Male breast reduction surgery (gynaecomastia) removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts to make the chest proportionate to the rest of the torso.
How can it help?
Excess fat and glandular tissue in a male’s breast area, known as “gynaecomastia” is a surprisingly common condition. The most common cause is residual breast tissue that does not go away through puberty. Certain drugs and hormonal problems can also cause gynaecomastia.
The condition results in significant social embarrassment and loss of confidence, with potential repercussions in one’s personal and professional life.
Breast reduction procedures aim to make the chest proportionate with the rest of the body, improving self-esteem and confidence.
Consultation
The first step is a consultation with Dr. Arianayagam. You should frankly discuss your goals and expectations at this consultation.
Dr. Arianayagam will ask you a variety of questions about your current health situation, medications, allergies and any past medical treatments. He will carefully examine your chest area and take measurements. He will then discuss the options available and his recommendations.
Ideally, a second consultation is had a week or two later to give you the opportunity to come back with more questions and to confirm your decision.
Procedure
There are several techniques available depending on the amount of fat and tissue and the shape of the breasts. Dr. Arianayagam will advise during the consultation process exactly what procedures will be used for the best results.
Excess tissue is removed using liposuction. In some cases, excess glandular tissue and skin may need to be surgically removed.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia as a day procedure.
Recovery
Recovery time will depend on the specific procedures used.
The key healing period is the first 3 weeks. Over this period you will be asked to significantly restrict your activities and wear a post-operative compression garment. Dr Arianayagam recommends time off work and time away from looking after small children during this critical recovery period.
Swelling is usually minimal after breast reduction. Expect this to settle over 6 weeks and fully subside in 3 months.
Specific recovery instructions will be provided by Dr. Arianayagam and tailored to your specific procedure and personal lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any surgery will leave scars, but the scars will be made as inconspicuous as possible, using fine stitches and positioning the incisions so the scars will be difficult to see once they fade.
Dr Arianayagam will provide you with information and advice on scar management and minimisation.
As with all surgical procedures, there will always be risks such as post-operative bleeding, allergic reactions, and haematoma.
There are also some risks and complications that are specific to breast reduction.
Breast asymmetry
It is possible to have breast asymmetry after breast reduction surgery. It is important to wait for 6 months before planning revision surgery.
Altered nipple sensation
Most men having breast reduction surgery will experience no change in nipple sensation. However, a small percentage of patients experience permanent reduction or loss of nipple sensation.
“Dog Ears”
A dog-ear refers to skin protuberance that can form at the end of an incision, including those along the lateral breast after breast reduction. A persistent dog-ear may warrant minor scar revision.