GYNAECOMASTIA

Gynaecomastia

WHAT IS A GYNAECOMASTIA?
Gynaecomastia can also be known as a male breast reduction. Gynaecomastia is an excessive enlargement of the male breast and may be present in one breast (unilaterally) or both breasts (bilaterally). Gynaecomastia can cause discomfort, embarrassment and anxiety. Excess breast tissue can also cause a man’s breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).

It is common in men of any age and may develop as a result of:

  • Hormonal changes
  • An imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone
  • Weight gain
  • Hereditary conditions
  • Disease, such as liver disease
  • Certain medication
  • Use of non-prescription or recreational drugs, including anabolic steroids and marijuana

In some cases, gynaecomastia can be improved with non-surgical treatments, such as changing a medication or by medically treating the cause of the abnormal hormone levels. For some men, however, surgery to remove the excess breast tissue may be the best treatment option.

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

The procedure generally lasts for 2-4 hours and is performed while you are under general anaesthesia.

Gynaecomastia can be corrected via liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue or by excising excess glandular tissue. In some cases, both excision and liposuction can be used.

This surgery is performed at Lingard Private Hospital or Warners Bay Private Hospital. You will stay overnight in hospital.

RECOVERY & HEALING
Although you will be able to see the results of your surgery almost immediately, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for post-surgical swelling to resolve properly. Your chest may swell intermittently over the next 6 months.

While most incisions are hidden in natural contours or in the areolae of the breasts, some scars may be visible and an unavoidable result of any breast reduction surgery.

BENEFITS OF CORRECTING GYNAECOMASTIA

  • A flatter and more sculpted chest
  • More clothing options – Well-fitted clothing is easier to wear
  • An improved chest and/or nipple appearance – A smaller and firmer chest area that no longer protrudes
  • For those that have lost weight, but retained excess, drooping skin around their chest area, the surgery may help the upper torso appear firmer or more balanced.

MEDICARE CRITERIA
The Medicare item number is 31525. This can be used with your health fund to reduce the fees associated with this procedure but it is dependent on your level of cover.

With any procedure you choose to undergo, potential risks and complications can occur, and it is vital to understand them before deciding on surgery.  

Some possible complications and risks associated with gynaecomastia surgery may include: 

  • Excessive bleeding 
  • Slightly mismatched breasts or nipples 
  • Temporary numbness or loss of breast sensation 
  • 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 
  • Keloids and hypertrophic scars that are raised, red and thickened scars. These may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health. 
  • Poor scarring 
  • Fluid accumulation 
  • Changes to nipple and skin sensation including nipple loss 
  • Infection 
  • Asymmetry 
  • Small lumps due to fat necrosis (death of fat tissue due to injury and loss of blood supply) 
  • Need for revision surgery  

Dr Kirstin Miteff will go into more depth about the associated risks and complications during your consultation.  

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