Male Breast Reduction Sydney (Gynaecomastia Correction)
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Ben Norris FRACS
Follow-Up Guarantee
Care for the rest of your life
Accredited Hospitals
Not performed in-clinic
- Elective medical procedure
- Rebates from Medicare and Private health insurance
- Day procedure only
Gynaecomastia is a medical term used to describe enlarged breasts in males. Although this is not usually a medical concern, some men with gynaecomastia may choose to undergo surgery to address the condition.
There are a number of reasons why gynecomastia can occur. It is relatively common in young male teenagers due to the usual hormonal imbalances during puberty. In most cases, this will settle without treatment. Other causes include obesity, liver disease, abnormal hormonal problems, and the use of certain medications or anabolic steroids. These causes need to be excluded before surgery can be considered. The technique used to treat enlarged male breasts usually involves liposuction, which is performed through a surgical excision made at the edge of the areola.
Suitable candidates for gynaecomastia correction (male breast reduction) are men who have been diagnosed with gynaecomastia but still have good skin elasticity. Patients who are overweight should first attempt to lose excess weight before considering this procedure.
What happens at my gynaecomastia correction consultation?
Because there are a number of potential medical causes for gynaecomastia, Dr Norris will ask about other symptoms, your past medical history, and the use of drugs and medications.
Dr Norris will evaluate your chest to determine whether your breast enlargement is due to fatty tissue, glandular tissue, or a combination of the two. Photographs will be taken for your medical records. This evaluation helps Dr Norris determine the most appropriate course of action. Dr Norris will discuss in detail how the operation is performed, where the incisions are placed, and what type of procedure will be suitable. You will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have. Dr Norris will also discuss the possible risks, complications, and consequences of having the operation.
At the end of this initial consultation, you should have a good idea of what will be possible for you. Dr Norris will arrange for a quote for you, which will provide detailed options for surgery. Some of the surgical fees may be covered by Medicare and your Health Fund.
If you decide to proceed with surgery, Dr Norris will see you again for a second consultation. This additional time with Dr Norris will allow you to ask any new questions you have, discuss anything you need clarification on, and provide you with a date for the procedure.
How is the operation performed?
Dr Norris performs male breast reduction (gynaecomastia correction) in fully accredited facilities. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or a full general anaesthetic administered by Dr Ross Foreman. You can expect the operation to take 1-2 hours.
Step 1
Excess fat and
mammary gland tissue
Step 2
Incisions are made
around the nipple or
under the breast
Step 3
Excess mammary gland
tissue is removed
Step 4
Liposuction may be
used to remove excess
breast fat
Step 5
The incisions are
sutured
The type of gynaecomastia correction procedure you will have depends on the underlying cause:
If the enlargement is due to excess fatty tissue alone, then liposuction will be used to remove the fat-containing cells through very small incisions. If the enlargement is due to excess glandular tissue alone (usually lying beneath the nipple), then a small incision around the edge of the areola (periareolar scar) will be used, and the tissue will be cut out rather than suctioned out.
If the enlargement is due to a combination of excess fatty tissue and glandular tissue, then it is likely you will need both liposuction and a surgical excision using a periareolar incision.
In a very small number of cases, where the degree of breast enlargement is extreme, then a larger procedure may be required, necessitating longer scars to remove excess skin as well as fat and glandular tissue.
Dr Norris will tell you which technique is most appropriate for you after the assessment of your chest at your initial consultation.
At the end of the operation, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures to save you the inconvenience of having them removed. A dressing is applied over the incisions, and you will leave the hospital wearing a comfortable and supportive chest binder garment.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia Correction) Before and After
1 – Form & Face patient before and after gynaecomastia correction
2 – Form & Face patient before and after surgery for Gynaecomastia
3 – Form & Face patient before and after surgery for Gynaecomastia
4 – Form & Face patient before and after gynaecomastia correction
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 average cost of a male breast reduction (gynaecomastia correction) procedure starts at about $6,000, but several factors need to be taken into consideration, including anaesthetist and hospital fees. Patients can qualify for a Medicare rebate for this procedure, and private health insurers may also cover a portion of the costs. Dr Norris will take you through applying for a rebate after the surgery.
Here at Form & Face, we provide patients with a
Lifetime followup guarantee
This means that we will be there for you far beyond the recovery period.
You can rest assured knowing that you can come to us about any
post-surgical concerns for the rest of your life.