Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia surgery) is performed on Men who develop fatty or fibrous breast enlargement. This may occur for a variety of reasons such as Metabolic, physiological, age related and medication induced.
Many men find the appearance unsightly and they develop poor self image, avoiding certain social situations requiring removal of shirts or T-shirts.
Gynaecomastia or male breast enlargement, is a condition when men develop an abnormal accumulation of fatty and or glandular breast tissue. This excess breast tissue leads to enlarged male breasts and can occur due to various factors such as metabolic changes which can be associated with Liver disease or failure, an abnormality of the adrenal gland function or other endogenous hormone levels.
There are physiological factors such as tumours which can produce abnormal levels of tumour related hormones; increased body fat can produce endogenous oestrogen which can contribute to the formation of Gynaecomastia. Age-related developments could cause swollen breasts with excess skin and tissue. Males can develop Gynaecomastia induced by specific drugs, whether prescribed or illicit, often detected by abnormal Nipple discharge or milk production.
Other less common or rare causes are genetic or the development of male breast cancer.
Many men who suffer from Gynaecomastia find the appearance of enlarged breasts distressing. This often leads to a decrease in self-confidence and the avoidance of certain social situations, particularly those that require the removal of shirts or T-shirts. The excess breast tissue can cause both physical discomfort and psychological stress, leading many to consider male breast reduction surgery.
Gynaecomastia surgery or male breast reduction is often recommended to address this condition. The surgical management typically involves either liposuction to remove excess fat, or a combination of liposuction and surgical excision of the fibrous component of the breast tissue. In cases where one or both breasts are affected, a small incision is made around the lower half of the nipple-areola complex; this typically heals well and fades over several months.
For males who have had significant weight loss, a male breast reduction procedure similar to that for the Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery procedure for female-type breast reduction surgery may be required. Patients need to manage their expectations, as this procedure will result in a scar that cannot be entirely hidden or maintain a wholly natural appearance. Despite this, Gynaecomastia surgery can be transformative for many men, and often the scar is considered an acceptable trade-off for the reduction in enlarged breast tissue.
However, it is essential to note that Gynaecomastia can reoccur due to certain factors as noted previously and seen more frequently, such as the use of certain prescribed or illicit drugs like anabolic steroids, or due to weight gain from poor dietary habits. Both liver disease and dysfunction of the pituitary and thyroid gland can also contribute to breast tissue growth.
These images are not intended to indicate or reflect likely results or outcomes for any other patient other than those displayed here. Every patient will have before and after results consistent with their individual and unique anatomy and physique.Therefore patients should not make decisions to have Cosmetic Surgery based solely on before and after images.
Recovery and Complications
Recovering from Gynaecomastia surgery typically takes about 3-6 months, depending on the type of surgery performed, with the healing of scars progressing over this period. The resumption of activities such as driving, lifting, and exercise will be dictated by each individual’s recovery timeline and can be gradually reintroduced.
Potential complications are primarily associated with scar healing, possible loss of nipple sensation, and the risk of skin or nipple loss. Symptoms like pain and bleeding usually resolve over time and do not typically result in long-term consequences. Although uncommon, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risk of male breast cancer or prostate cancer, so regular post-surgery check-ups are essential. Despite the potential for these complications, many men find that the benefits of reducing their enlarged breast tissue outweigh the risks, leading to an improved quality of life following their Gynaecomastia surgery.
