For most men being self-conscious of their chest can really impact their confidence and self-esteem. If you are unhappy with your chest and you find it affects the way you want to live your life – from what you wear at the beach, to the clothes you buy, then “man boob” surgery may be an option.

Patients seeking gynaecomastia surgery have typically lost a significant amount of weight and have experienced limitations in clothing due to disproportionate breast size or have had breast development during puberty which doesn’t respond to weight loss. These patients have typically tried weight loss and weight training to address the appearance of their chests and remain self-conscious despite these measures. Typically, they are therefore seeking a surgical option to improve their self-esteem and confidence.

In this article we discuss the aims of breast surgery for men and what to expect during and after surgery.

What Is Gynaecomastia?

The term “gynaecomastia” literally means “female breast” and the aims of gynaecomastia surgery therefore include reduction of breast volume and size in addition to optimising the appearance of the nipple areolar complexes in order to achieve an aesthetic male chest.

Features of the breast which can be addressed surgically include:

• Excessive breast volume and addressing the crease under the breast
• Sagging of the breast and loose skin
• Size and descent (droop) of the nipple areolar complexes

It’s important to have a consultation with your surgeon to ascertain expectations and identify potential limitations to achieving those expectations such as skin quality, breast anatomy and scarring from previous surgery.

The Surgery Explained

The operation is performed using a variety of specialised techniques under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital. Typically, patients are treated in hospital for the day and receive antibiotic therapy and pain management.

The procedure is performed through access incisions around the nipple areolar complexes which remove breast tissue by excision and minimal access liposuction ports used to contour the breast. Occasionally, short horizontal scars either side of the nipple areolar complex may be required to address loose skin and is usually undertaken as a secondary procedure if residual skin is a concern after several months. The most appropriate of these surgical access incisions will be discussed during your consultation.

The internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches and waterproof dressings are applied to allow patients to shower. A compressive garment will be provided and is worn for approximately 3 weeks.

Post Surgery

The post-operative recovery period is approximately one to two weeks, during which the breasts can be swollen or bruised. Swelling typically improves over six to eight weeks after surgery. You can expect to return to work approximately one to two weeks following surgery. Physical exercise can resume three to four weeks after surgery.

Next Step

If you are considering gynaecomastia surgery and have questions you would like to ask or if you would like to book a confidential consultation at a cost of $140, click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for the Melbourne practice or (07) 3180 3400 for the Brisbane practice. The Cosmetic Surgery Co-ordinators of NorthEast Plastic Surgery will organise a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who are highly qualified and experienced surgeons. They will assess your individual requirements and discuss your preferences in regard to the surgery.