Male Gynecomastia Surgery

What causes male breasts?

Just like women, all men have both fat cells and breast tissue in their chest, which can swell and become breasts. Gynecomastia may develop as a result of:

• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Obesity and fluctuations in weight
• Certain medications
• Certain diseases, such as chronic kidney or liver disease
• Over-use of recreational drugs, such as marijuana, anabolic steroids and alcohol

While men can develop gynecomastia at any time, it is most common during adolescence and in middle age. Gynecomastia, while common, can be a sensitive issue for many men. If you are deeply unhappy with the appearance of your chest, it may be time to consider a male breast reduction.

What is Vaser Liposuction?

At Cosmos Clinic Sydney, we use Vaser liposuction for all of our gynecomastia correction procedures. VASER is the latest development in surgical liposuction and stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy and Resonance. Essentially, this technique uses sound wave energy to dissolve or liquefy the fat. This makes it easier to remove the fat from the body, with less disruption than traditional liposuction.

All liposuction techniques follow the same process: fat deposits are broken apart and suctioned out of the body using anaesthesia, saline solution and a cannula. In particular, Vaser uses waves of ultrasound energy to generate heat, which quickly breaks apart the fall cells for easy removal and tightens the skin.¹

What is the difference between liposuction and surgical excision?

Gynecomastia can be addressed using liposuction, surgical excision or a combination of the two. At Cosmos Clinic, we perform all of our male breast reduction procedures using liposuction techniques.

Liposuction is the best choice when gynecomastia is caused by an excess of fatty tissue. Fluid is injected into the tissue before a cannula is inserted through a small incision. The cannula is moved back and forth to dislodge the excess fat, which is then removed via vacuum suction.

If excess skin needs to be removed, or if the areola and nipple need to be reduced or repositioned, we can refer you to a doctor for surgical excision to correct gynecomastia. Surgical excision is performed under general anaesthesia and requires an incision around the nipple.

While most men benefit from liposuction, our doctors will suggest the best approach for you during a consultation.

How do I know if my gynecomastia is caused by excess fat or breast tissue?

To best determine this, you will need to see a doctor who can examine you for a proper diagnosis. However, breast tissue typically has a firmer, more dense consistency than fat. Regardless, Vaser liposuction can remove both excess fat and glandular tissue, helping to restore a more masculine chest.

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?

Here at Cosmos Clinic, we understand that cost plays a huge factor in our patient’s decision to have cosmetic surgery. Despite that, gyno surgery does not fit a one price fits all strategy. The cost of a male breast reduction will vary from patient to patient and can be broken down into the fees charged by your doctor, your anaesthetist and the hospital.

• Doctor’s fee: This is the fee your doctor charges to perform the procedure. Your doctor’s fee can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and your doctor’s experience.
• Anaesthetist’s fee: This is the fee your anaesthetist charges to administer your anaesthesia and is also determined by their qualifications and experience.
• Hospital fees: Your hospital fee will include the time spent in the operating theatre and the time required to recover from anaesthesia.

At Cosmos Clinic Sydney, our gynecomastia correction procedures start at $5,500, however, your final costs will be determined by the above factors. To receive the most accurate quote, please organise a consultation with our doctors.

Am I a candidate for gynecomastia surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate for male breast reduction if you fit the following criteria:

• You are in good physical and mental health
• You have realistic expectations regarding what gynecomastia surgery can achieve
• You are bothered by or self-conscious about the appearance of your chest
• You experience physical discomforts due to the size of your breasts
• Alternative medical treatments have failed to correct your gynecomastia
• You are not a smoker or drug user

The best way to determine whether you are a candidate for gynecomastia surgery is to meet with our doctors for a consultation at Cosmos Clinic Sydney.

How do I prepare for gyno surgery?

When you see your gyno doctor for a consultation, they will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions. If you are a smoker, you must stop at least two weeks before surgery, as smoking can increase surgical complications and slow recovery times. In addition, your doctor may advise that you avoid certain medications and supplements that could cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery. We also recommend that you take steps to prepare for your recovery. This could include purchasing some comfortable clothing, preparing some healthy meals, filling any prescriptions and arranging for someone to pick you up and help with tasks at home.

Is gynecomastia surgery painful?

Male breast reduction surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, which means that you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You can alleviate any pain or discomfort experienced after surgery with medications prescribed by your doctor.

How long does the procedure take?

The time spent in surgery will depend on the amount of fat and tissue that needs to be removed. Generally, gynecomastia surgery takes between one and three hours to complete.

When will I see my gynecomastia results?

You will notice an improvement in your chest contour immediately after gynecomastia surgery. However, you will need to wait for post-operative swelling to subside before your final results appear. This can take between three and six months, during which time your results will gradually improve.

How visible are male breast reduction scars?

While scarring is inevitable after any invasive surgery, significant scarring after gynecomastia is rare. Your liposuction incisions are only small and will be hidden in the natural contours of the chest.

Are gyno surgery results permanent?

For the most part, gynecomastia surgery results are permanent. However, further weight gain, hormonal imbalances or use of recreational drugs can induce new growth of breast tissue. For this reason, it is important to treat any underlying conditions before resorting to surgery.

How can I maintain my results?

To achieve the best possible results, you should reach a sustainable goal weight before having gynecomastia surgery. Further weight loss can mar your new chest contour through the appearance of excess skin, while weight gain can cause your man boobs to recur. You can maintain your weight by living a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise. We also advise against taking any recreational drugs after surgery, as this may also cause the breasts to swell once more.

Can gynecomastia surgery help massive weight loss patients?

Undergoing a weight loss journey is a massive feat and one that can change your body in many ways. Unfortunately, many men who have lost massive amounts of weight are still left with fat deposits in certain areas that just refuse to budge. The chest is one such common problem area.

Stubborn pockets of fat may leave you feeling less satisfied by your weight loss achievements and affect your self-image. Luckily, gynecomastia surgery can help recontour the chest to create a more proportionate appearance.

What is the right age to have gynecomastia surgery?

Man boobs are quite common in adolescence, due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this time. Despite that, we usually recommend that patients wait until they have turned 18 to consider surgery, as gynecomastia often goes away on its own after puberty. However, if the condition is severe and is seriously impacting a patient’s confidence and quality of life, early surgery may be an option.

What are the risks and complications associated with gynecomastia surgery?

While our Vaser technique is considered less risky than traditional liposuction, there is still risk associated with every invasive procedure. However, serious complications are rare, and we’ve performed thousands of gyno procedures at Cosmos Clinic without incident. Some of the potential side effects you may experience after male breast reduction include:

• Bruising and bleeding
• Persistent swelling
• Pain and aching
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation
• Numbness
• Poor scarring
• Fluid accumulation under the skin
• Asymmetry of the chest
• Skin irregularities
• Blood clots