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Gynaecomastia

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue due to an hormonal imbalance. It can affect one or both breasts, and can sometimes cause tenderness or sensitivity.

What is gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia (sometimes spelt gynecomastia) refers to an abnormal increase in breast tissue in men. It is benign, meaning that it is not cancerous.

Gynaecomastia is common, affecting approximately 1 in 2 teenage males, and 1 in 3 older men. It can have many different causes (medications, hormones, some medical conditions), however in most cases there is usually no obvious cause found.

If gynaecomastia is present for longer than one year, it’s unlikely to resolve by itself. Medication isn’t successful at treating gynecomastia. Surgery is usual treatment of symptomatic gynecomastia.

Going to the gym and losing significant weight may result in an improvement in gynecomastia, but it won’t remove all of the tissue. This is because true gynecomastia is hard glandular breast tissue that sits in front of the chest muscles, and doesn’t respond to exercise like fat does.

Is gynaecomastia surgery right for me?

You might be a good candidate for gynaecomastia surgery if you:

  • Are bothered by excess breast tissue.
  • Are in good general health and have relatively normal body weight.
  • Are a non-smoker, or able to stop four weeks before surgery.
  • Have realistic expectations.

If you are a candidate for gynaecomastia surgery in Perth, then contact us today to arrange a consultation with Dr Colbert.

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What does gynaecomastia surgery involve?

The exact steps of your procedure will vary depending on many factors, but in general:

  • Gynaecomastia surgery is performed under general anaesthetic (with you asleep) and as day surgery (meaning you don’t have to stay overnight in the hospital), and usually takes around two hours.
  • An incision in the bottom half of the pink part of your nipple (areola) is used to remove all the the excess hard glandular breast tissue. This hard tissue is very fibrous, and can’t be removed with liposuction, so it needs to be excised.
  • Using this same incision liposuction is then used to remove excess fatty breast tissue that surrounds the hard glandular tissue. Dr Colbert performs liposuction in all areas of your chest, aiming to leave a normal thickness of subcutaneous fat under your skin.
  • A diathermy machine is then used to stop any bleeding vessels, and your incision is closed with several layers of stitches. A compressive binder garment is then applied to help reduce any postoperative swelling. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, any medications to take, and when to follow up with Dr Colbert.
  • If you have loose excess skin then it will often retract by itself once the excess breast tissue is removed. If your skin is very loose and stretched then it might benefit from being tightened by excision, although this is uncommon.

What are the risks associated with gynaecomastia surgery?

  • Wound infection.
  • Bleeding, bruising, and haematoma.
  • Abnormal scarring, including thick raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid scarring).
  • Change in nipple sensation.
  • Asymmetrical results, including contour irregularities.
  • Complete or partial loss of your nipple.
  • Bloods clots in legs / lungs.
  • Revisionary surgery.
  • Residual skin laxity.

Gynaecomastia surgery is like any surgical procedure in that it carries risks. Therefore before having any operation you should also seek opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner to discuss these potential risks.

How do I know if I have true gynecomastia or just chest fat?
  • Soft and reduces with weight loss? Likely pseudogynecomastia (fat).
  • Firm, rubbery or hard, and under the nipple? Likely true gynecomastia (glandular tissue).
  • Tender or sensitive? More common in true gynecomastia.
  • Unilateral or asymmetrical? Suggests true gynecomastia.
Will my gynaecomastia come back?

The results after gynaecomastia surgery are definitely long lasting. To help ensure your postoperative results are maintained as long as possible you should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoid significant weight gains or weight losses. Anything that places you in a hormonal imbalance may increase the risks of your excess breast tissue returning. This is very uncommon, and if it does recur, it is often very mild.

What is the recovery after gynaecomastia surgery?

At a glance:

  • Time in surgery: two hours.
  • Time in hospital: day surgery.
  • Time off work: several days (office based) to two weeks (heavy labor).
  • Time performing light duties only: two weeks.
  • Time until beginning gradual gym work: four weeks.
  • Time wearing compression garments: four weeks.
  • Time until final result: three months.

 

What scars are there after gynecomastia surgery?
  • If you have hard fibrous tissue that needs to be excised, then a concealed incision is placed in the bottom half of your areola (the pink part of your nipple).
  • If you have excess fatty tissue that is best removed with liposuction, then this liposuction is usually performed through the same incision above, meaning you will only have one incision.
  • If you have large amounts of loose skin that you want removed, then Dr Colbert will discuss removing this skin through extra incisions during your initial consultation.
What are the costs of gynaecomastia surgery?

The costs and prices associated with gynaecomastia surgery in Perth can be confusing. To help make things clearer we have listed the the following fees that make up the final cost.

  • Surgical fee (this includes the gynaecomastia surgery, all post-operative care, and post-operating dressings): the exact fee will depend on what specific techniques are required, with the quote emailed to you after your initial consultation. The total surgical fee for gynaecomastia surgery is commonly between $4000 and $6000, however the final cost is often less than this due to rebates from Medicare and your health fund.
  • Anaesthetic fee (this includes general anaesthesia plus pre-operative and post-operative care): the exact fee depends on many factors, including the duration of your operation. It is usually partially paid for by Medicare and your health fund, however there is often an out of pocket gap. Your Anaesthetist will discuss this with you before your operation.
  • Hospital fee (this includes operation room fee, bed costs, surgical or medication fees, and any other hospital extras): Medicare does not cover this fee. If you have private health insurance then this may be covered by your insurance fund, but you should check with your fund if there is any out of pocket expenses. If you have no private insurance then you will have to pay this fee on discharge from the hospital.

Where can I find out more?

To arrange to speak to Dr Colbert about gynaecomastia surgery please contact our friendly office staff.

Alternatively you can leave a message by filling out our contact form.

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