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.
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
