Gynaecomastia Surgery Canberra

What causes gynaecomastia?

When excess breast tissue develops and glandular tissue swells in men, it can visibly enlarge the chest area. Whilst gynaecomastia can develop in men at any stage, it is more common from late-adolescence through to middle-age. Contributing factors can include:

• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Obesity and fluctuations in weight
• Certain medications
• Recreational drugs, including alcohol and anabolic steroids
• Chronic illnesses including liver or kidney disease

How much does a male breast reduction with liposuction cost?

We know that cost is a huge factor in the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, gynaecomastia surgery does not fit a one price fits all strategy, and costs will vary from patient to patient.

During your initial consultation for male breast reduction surgery, the doctor will discuss total costs with you so that you know what to expect prior to surgery. Each procedure will always start from a minimum base price of $5,500 for the first area, with any additional areas starting from a cost of $2,000. All pricing provided is in Australian dollars, and an exact quote will be provided to you in your consultations. The total cost of a procedure can vary depending on multiple factors, including:

• Doctor’s fees: The fee charged by your Cosmos Aesthetics doctor will depend on their surgical experience and the complexity of your procedure.
• Anaesthetist fees: Your anaesthetist fees can vary, depending on the experience of your anaesthetist and the type of anaesthesia used during your procedure.
• Hospital fees: If applicable, a hospital fee is calculated by the time needed in the operating theatre and the time spent recovering from anaesthesia. You will be advised during your consultations if a hospital fee is relevant to you.

To receive an accurate quote and pricing for your individual needs, please contact our Canberra clinic to book your initial consultations. A medical referral from your GP is also required, and in Australia male breast reduction surgery is not currently covered by any Medicare rebates.

What is breast reduction surgery with Vaser Liposuction?

During a male breast augmentation with liposuction, an ultrasound probe is inserted through a small incision, to melt away the unwanted excess fat, and gently vacuum it out of the body through a small cannula.

We choose to use Vaser for all our liposuction procedures at Cosmos Aesthetics Canberra. This form of liposuction utilises sound waves to dissolve and liquefy fat cells for easier removal. The technology used for Vaser Liposuction has the added benefit of enhancing skin retraction to reduce the chance of excess skin, creating a smoother, firmer look.

Am I a candidate for a liposuction surgical procedure?

The following criteria can apply to suitable candidates for male breast reduction using liposuction:

• You have realistic expectations about the results cosmetic surgery can achieve.
• You are in good physical and mental health, with no serious medical conditions.
• Your enlarged breast size is causing physical discomfort or pain.
• Alternative medical treatments, diet and exercise have failed to work.

The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for liposuction, is to organise your initial consultations with our doctors in Canberra, along with a referral from your GP.

How do I prepare for gynaecomastia surgery?

Detailed pre-op instructions will be given to you during your gynaecomastia surgery consultations. If you smoke, you will be required to quit a minimum of 2 weeks prior to surgery. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications that can cause complications during breast reduction surgery and impede recovery.

You can also prepare to undergo cosmetic surgery by organising a responsible adult to collect you after your breast reduction surgery, who will stay with you overnight, and all the following day.

How long does gynaecomastia surgery take?

The length of time spent in the operating theatre for male breast reduction surgery will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much fat and glandular tissue needs to be removed during the procedure.

On average, a gynaecomastia procedure with liposuction takes around an hour. If you plan on having other surgical procedures done at the same time, such as liposuction on other areas of your body, it will take longer.

Is the procedure painful?

You will be placed under IV sedation combined with a local anaesthesia numbing solution. General anaesthesia is also available for patients who require deeper sedation. During the recovery period, you may experience pain and discomfort which can be controlled at home using pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor. Wearing the compression garment as instructed will help to reduce pain, keep swelling to a minimum, and optimise your end results.

When will I see the results of my male breast reduction?

You should notice some improvements after surgery, although you will need to wait for post-operative swelling to subside before your final results become visible. The results from having cosmetic surgery will gradually improve over the next three to six months, as the residual swelling resolves. You will attend regular follow up appointments to support you during recovery. Wearing your compression garments for six weeks following breast reduction surgery as directed by your doctor, will assist your body in healing, and reduce excess swelling.

Will I have noticeable scarring after surgery?

Scarring is an inevitable consequence of any invasive procedure. However, significant scarring following gynaecomastia surgery is rare, as the liposuction incisions are only small. Your incisions will be monitored during your follow ups to monitor healing.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with gynaecomastia surgery?

Vaser Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure, and all invasive procedures have risks. However, severe complications after a male breast reduction are rare, and we’ve performed thousands of gynaecomastia procedures at Cosmos Aesthetics Canberra. Some of the potential side effects include:

• Bruising and bleeding
• Pain and persistent aching
• Prolonged swelling
• Asymmetry of the chest and areolas
• Loose excess skin and skin irregularities including poor scarring
• Fluid accumulation under the skin
• Blood clots
• Complications resulting in the need for reconstructive plastic surgery performed by a plastic surgeon

Are gynaecomastia surgery results permanent?

The results of your male breast reduction can be maintained if you follow a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a proper diet. Further weight fluctuations, hormone imbalances and use of recreational drugs may cause new breast tissue to develop. Given this, you should ensure to treat any underlying conditions before considering liposuction surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always recommended, as excessive weight loss or weight gain after surgery can result in the development of excess skin.

Is a male breast reduction suitable for weight loss patients?

Men who experience significant weight loss may find they are left with pockets of fat that remain despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. “Man boobs” can be one of these areas, and gynaecomastia surgery using liposuction may help remove this excess fat for suitable candidates. Vaser Liposuction may also promote skin retraction, which can help to counteract the side effect of excess skin, delivering smoother results.

Do I need to be a certain age to have gynaecomastia surgery?

Whilst gynaecomastia can be common during adolescence, excess male breast tissue usually resolves itself without intervention after puberty which is why our doctors advise that patients wait until they have turned 18 to consider breast reduction surgery. However, if the gynaecomastia is particularly severe, with certain medical conditions also causing the excess growth of glandular tissue, this age may be lowered. Treatment option recommendations will always be dependent on causes and individual circumstances so book in to speak to our doctors.

What is the difference between liposuction and surgical excision?

Both techniques can be used for male breast augmentation and reduction. Surgical excision is recommended if excess skin needs removing in combination with a breast lift, if the areola needs to be re-positioned, or if the volume of glandular tissue is significant. Surgical excision is classified as plastic surgery, and this option is performed by a plastic surgeon.

Liposuction is the treatment of choice when the condition is predominantly caused by excess fatty tissue. At Cosmos Aesthetics Canberra, we use liposuction for our gynaecomastia surgery.

Enlarged male breast tissue is generally denser and firmer in consistency when compared to regular fatty tissue in the chest. However, both contribute to breast enlargement.

Your gynaecomastia may be a combination of breast tissue with fat, and your treatment options including breast reduction surgery with liposuction will be discussed at your consultations.

Organising your consultations in Canberra

If you are have excess male breast tissue or you want to learn about potential treatment options and discuss if you’re a candidate for cosmetic surgery, please organise a referral from your GP, and contact our Canberra clinic today.

Patients located in other cities, including Brisbane and Melbourne, can contact the city of their choice to begin the booking process. Cosmos Aesthetics has clinics located across Australia, including in Sydney NSW, Adelaide SA, and on the Gold Coast QLD.