Gynaecomastia is a fairly common condition in men of any age. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as “man boobs”.
Gynaecomastia is usually a combination of excess breast tissue, as well as fatty excess on the chest, depending on the age and size of the patient. In severe cases the breasts are so enlarged that there is also excess skin.
There are several possible causes of gynaecomastia including hormonal imbalance, genetics, some medications (anabolic steroids, some antidepressants or other prescription medication), obesity, underlying health conditions or rarely male breast cancer. Often no apparent cause is found. It usually affects both sides but can be just on one side.
Gynaecomastia is a normal phenomenon in babies and in boys around puberty, but in most cases it settles by itself. However, if it persists for more than 12 months or in its severe form it may need plastic surgery to correct it.
Correction of Gynaecomastia, also called ‘male breast reduction’ or colloquially ‘gyno surgery’, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess breast tissue with or without some excess chest fat. In severe cases where there is excess skin, it may also be necessary to do an extended operation to remove the excess skin, although this is not as common.
The male breast reduction surgery is usually done with a combination of liposuction, and surgically cutting out the excess breast tissue. Dr Safvat at Ethique Plastic Surgery in Sydney and the Southern Highlands makes sure the scars are well placed to be hidden at the lower half of the areola border. Incision sites heal well with minimal scaring.
The male breast reduction procedure usually takes about 2-3 hours. The operation is usually done as a day-only procedure but some patients may require to stay in hospital overnight depending on the extent of the procedure.
Gynaecomastia procedure is done under a general anaesthetic in a fully accredited private hospital in Sydney or the Southern Highlands.
Explore how we can help you
Upon discharge the patient is required to wear a surgical compression garment for four to six weeks in order to reduce swelling and bruising as well as to achieve the best possible results. Depending on the extent of the gynaecomastia surgery and the type of work you do, you will need to take around one week off work to rest and recover. This will be discussed with Dr Safvat prior to surgery. Walking is actively encouraged postoperatively but exertion and heavy lifting are not allowed for 3-4 weeks. Initially the male breast reduction surgery scar may be visible around the areola but it will settle in time. There will be bruising on the chest that will take 1-2 weeks to go away.
It is important to follow Dr Safvat’s instructions and attend all follow up appointments following the surgery to ensure the best outcome.
For men wanting to undergo Gynaecomastia surgery, it is best to be in good health and have realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure. Smoking has been shown to cause more complications after surgery, so Dr Safvat will insist that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before your male breast reduction surgery. Continuous use of anabolic steroids also increases risk of recurrence of Gynaecomastia. It is also recommended to be at your normal weight.
There is no way to prevent scars completely after surgery and everyone can scar differently. However, the techniques Dr Safvat uses to suture his wounds are designed to minimise scarring. What’s more, any scarring will fade over time, especially if they are cared for correctly.
Patients who have followed Dr Safvat’s protocol for scar management diligently have been very pleased with their progress in reducing and fading of scars. Dr Safvat will also include LED Light Therapy sessions (available in Miranda only) which will assist with wound healing, scarring and recovery.
Dr Safvat will provide you with his specific protocol for scar management that will help you protect and care for your incision in a way that will minimise scarring.
It can take several months for the final results of your surgery to be seen. Scars should heal well after 6-12 months and be hard to see.
Swelling takes several months to fully subside after surgery, so you need to be patient before you see the results, even though your breasts will look and feel significantly better right away. Scarring will also only start to fade quite significantly after 6-12 months. The results of gynaecomastia surgery are permanent. However, weight fluctuations, use of certain medications (anabolic steroids) and the natural ageing process can affect your results over time.
The consultation process is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to achieve with male breast reduction and find out more about the procedure.
In addition, Dr Safvat will ask more about your medical history and examine your chest to see what can be achieved with the procedure. The best options and technique for your needs will be discussed in detail, whether that involves just removing excess tissue or combining it with liposuction. Dr Safvat will also let you know more about the recovery process and possible complications with your gyno surgery.
The size of the scar depends on the size of the excess tissue that needs to be removed. For most people, Dr Safvat makes the incision around the areola which is only around one inch in size. Dr Safvat meticulously positions the scar following natural contours of the body and usually will not be noticeable in the long term.
Some patients with very large breasts will also need the excess skin removed with varying scar on their chest. Some patients will also have liposuction to remove excess chest fat. It is also important to remember that scars take up to 12 months to fade.
While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications and/or specific complications related to the surgery you are having. Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon such as Dr Safvat and having your procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks as does using an accredited Anaesthetist.
Some general surgical potential complications are:
• Infection that may require antibiotics (Dr Safvat prescribes all patients antibiotics after surgery to minimise this risk).
• Allergic reaction to dressings and other items used during the procedure.
• The formation of blood collection (haematoma) which could require additional surgery.
• Scars heal differently in different people. Some people are genetically prone to develop keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars develop when there is a complication in the healing process. Whilst not ideal, there is no threat to your health if you develop these.
Some potential complications related to Gynaecomastia surgery specifically are:
• The sensation around the areola could be affected by the procedure and might not return.
• Slightly mismatched breasts or nipples.
• Inverted nipples.
• Fluid build up under the skin (seroma).
• Recurrence of breast growth after surgery can occur if breasts are not fully developed.
• Another procedure may be needed to remove excess skin.
• Permanent pigment changes in the breast area.
Gynaecomastia surgery has a Medicare item number and patients should get a rebate from Medicare and their health fund (if applicable). The hospital costs are usually covered by private health funds depending on the patient’s level and type of coverage. Alternatively, you can have the procedure done in a Private Hospital as a Self-Funded patient.
Detailed information regarding costs will be provided to you after your initial consultation.
You must be over 18 years to view Dr Safvat’s before and after image galleries
Dr Safvat is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Every patient is unique and results may vary. Any surgical procedure carries risks which need to be discussed with your doctor to ensure you are fully informed and realistic outcomes have been explained. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
These photos are of actual patients of Dr Safvat. Each has given consent for the photos to be used by Dr Safvat only.
DR ANDRE SAFVAT (MED1155201)
Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic surgery).
Renowned for his dedication to his patients, his attention to detail and impeccable outcomes, Dr Safvat's unparalleled expertise is reflected in the quality, professionalism and dedication of every member of our team.
