must drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may feel groggy from the anaesthetic, and some chest tightness, swelling or discomfort is normal during the initial phase.

First Few Days

Compression Garment: You’ll need to wear the compression vest around the clock (except for showering), typically for the first 2 weeks. This helps reduce swelling and assists the skin in adjusting to your new contours.
Swelling and Bruising: Some bruising and swelling are expected and most noticeable in the first 3–5 days.
Discomfort: Mild to moderate soreness is common, and can be managed with prescribed pain relief.
Activity: Rest is important. Gentle walking is encouraged, but avoid lifting, reaching overhead, or any upper body strain.
Follow-Up: You’ll return to Dr Turner’s clinic for a check-up in 1 week. Dressings will be changed, and your healing will be assessed.

By 2 weeks, most patients feel ready to return to work, particularly if their job is desk-based. Swelling and bruising typically continue to subside during this time, and discomfort becomes more manageable. Light physical activity, such as walking or gentle cycling, is often well tolerated; however, it’s important to avoid chest exercises, heavy lifting, or anything that strains the upper body until Dr Turner advises otherwise. The compression garment should still be worn as directed, usually for up to six weeks, to support healing and maintain the chest contour.

Between 1 – 2 months after surgery, most of the swelling has settled, and the chest appears flatter and more defined. While early results are visible, the final outcome is still developing. The final results become more apparent as residual swelling resolves and the chest tissues settle into their new shape over 6 – 12 months. Scarring will continue to fade gradually during this period, although full scar maturation can take up to a year or more.

Key Recovery Tips

To support your recovery and get the best results from your gynaecomastia surgery:

Wear your compression garment exactly as directed—it’s essential for healing and chest contouring.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks or until Dr Turner gives you the go-ahead.
Attend all follow-up appointments so your progress can be properly monitored.
Eat well and stay hydrated—good nutrition supports tissue repair and recovery.
Don’t smoke—smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Protect your incisions from the sun to prevent pigmentation and help scars fade.

Dr Turner and his team are here to support you through every stage of recovery, with comprehensive post-operative care and follow-up at his Sydney clinics to ensure the best outcome.

What is the Cost of Gynaecomastia Surgery in Sydney

Understanding the cost of male breast reduction (gynaecomastia surgery) is an important part of planning your procedure. The total fee reflects the expertise of your surgeon, the quality of care provided, and the resources required to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors can influence the overall cost of gynaecomastia surgery:

Surgeon’s Fee
This includes the surgical expertise and qualifications of Dr Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with extensive training in male chest contouring procedures.
Anaesthetist’s Fee
Covers the services of a qualified anaesthetist who administers and monitors your general anaesthetic during the procedure.
Hospital or Facility Fee
Costs vary depending on the private hospital.
Procedure Complexity
The cost may be affected by the type and amount of tissue to be removed (glandular, fatty, or both) and the overall duration of the procedure.
Post-Operative Care
Routine follow-up appointments with Dr Turner and his team are included in your surgical quote.

Estimated Cost Guide

While costs are confirmed after your consultation, the following provides a general guide for gynaecomastia surgery with Dr Turner in Sydney:

Insured (Medicare & top Private Health Coverage) – $7,000
Cosmetic – $10,000 to $12,500

What’s Not Included?

Initial consultation fee
Prescription medications
Additional imaging or blood tests, if required
Costs related to rare complications or revision surgery

Medicare and Private Health Insurance

If gynaecomastia surgery is performed purely for cosmetic reasons, it is not eligible for a Medicare item number and is not covered by private health insurance. However, in some cases where surgery addresses functional symptoms (such as significant discomfort or pain), partial coverage may apply if criteria are met. Dr Turner will assess this during your consultation and advise accordingly.

Payment and Financing Options

Dr Turner’s practice works with third-party medical finance providers who offer flexible payment plans for eligible patients. If needed, please speak with our team during your consultation to learn more about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much pain is involved after gynaecomastia surgery?

Most patients describe moderate discomfort after gynaecomastia surgery, typically felt as soreness or tightness in the chest. This is most noticeable in the first few days and generally improves significantly within a week. Prescription pain medication is provided initially, but many patients switch to over-the-counter options within a few days. Wearing a compression garment helps reduce swelling and adds support, which can also relieve discomfort. Pain levels vary by individual, but the recovery is usually manageable. Dr Turner and his team provide tailored instructions to help you stay comfortable throughout the healing process.

What happens if I gain significant weight after surgery?

While gynaecomastia surgery permanently removes glandular breast tissue and targeted fat, weight gain can still affect the results. Remaining fat cells in the chest area can enlarge if your weight increases significantly, potentially causing a recurrence of fullness or pseudogynaecomastia. Although the removed tissue doesn’t grow back, a major change in weight can alter the chest contour and compromise the long-term outcome. To maintain your results, it’s important to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Stable weight management is key to preserving the flatter, firmer appearance achieved through surgery.

Are the results of gynaecomastia surgery permanent?

Yes, the glandular tissue removed during surgery does not grow back, and fat cells removed via liposuction are permanently eliminated. However, results can be affected by lifestyle factors such as weight gain, hormonal changes, or the use of substances like anabolic steroids or alcohol. These can contribute to fat accumulation or stimulate remaining tissue. For long-term stability, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid known triggers. When performed by an experienced surgeon and supported by appropriate lifestyle habits, the results of gynaecomastia surgery are considered long-lasting.

Will I have visible scars?

Scarring is a normal outcome of any surgery, but Dr Turner uses techniques designed to minimise visibility. Incisions are typically placed in discreet locations—such as along the edge of the areola —so they blend well with surrounding skin. Scars may appear red or raised initially but tend to fade and flatten over time, often becoming barely noticeable after 6 to 12 months. Factors like your skin type, healing response, and how well you follow post-operative instructions all affect how scars mature. Scar management treatments may also be recommended if needed.

Can gynaecomastia come back after surgery?

The glandular tissue removed during surgery does not regenerate, so true gynaecomastia should not return. However, the appearance of a fuller chest can reoccur due to factors such as significant weight gain, hormonal changes, or use of substances known to trigger breast tissue development. These may cause remaining fat cells to expand or rarely stimulate residual tissue. While recurrence is uncommon when lifestyle is well managed, maintaining a stable weight and avoiding anabolic steroids or excessive alcohol can help ensure your results last long term.

Will the results look natural?

Yes, when performed by an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Turner, the goal is a flatter chest contour. The technique involves removing only the excess tissue while preserving enough structure to avoid a flat or unnatural appearance. The use of carefully placed incisions and a tailored combination of liposuction and glandular excision ensures a result that blends with your overall physique.

What causes gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is commonly caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. It can occur naturally during puberty or later in life but may also be triggered by medications (like anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, or antidepressants), medical conditions, or lifestyle factors. Excessive alcohol use, marijuana, and certain health issues affecting the liver, kidneys, or endocrine system can also play a role. In some cases, the cause is unknown. A thorough medical evaluation is often recommended to rule out any underlying conditions contributing to the development of male breast tissue.

Can gynaecomastia be treated without surgery?

Non-surgical options may help in certain cases, particularly if the chest fullness is due to excess fat (pseudogynaecomastia) rather than glandular tissue. Weight loss through diet and exercise may reduce fat in the chest. If the condition is linked to medications or hormonal imbalance, stopping the contributing factor—under medical supervision—can sometimes improve the appearance. However, true glandular tissue will not go away on its own, and creams or supplements marketed for gynecomastia have no proven benefit. Surgery remains the most effective and reliable solution for long-term correction.

How long until I can return to work or exercise?

Most patients can return to office work within 7 days after surgery. For more physically demanding jobs, up to three weeks may be required. Light walking is encouraged early in recovery to promote circulation, but vigorous activity and upper body exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks to allow proper healing. Dr Turner will provide guidance based on your progress. Following these recommendations is important to reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best surgical outcome.

Does insurance or Medicare cover the cost?

Gynaecomastia surgery may be eligible for a Medicare item number if it involves the removal of true glandular tissue and meets specific medical criteria—such as long-standing symptoms, pain, or functional impact. When a Medicare item number applies, some of the associated costs (such as hospital and anaesthetic fees) may also be partially covered by private health insurance, depending on your level of cover. Dr Turner will assess your eligibility during your consultation and advise whether your condition meets the requirements. It’s important to note that not all cases qualify, and patients without sufficient private insurance should expect some out-of-pocket.

Sydney, Australia Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia Surgery with dr turner