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Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction)

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - What it is

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Symptoms

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - How to prevent?

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Causes and Risk Factors

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Diagnosis

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Treatments

​Gynaecomastia is a condition where this is enlargement of male breast tissue with or without the presence of excess fat. This can cause significant shame and embarrassment to the affected person. There is usually involvement of both breasts, but sometimes there can be asymmetry whereby once breast is much larger than the other. If due to enlargement of the breast gland, the breast size generally will not decrease despite weight loss and exercise.

Gynaecomastia may be related to puberty, hormonal imbalances, excessive weight gain and certain medications including anabolic steroids. However, it can also develop without an obvious identifiable cause. Rarely, breast enlargement may be due to breast cancer, which should be suspected if the enlarged breast is hard, immobile and there is nipple discharge, skin changes or lumps in the armpit. All men with enlarged breasts should therefore undergo a proper medical check-up to exclude the more worrying causes of gynaecomastia.

Assuming that no abnormalities are found after evaluation by a specialist, gynaecomastia is a condition easily corrected with surgery.

The Gynaecomastia surgery (Male breast reductions) procedure

Male breast reduction usually involves liposuction of the excess fat and surgical removal of the breast gland through a small incision at the edge of the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple). These scars usually heal well in an inconspicuous manner. However, if the breasts are very large, excess skin may need to be removed using larger, more visible incisions. Your plastic surgeon will determine the appropriate surgical technique for you depending on degree of breast enlargement, amount of breast sagging, and quality of your breast skin.

Gynaecomastia Surgery - Male chest before surgery

Chest before Gynaecomastia surgery (Male breast reductions)


Gynaecomastia surgery - Conditions and Treatments

  • Limited incision beneath the nipple is suitable for mild to moderate breast enlargement.

  • Incisions around the nipple and at the lower border of the breast are required for moderate to severe breast enlargement.

Gynaecomastia surgery - Male chest after surgery

Chest after Gynaecomastia surgery (Male breast reductions)


After Gynaecomastia surgery (Male breast reductions)

Dressings and/or bandages will be applied over the incisions. Small tubes (drains) may be placed to remove the excess blood and fluid for several days. A tight compression garment will be fitted post-operatively to reduce the swelling and control bruising. This will need to be worn continuously for several weeks until your surgeon advises otherwise.

It will take several weeks to months for the breast swelling to settle. The final results can generally be seen 6 months after surgery. Your breasts will maintain their contour for years providing you do not have significant weight gain afterwards.

Understanding the risks of Gynaecomastia surgery (Male breast reductions)

In general, Gynaecomastia surgery is very safe and most patients has smooth recoveries. However, complications can occur infrequently despite the greatest attention to safety. Some problems include:

  • Prolonged swelling or bruising
  • Excess blood accumulation (haematoma)
  • Excess fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Infection
  • Contour irregularities
  • Nipple dimpling, denting, or inversion
  • Excess skin folds due to laxity
  • Asymmetry
  • Poor scarring
  • Altered nipple sensation, which may be temporary or permanent

Repeat surgery may be necessary to correct some of the above problems.

The subject of risks and potential complications of Gynaecomastia surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon.

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Preparing for surgery

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Post-surgery care

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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