Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

What is male breast reduction surgery?

All men have some breast tissue located beneath their nipples.  In many, this tissue will enlarge to give the impression of a developing male breast.  The most common time for this to occur is during puberty and it will most often resolve on its own.  It can also occur naturally in older men as the hormone levels in their body change.

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, and a lack of self-confidence, especially during the summer months or during activities such as swimming when the contour of the chest is visible.

Treatment of this condition can therefore lead to a significant increase in self-esteem and allow patients to fully participate in any activity without the fear of attracting unwanted comment or attention.

Is Mr Morgan experienced in this procedure?

Mr Morgan has had many years of experience in performing these types of procedures.  At your consultation, Mr Morgan will be able to show you before and after photos of his own 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?

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 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 a total of 6 weeks.

Who should/should not consider this type of surgery?

The best results are achieved in those with a clearly defined concern and realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.  In situations where this is not the case, the outcome from surgery may often be disappointing.

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.

Being healthy and happy with your decision increases the chances of achieving a satisfactory result.  Smoking, other medical conditions, and being overweight can make surgery unsafe.  These and other risks will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

Other questions?

If you are interested in male breast reduction, we encourage you to contact our office for an appointment so that we may discuss your particular needs.