Male Breast Reduction Sydney & Bella Vista (Gynaecomastia Correction Surgery)

What happens after the surgery?

• Patients can expect to spend about 5 hours in the hospital before being discharged by Dr Norris.
• A friend or responsible adult must collect you from the hospital as you won’t be able to drive. This is because your range of movement will be very restricted, and you may be slightly drowsy from the painkillers.
• Dr Norris will provide detailed aftercare instructions after surgery. You will also be sent home with a prescription for pain medication.
• The compression garment must be worn day and night for at least six weeks. The only time that it can be removed is when showering.
• Daily short showers are permitted, provided your waterproof dressings are dried with a hairdryer afterwards.
• To get a good night’s sleep and reduce swelling, patients should sleep on their backs, propped up by pillows, for several weeks.
• Pain and discomfort will peak during the first two days after surgery, but they can be managed with pain medication.
• Patients can expect some bruising, swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity after their male breast reduction procedure. Swelling may vary from patient to patient but should resolve after about two weeks.
• As with any type of surgery, scarring is inevitable. However, the incision lines will be concealed within the natural contours of the chest, making them less noticeable. Dr Norris will also provide scar management tips you can apply at home.
• Light exercise such as walking is permitted after one week. Your normal exercise routine can be resumed after six weeks.
• You may return to work after one week unless it involves heavy lifting or use of the upper body. If this is the case, you might need to be on light duties for up to 3 weeks.
• Patients won’t be able to drive for at least two weeks, so it’s best to arrange for someone to assist you before you schedule the surgery.
• A follow-up appointment will be booked for you on day three after the operation. This is to check your wounds and change the dressing.
• While it is very rare for gynaecomastia to return, patients should prepare themselves for the possibility that a second male breast reduction procedure might be required later on in life.

Possible complications

• Haematoma – Refers to a collection of blood in the breast pocket, which is either absorbed naturally into the body or sometimes requires further surgical drainage. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, itchy skin or warm skin.
• Infection – Signs of infection include redness along the incision lines, itchy skin, and a high temperature. Any infection should be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.
• Scar Tissue – You may experience hard lumps around or behind your nipples after surgery. This is scar tissue building up after trauma to the area caused by the liposuction. This will eventually settle and subside but might require steroid injections into the scar tissue. Dr Norris will discuss this if needed.
• Asymmetry – It’s possible for the patient’s chest to look slightly asymmetrical after surgery, something that will be covered during your consultation.

How much does a gynaecomastia correction surgery cost in Sydney?

The cost of gynaecomastia correction surgery in Sydney depends on several factors, as the procedure and setting vary for each patient. Costs can vary depending on what needs to be done surgically, such as whether the procedure involves liposuction, removal of gland tissue, skin removal, or a combination, and whether one or both sides are treated. The amount of operating time matters as well, because longer procedures can increase theatre fees and anaesthetic time. Your general health can also affect planning, including whether any extra monitoring is required on the day of surgery.

The type of anaesthetic used and the anaesthetist’s fees form part of the overall cost, and hospital fees can also vary depending on the facility, theatre time, and whether you need an overnight stay. The surgeon’s fees can differ as well, depending on how much work is required and whether extra steps are needed during the procedure to address your concerns. In some cases, imaging or other tests may be recommended before surgery, and these can add to the overall cost. Pathology fees may also apply if breast tissue is sent for assessment.

After the procedure, you may also need to consider the costs of compression garments, dressings, medications, and follow-up appointments (varies depending on how you heal). If private health insurance is involved, what is covered depends on your level of cover, waiting periods, excess, and any gap payments, so it helps to confirm the details directly with your insurer. Medicare rebates may apply in selected cases when certain criteria are met, and the correct referrals and documentation are in place, so eligibility needs to be checked for your situation. Dr Norris can explain which costs may apply to you, what may be included, and what is involved if rebates may be relevant.

Does Medicare Cover Gynaecomastia Surgery in Australia?

Medicare can help cover gynaecomastia surgery in Australia in some situations. However, you will need to meet the requirements set by Medicare, and the surgery should be classified as medically necessary rather than cosmetic. A medical assessment and some important documents supporting your case are needed for you to become eligible. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that Medicare may only cover part of the medical service rather than the full cost of having surgery.

Other fees, such as hospital or day surgery and the anaesthetist, are usually separate, and private health insurance cover varies between policies, waiting periods, and exclusions. The clinic can explain what information is needed and help clarify whether Medicare may be relevant in your situation.