PROCEDURES
Male Breast Reduction
What is male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction is the surgical correction of gynaecomastia or enlarged, over-developed breasts in men with the aim of removing the excess breast or fatty tissue to give a smooth flattened contour in keeping with a normal male chest. Gynaecomastia in men is common and can be caused by hormonal changes, thyroid conditions, certain drugs, and hereditary conditions, so it is important for each case of gynaecomastia to be properly evaluated.
Gynaecomastia can affect boys and men of all ages and often causes them to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their body.
Fast Facts:
Length of procedure: 1 – 2 hours.
Type of anaesthesia: General anaesthetic.
Length of stay: Day case or overnight
What to expect post-op: Avoid lifting your arms above your shoulders in the first few days. You will need to wear a tight-fitting post-surgical vest for 6 weeks post-surgery.
Recovery time: You should be able to drive and return to work approximately 1 week after the surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for 1 month.
Results: Permanent, unless the inciting factor has not been addressed or if you experience significant variations in weight.
Who might benefit from gynaecomastia correction?
Adult or adolescent men who have gynaecomastia (enlarged male breasts) that cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments. Ideal candidates who might benefit from a gynaecomastia correction are those men who feel embarrassed by this condition, so much so, that they avoid certain physical activities, physical intimacy or being shirtless around others. Men seeking gynaecomastia correction should be healthy and free of any medical conditions that may preclude surgery or impair wound healing. (Adolescents who undergo male breast reduction surgery may on occasion experience continued breast development that might require secondary procedures in the future.)
What does a male breast reduction procedure involve?
Undergoing male breast reduction/gynaecomastia correction is a major decision. During your consultation, Dr do Vale will discuss and answer the questions you may have regarding the breast reduction procedure, all options available to you, the risks involved, and the expected benefits and results so that together you can come to a personalised decision about the right gynaecomastia correction for you.
Gynaecomastia correction is a surgical procedure that typically lasts around 2 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. There are varying grades of severity of gynaecomastia in men, and depending on the grade and severity of your gynaecomastia, Dr do Vale will discuss appropriate techniques and your options in detail. These techniques may include liposuction and/or the direct excision of varying amounts of skin and tissue with the correct positioning of the nipple and areola. Ultimately the various techniques all aim to remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin in varying amounts to produce a normal male upper-body contour. Dr do Vale’s goal is to give you a smoother flatter chest contour in keeping with a normal male upper body.
Recovery after breast reduction:
Most patients will take about one week to recover before returning to work. It may take a few weeks for the incisions to fully heal and a good quality post-surgical compression vest should be worn, day and night, during this period. No strenuous activity should be done during this time (approximately four to six weeks). Once the incisions are fully healed, you can resume your normal exercise routine. Dr do Vale will advise you on the most suitable scar management regimen to minimise the visibility of the scars.
For more information on Gynaecomastia correction or to find out if it’s the right procedure for you, request a consultation below or call 0109003999 to schedule your detailed consultation with Dr do Vale.
