I perform gynecomastia surgery carefully and meticulously, using concealed or hidden scars, while focusing on giving you a natural appearance. My goal is for you to be able to take your shirt off at the beach and no one will know you ever had gynecomastia, or gynecomastia surgery.
Gynaecomastia
Extra breast tissue is a very common issue for many Perth men, and can cause lots of stress and anxiety. Some men feel they can’t wear certain shirts, or can’t take their shirts off at the beach. Usually there is no obvious cause, and weight loss or going to the gym doesn’t help at all.
Many Perth men have enlarged or overdeveloped breast tissue. It can be called by many different names (gynecomastia, gynaecomastia, manboobs), can occur at any age, for many different reasons, and result in significant issues.
Surgery can involve excision of the breast gland, liposuction of any fatty tissue, and removal of excess skin.
Dr Colbert recognises that every case of gynaecomastia is different, so you should pick a surgeon that can tailor your surgery to best fit you.
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.
This excess breast tissue can result in significant stress, anxiety, and embarrassment, and for this reason many men consider treatment of their gynecomastia.
Male breast reduction is a common and safe treatment option, and usually involves surgical excision of the tissue and liposuction of the area. Most times the only incision is hidden in the areola (pink part of your nipple), however very rarely in severe cases there may be excision of severely stretched skin.
Is gynaecomastia surgery right for me?
You might be a good candidate for gynaecomastia surgery if you:
- Are bothered by having 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.
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).
- Excess breast tissue is often partly hard tissue (fibrous) and partly soft tissue (fatty). The hard fibrous tissue is best removed through a hidden incision under the nipple, while extra fatty tissue is best removed by liposuction through several small incisions. If your skin is very loose and stretched then it might benefit from being tightened by excision, although this is uncommon.
- All incisions are meticulously closed with fine dissolvable (absorbable) sutures with surgical dressings placed on top. A bandage or compressive 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.
What is the recovery after gynaecomastia surgery?
Gynaecomastia surgery is usually completed as day surgery, meaning you don’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.
After the procedure you will wear a compression garment, which needs to be worn full time for several weeks.
During the few first weeks you should maintain activity within the limits of your discomfort, and avoid any strenuous or vigorous activity for at least two weeks.
What scars can I expect?
The location of scars from gynecomastia surgery will depend on the technique used.
- 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.
Are the results of gynaecomastia surgery permanent?
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.
What are the risks associated with gynaecomastia surgery?
Gynaecomastia surgery is associated with following potential risks:
- Wound infection: incisions may become red or tender, and require antibiotics for treatment.
- Bleeding, bruising, and haematoma: haematoma refers to a collection of blood that needs to be removed in the operating room.
- Scarring: scars are initially lumpy, but settle down over several months. Rarely they may be permanently lumpy or thick (hypertrophic or keloid scarring).
- Change in nipple sensation: nipple sensation may be reduced, stay the same, or sometimes increased.
- Complete or partial loss of your nipple: this is rare, but is an important complication to discuss before any breast or gynaecomastia surgery.
- Asymmetry: Dr Colbert tries to make results as symmetrical as possible, but as every person’s chest is naturally asymmetrical some postoperative asymmetry is expected.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE): DVT refers to a blood clot that forms in a vein in your limb, which can break off and travel to your lung (PE). This can be serious, but is thankfully rare.
- Further operations: sometimes a second operation may be beneficial to improve the result or improve symmetry.
- 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 much does gynaecomastia surgery cost?
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.