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Why consider gynaecomastia surgery?

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 defining features of the female breast shape which includes the crease under the breast (inframammary fold).
  • Breast ptosis (sagginess) of the breast and loose skin
  • Size and descent (drop) of the nipple areolar complex

Gynaecomastia surgery Consultation

The decision to undergo gynaecomastia surgery is significant and adjustment to change in appearance needs be considered in addition to the process of post-operative recovery.

Aims

The aim of the consultation is to ascertain expectations and identify potential limitations to achieving those expectations such as skin quality, breast anatomy and scarring from previous surgery. Patients seeking gynaecomastia surgery have typically lost a significant amount of weight and may have disproportionate and asymmetrical breast size.

Two or more consultations are often required prior to surgery to ensure a good understanding of the procedure, the likely results and the period of recovery and downtime required.

Past Medical History

It is important that the Surgeon is made aware of previous surgery and history of scarring, along with significant medical history including a tendency for easy bruising and excessive bleeding, deep venous clots involving the legs, all prescription and non-prescription medication, allergies to anaesthetic agents, antibiotics and dressings, history of smoking and psychological or psychiatric issues. These issues are important as they have the potential to affect the surgery, anaesthesia, potential complications and recovery. A history of Raynaud’s disease or conditions affecting peripheral circulation is also significant.

Pre-operative Management

If necessary, further medical consultation may be necessary to minimize complications including consultation regarding blood thinning agents which may need to be either ceased or modified in preparation for surgery. Diagnostic tests including blood tests may also be necessary for the Surgeon to obtain a complete assessment of bleeding tendencies and to optimise fitness for general anaesthesia.

If advised by the Surgeon, it may also be necessary to cease some medications. It is important to avoid Aspirin, Disprin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen in addition to herbal medications such as Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, Arnica and Fish and Krill oils two weeks prior to and after surgery. It is essential that smoking cease six weeks prior to and after surgery to minimise the risk of surgical wound complications and anaesthesia. Nicotine containing products can also affect wound healing and should be ceased two weeks prior to and after surgery.

A further significant aim of the consultation is to facilitate understanding of the potential risks of gynaecomastia surgery.

Risks

Risks which are infrequent but common to all operations include problem scarring around the areolar and if necessary vertically under the nipple areolar complex, wound complications including infection, wound breakdown, or haematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (collection of tissue fluid) in addition to the risk of further surgery to address such complications.

Risks specific to gynaecomastia surgery can improve over time including swelling, redness, numbness of the breast skin and loss of sensation of the nipple areolar complexes. Whilst less common, a very significant complication is necrosis of the nipple areolar complex. Specific risks which may require revisional surgery include asymmetry, contour irregularities and dog ear formation, which are contour irregularities at either end of the scar. Revisional surgery is necessary in approximately 3- 5 per cent of patients who undergo gynaecomastia surgery.

Informed Consent

It is only at the culmination of the consultation process, after having the opportunity to have questions addressed by the Surgeon, should consent to gynaecomastia surgery be given. The consent process will also include discussion regarding the costs of surgery and potential revisional surgery.

Cost

In Australia, surgeons are strongly discouraged from advertising a set price for a medical procedure. This is in line with the Guidelines for advertising of regulated health services by the Australian Medical Board. For this reason we do not include a cost per procedure on our website.

Once Mr Patrick Tansley or Dr Sugitha Seneviratne have met with you in an initial consultation, part of this consultation will be to discuss the cost of this procedure. We can provide approximate costs for out of pocket costs before your initial consultation including any applicable Medicare rebate. We are happy to provide these by phone 07 3180 3400 or via enquiry through our website.

Consultation Cost

There is a cost for an initial consultation at our Brisbane clinic, with the potential to receive a portion of this back via Medicare where eligible for rebate, provided you have a referral from your GP. You can call our Brisbane office on 07 3180 3400 to enquire about any out-of-pocket costs before your initial consultation as well. During your consultation you will be given a personalised cost or quote for your surgery. You will need to allow one hour for your consultation.

Gynaecomastia surgery

These procedures are performed through access incisions around the nipple areolar complexes which remove breast tissue by excision along with minimal access liposuction to contour the breast at its periphery. The most appropriate of these surgical access incisions will be discussed during your consultation.

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 internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches and water proof dressings applied which are suitable for patients to shower. A compressive garment will be provided and is worn for approximately 3 weeks.

Recovery period

It is important that access to medical attention is available by telephone once you have been discharged. Issues about which your surgeon needs to be made aware urgently include pain uncontrolled by medication, bleeding to the extent that the dressings soak through with blood, temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, redness of the skin or any concerns related to the 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. Whilst most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks of surgery, overall improvement can be expected for a number of months. Advice will be provided with regard to scar maturation strategies and resumption of driving, typically around one week after surgery. Physical exercise can resume three to four weeks after surgery.

Second Opinion

Mr Patrick Tansley MD FRCS (Plast) and Dr Sugitha Seneviratne FRACS (Plast) provide second opinion to patients seeking to address previous cosmetic plastic surgery problems and revisions for already ‘botched’ surgery. If you would like a second opinion on previously undertaken surgery, book a consultation to discuss this with one or both of our surgeons.

Before & After Photos

As the privacy of our patients is of the utmost importance to us, we do not provide before and after photos on our website. You will be shown a number of before and after images during your private consultation to illustrate the potential outcomes of surgery. These images have been provided by previous patients who have consented to their private use.

contact us

E: brisbane@northeastplasticsurgery.com.au
T (07) 3180 3400
F (07) 3180 3401
P 0411865055
(paging service for after hours emergencies only)

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NorthEast Plastic Surgery
Wickham House
Level 1 155 Wickham Terrace
Spring Hill
Brisbane
Queensland 4000

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