Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the formation of breasts in males, and may affect 65% of the male population. Excess breast tissue may be composed of fat, glandular tissue, or a combination of both, and can occur in one or both breasts. Those affected may also have excess sagging skin. Hormonal changes, age, certain drugs or medical conditions can cause gynecomastia.
Male breast reduction surgery lasts from 1 to 2 hours and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure while the patient is under general anaesthesia. Fat, glandular tissue, and skin excess are removed from the breast to produce a flatter, more masculine appearance.
Treatment may include liposuction, surgical removal of excess tissue or skin, or a combination of both. It provides balance in size and appearance of the breasts, removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin and decreases enlarged areolae.
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Techniques and Incisions
Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions.
In most of the cases, the incision is made around the nipple.
While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of male breast reduction surgery.
Surgical drains are also usually placed during breast reduction surgery. Most drains are left in place for 1 or 2 days. These drains remove any blood or other fluids that might build up in this area.
Frequently asked questions
Following breast reduction surgery an elastic support garment is placed to decrease the swelling and optimise results. Healing rates vary between individuals.
Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas.
First 1 to 2 Days
You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery, to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Some temporary bruising, swelling, and numbness on treated area can be expected. You can use medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon to control discomfort, if needed.
2 to 4 Weeks
For at least 2 to 4 weeks, you will be required to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and limit any strenuous activity. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as six weeks.
Follow-up Appointment
You will have a follow-up appointment approximately 5 days after surgery.
Return to Work
Most patients are ready to return to their everyday activities within 1 week, and physical activities are limited for one month or more.
Liposuction is a frequently performed and safe procedure. There is a possibility of swelling, infection, bleeding, bruising, contour asymmetry, nipple sensation changes, poor scaring, or reaction to anaesthesia.
A comprehensive list of instructions for surgery preparation and post-operative care will be provided to each patient. These instructions should be followed carefully for the best possible outcome.
Certain over the counter products and prescription medicines can cause complications before and after surgery. Do not take any medication containing or related to aspirin two weeks prior to your procedure. This includes NSAID’S, anti-Inflammatory medications, blood thinning medication. Please see your doctor regarding if and when to cease medication. This is not an all-inclusive list.
Also avoid Vitamin E supplements and red wine. Stop all herbal medications before surgery. The most common herbs used are Echinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Kava, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian. They may adversely affect anaesthetic drugs, prolong bleeding and impair healing after surgery.
Smoking increases the risks of complications significantly and should be ceased 6 – 8 weeks prior to surgery.
Some patients may choose to combine it with others procedures for a more personalised result.
Popular complementary procedures include:
Lipoaspiration | Abdominoplasty
The cost for gynecomastia surgery depends on the type of surgery and starts from 2800 euros.
All cost includes pre and post-operative appointment and the compression garment.
Before and after photos
An iPad with before & after pictures to illustrate the results will be available.
Follow @dr.fannyballieux on Instagram to see results photos that our patients send in!
We worked together at the children’s hospital Westmead. Dr Ballieux is a passionate doctor.
Martin Gott
