Gynaecomastia is the development of excess breast tissue in men. It is a common condition (up to 40% of men) and can become socially embarrassing to some. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as “man boobs”.
Gynaecomastia is a normal phenomenon in babies and in boys around puberty, but in most cases it settles by itself. However if it persists for more than 12 months or in its severe form it may need plastic surgery to correct it.
Gynaecomastia can also be a pathological condition ie. as a result of some medications (anabolic steroids, Marijuana or some prescription medication), hormonal imbalance, obesity or rarely male breast cancer. Often no apparent cause is found. It usually affects both sides but can be just on one side.
TECHNIQUE
Gynaecomastia is usually a combination of excess breast tissue, as well as fatty excess on the chest, depending on the age and size of the patient. In severe cases the breast are so enlarged that there is also excess skin.
Correction of Gynaecomastia is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess breast tissue with/ without some excess chest fat. In severe cases where there is excess skin it may also be necessary to do a second operation to remove the excess skin, although this is not very common. The surgery is usually done with a combination of liposuction, and surgically cutting out the excess breast tissue. Dr Safvat makes sure the scars are well hidden at the lower half of the areola border. Incision site heals well will minimal scaring.
The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic in a fully accredited private hospital. Dr Safvat only works with highly trained anaesthetics accredited with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours, and the patients are usually required to stay in hospital overnight.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Upon discharge the patient is required to wear a medical garment for six weeks and need to have 1-2 weeks off work to rest at home. Walking is actively encouraged postoperatively but exertion and heavy lifting are not allowed for 3-4 weeks. Initially the scar may be visible around the areola but it will settle in time. Initially there will be bruising on the chest that will take 1-2 weeks to go away.
Cost
Gynaecomastia has an Item number and patients will get a rebate from Medicare and their health fund. The hospital costs are covered by private health funds depending on the patients’ level and type of cover. At your first consultation Dr Safvat and his Team will discuss all the costs associated with the Surgery.
What you need to do before the operation
Smoking has been shown to cause more complications after surgery. Dr Safvat will insist that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before your surgery. Continuous use of anabolic steroids also increases risk of recurrence of Gynaecomastia.