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Sydney Gynecomastia Surgery

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Gynecomastia Surgery with dr turner

Gynecomastia is the development of excess breast tissue in men of all ages due to hormonal imbalances, certain medications, genetics, or other factors. It is a common condition affecting up to 30% of the Australian male population. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, can help address excess breast tissue in men. It involves reducing the size of enlarged male breasts by removing excess glandular tissue and fat.

Before and afters

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Dr Scott J Turner Plastic Surgeon

What causes Gynecomastia?

Male breast enlargement or gynecomastia may be associated with obesity, hormone imbalances, liver disease, malignancies, or due to a range of medicinal or recreational drugs. However, in the vast majority of cases, it is ‘idiopathic’ which means that the exact reason is unknown.

During your consultation, Dr Turner will discuss and create a unique plan to address your concerns, as well as explain in detail the surgical procedure, recovery phase, and risks associated with Male Breast Reduction Surgery. He will also identify if any underlying conditions may be contributing to gynecomastia.

Suitable Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

Suitable candidates for male breast reduction surgery are men who would like to address excess breast tissue. In addition, they must be:

  • At least 18 years old and are not taking medications that may further contribute to gynecomastia (e.g. recreational drugs)
  • Close to ideal body weight or BMI (<29)
  • Non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking
  • In good overall health with realistic goals for the procedure and its recovery process

Gynecomastia Surgery

Dr Turner performs male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery in an accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Most gynecomastia procedures require general anaesthesia and take 90 minutes to perform depending on the extent of the surgery.

Dr Turner starts by using a power-assisted liposuction machine with a cannula to remove excess fat from the chest wall region, and also within the actual breast tissue. After this is completed, a small incision is placed around the lower aspect of the areola to remove any residual excess glandular breast tissue. The scars around the areola are concealed along the border of the areola and normal chest wall skin.

For large male breasts, a more comprehensive breast reduction may be required. In these cases, it involves not only the removal of the excess fat and breast tissue but also redundant skin. This may require larger incisions and create more obvious scars on the chest wall.

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

You may experience some discomfort over the first week, for which you are prescribed oral pain medication. Swelling and bruising around the chest area resolve within the first month. A compression garment is worn under the clothes for six weeks to maintain the chest contour and assist with recovery.

Recovery from a male breast reduction procedure varies from patient to patient. You can return to normal activities after a few days and be back to work in 7-10 days. You can resume light exercise in the first month, however, strenuous upper-body exercises should be avoided for two months.

The final results of male breast reduction surgery can take up to six months to become noticeable.

Risks and Complications of Gynecomastia Surgery

The risks and complications associated with the procedure are:

  • Irregular chest contour
  • Poor scarring including keloid scars
  • Loss of sensation in the nipple
  • Recurrent glandular tissue
  • Partial or total loss of the nipple and/or areola
  • Wound breakdown and delayed healing
  • Postoperative infection
  • Bleeding or haematoma
  • Revision surgery
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Specialist plastic surgeon

Dr Scott J turner

Dr Turner FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic Surgery) is a Sydney Plastic Surgeon with clinics in the Eastern Suburbs at Bondi Junction and Northern Beaches at Manly.

Dr Scott J Turner has over a decade of experience in private practice solely focused on performing cosmetic surgery.

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Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons American Society of Plastic Surgeons Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Realself

Gynecomastia Surgery gallery

Before and afters

DISCLAIMER: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.

Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction

Reasons for Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, is designed to address enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men, a condition that can arise from hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, certain medications, or significant weight changes. Patients may choose to undergo this surgical intervention to address physical discomfort due to the appearance of their breasts. The physical discomfort associated with gynecomastia includes soreness and sensitivity in the breast tissue, which can interfere with routine activities or physical exercise, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle and further health complications.

Opting for surgery can be a considered decision when non-invasive treatments such as medication do not provide relief or when the condition does not improve over time. Gynecomastia surgery aims to remove excess fat and glandular tissue, and in some cases, excess skin. This procedure is typically recommended once breast development has stabilised.

By addressing the physical aspects of gynecomastia, the surgery helps eliminate the physical irritations and limitations imposed by this condition, thereby allowing a return to more active and unrestricted lifestyle choices. Furthermore, by removing the physical cause of discomfort, the surgery allows patients to engage more freely in various physical activities.

Our Philosophy on Gynecomastia Surgery

At FacePlus Aesthetics, our approach to gynecomastia surgery is guided by a deep respect for the individual needs of our patients. We understand the profound impact that gynecomastia can have on a man’s life, affecting everything from physical comfort to the performance of activities of daily living. Dr Scott Turner and our team are dedicated to offering a supportive, confidential environment that encourages open discussion about each patient’s concerns and aims.

Our surgical plans are meticulously tailored to each individual, considering the specific characteristics of their gynecomastia, such as the proportion of excess glandular tissue versus fatty tissue. In addition, care is taken to maintain the functionality and sensitivity of the breast area.

We prioritise comprehensive patient education throughout the surgical process. By fully informing patients about what the surgery entails, the expected recovery, and the realistic outcomes, we help set clear expectations. This educational approach ensures that patients are well-prepared for the procedure. Our commitment to personalised care extends beyond the procedure, with thorough follow-up care to support each patient through their recovery journey.

How the Procedure is Performed

Gynecomastia surgery at FacePlus Aesthetics is conducted with meticulous attention to the specific anatomical and aesthetic needs of each patient. Dr Scott Turner performs the surgery under general anaesthesia to minimise patient discomfort throughout the procedure. The type of tissue involved, whether fatty or glandular, dictates the surgical techniques employed.

Dr Turner typically begins the procedure with small, strategically placed incisions either around the areola or within the natural chest creases. These incisions allow for reduced scar visibility and access to the underlying tissues. If the enlargement is primarily due to fatty tissue, liposuction is often the primary method used to reduce the breast size. This technique involves inserting a small tube called a cannula to suction out excess fat, providing a less invasive approach to tissue removal.

For denser glandular tissue, which cannot be effectively addressed with liposuction alone, surgical excision is required. This method allows for the precise removal of glandular tissue and excess skin, which is essential for correcting the more fibrous form of gynecomastia. In cases where there is significant skin laxity from rapid weight loss or ageing, additional skin may be removed.

Recovery Period

The recovery period after gynecomastia surgery is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes and requires careful adherence to postoperative instructions provided by Dr Scott Turner. Patients typically experience some degree of swelling and bruising, which peaks within the first few days after surgery and gradually subsides over the following weeks. Discomfort during this initial phase is normal but is generally manageable with medications prescribed by Dr Turner to alleviate pain and facilitate a more comfortable recovery.

Patients are advised to take sufficient time off from work—typically one to two weeks—depending on the nature of their job and the extent of the surgery performed. This rest is vital to ensure proper healing. Engaging in any form of strenuous activity, including heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, is strongly discouraged for at least four to six weeks post-surgery.

This precaution helps to prevent complications such as bleeding or increased swelling, and it aids in maintaining the integrity of the surgical results.

Additionally, Dr Turner often recommends wearing a compression garment for a specified period. This garment supports the new chest contour, helps reduce swelling, and can increase the overall comfort of the patient during the recovery process. Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to closely monitor the patient’s healing and progress. These appointments are crucial as they allow Dr Turner to assess the effectiveness of the recovery plan and make any necessary adjustments. They also provide an opportunity for patients to discuss any concerns or questions they might have regarding their recovery or results, ensuring an informed recovery process.

Risks and Complications

Gynecomastia surgery, like any surgical intervention, carries inherent risks and potential complications that must be carefully managed. Common concerns after surgery include adverse reactions to anaesthesia, infection at the site of the incisions, and excessive bleeding. Scarring is also a potential issue. Changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or hypersensitivity in the treated areas, are not uncommon and typically temporary but can persist for a longer period in some cases.

Additional complications specific to gynecomastia surgery may include asymmetry, where one breast may appear slightly different from the other, and contour irregularities that could affect the skin’s surface. While rare, there is also a risk of deeper tissue damage, which can affect muscle and breast tissue health.

To mitigate these risks, Dr Turner utilises precise surgical methods and follows rigorous safety protocols throughout each phase of the surgery and recovery process. The care team at FacePlus Aesthetics closely monitors patients throughout their recovery, with regular follow-up visits designed to identify and manage any arising complications. This comprehensive monitoring helps ensure our patients’ well-being and supports their surgery’s successful outcome, maintaining our commitment to high-quality care and patient satisfaction.