Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia) Brighton Melbourne
Tissue in the chest can become enlarged to give the impression of a developing male breast. This tissue can be removed in a male breast reduction (gynaecomastia).
What is male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) surgery?
Other causes of gynaecomastia include genetic conditions, various chronic diseases, and some drugs. Anabolic steroid use frequently leads to the development of the male breast tissue and is a well-recognized side effect of using these drugs.
Men who are overweight can also appear to develop breasts, but this is usually due to the excessive deposition of fat on the chest and not due to the growth of male breast tissue. In men with long-standing gynaecomastia and no treatable or reversible cause, surgery may be appropriate to reduce the size of the breast mound. This can be achieved with either liposuction of excessive fat deposits or surgical removal of the enlarged breast tissue, or a combination of both.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Regardless of the cause, gynaecomastia can cause significant emotional distress and embarrassment, especially during the summer months or during activities such as swimming when the contour of the chest is visible.
Treatment of this condition can allow patients to fully participate in any activity without the fear of attracting unwanted comments or attention.
Is Mr Morgan experienced in the male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) procedure?
Mr David Morgan has had many years of experience in performing male breast reductions (gynaecomastia). At your consultation Mr Morgan will be able to show you before and after photos of his patients, many of who will likely have had the same concerns about their chest as you.
How is it performed?
This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and does not usually require an overnight stay in hospital. There will always be some scarring, but this is kept to a minimum. Treatment with liposuction alone will require only a few small incisions that heal well and are difficult to see. If breast tissue needs to be surgically removed, then this will involve incisions camouflaged at the edge of the pigmented skin (areola) around the nipple.
Where possible, the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures. All the wounds are covered with waterproof dressings so that you can shower as soon as you feel comfortable.
Discomfort is limited, but you will be required to wear a surgical compression vest for two weeks after the procedure to minimize swelling and bruising, and to achieve the best possible result.
How long will I need to recover after a male breast reduction (gynaecomastia)?
Everyone will experience an anaesthetic or recover from an operation differently. Although uncommon, complications can also occur and result in a longer recovery time.
A compression vest will need to be worn day and night for at least 2 weeks post-operatively to provide support for the healing chest and to minimize the swelling and bruising. Light activity is encouraged as soon as possible, and most men will return to work within two to three weeks. More strenuous physical activity should be limited for 6 weeks.
All surgical procedures carry risks.
Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and will most often require a general anaesthetic. All surgery will require a period of recovery before returning to normal activity. Although uncommon, complications can and do occur, and may affect the final result of your surgery. The potential risks will be discussed fully during your consultations, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the various risks in your particular circumstance. Risks may include poor quality scarring, excessive bruising and swelling, infection, bleeding, pain, asymmetry, nerve injury, anaesthetic complications, unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes, the need for further surgery, and permanent disability or death.
As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Mr Morgan is appropriately trained and qualified to deal with complications of surgery, including the ability to admit you to hospital, if required.
Who should/should not consider male breast surgery?
We believe that the best results are achieved for those who have a clearly defined concern and realistic expectations about what male breast reduction surgery (gynaecomastia) can achieve. In situations where this is not the case, the outcome from male breast reduction surgery (gynaecomastia) may be disappointing.
We believe that you should not consider this type of surgery as a response to a personal or professional crisis, or under the encouragement of somebody else. Any decision to undergo surgery needs to be for the right reasons. All surgery entails an element of risk, and you should not make any decision regarding surgery at a time of stress.
FAQs
Is it possible for men to undergo breast reduction (gynaecomastia) surgery?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, we often help men who are concerned by the density of their breast tissue. When breast tissue enlarges, it can give the impression of a developing male breast. This often happens during puberty, in which case it generally resolves over time, but it can also occur in older men as a result of hormonal changes. Some men may experience this issue, which is known as gynaecomastia, as a result of weight gain, certain genetic conditions, various chronic conditions, and the use of certain drugs.
Will I be left with scars after a male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) procedure?
As with any procedure of this kind, there will always be some scarring. Mr David Morgan does, however, take care to keep scars at a minimum. In the case of liposuction, only a few small incisions are required. These generally heal very well, and any marks on the skin are very difficult to see. In cases where breast tissue needs to be surgically removed, Mr Morgan will make sure that the necessary incisions are camouflaged at the edge of the pigmented skin around the nipple (known as the areola).
Will I feel any pain after a male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) procedure?
You shouldn’t feel any considerable pain after the procedure, but you will need to wear a surgical compression garment for around two weeks following surgery. This will help to minimise swelling and bruising. We also recommend that you engage in some light activity as soon as you feel well enough, but that you avoid strenuous physical activity like vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for around six weeks while your body heals. It’s important to remember that each patient’s recovery time is different, and although uncommon, complications can occur after any surgery.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia) Melbourne
Being healthy and happy with your decision can increase the chances of achieving a result that you will be happy with. Smoking, various other medical conditions, and being overweight can make surgery unsafe. These and any other risks will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.
If you would like to know more about male breast reduction (gynaecomastia), or to book an appointment, please contact us today.