Male Breast Reduction - Gynaecomastia
What is it?
Some men develop unwanted breast tissue (gynaecomastia) that causes social embarrassment. This can happen at any age but is more common in the late teenage years or later in life. Hormonal imbalance and a number of drugs also cause this condition.
Why have it?
Reduction of the male chest should lead to a flatter and more defined masculine chest. It will give more confidence when wearing clothes, and also with minimal scarring procedures, increased confidence when bare-chested.
Reasons not to have it
Being overweight and smoking can increase the incidence of complications from gynaecomastia surgery. It may be wise to delay surgery until smoking is stopped or cut down, and a proportion of excess weight lost.
Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding by preventing blood from clotting. If you are taking aspirin, you will be asked to stop this for at least ten days before the procedure.
Further information
Consultation
You will be asked about your general health, particularly information regarding heart disease, diabetes, and deep vein thrombosis (clots in the leg). Mr Roblin will want information about your medical history and any previous surgical procedures. In particular he will want information about your current and past medication.
Procedure
For small to moderate gynaecomastia, liposuction can produce excellent results with minimal scarring.
For men with greater degrees of gynaecomastia, particularly where there is excess skin, surgical removal of fat and sometimes skin is required. Scars are either hidden around the areola or at the lower part of the chest. When large amounts of skin and skin are removed more conspicuous scars result.
Anaesthetic
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours
Length of stay
1 night following the operation
Risks/Possible complications
Early (1-2 days):
Frequent
- Bruising
- Swelling
Infrequent
- Bleeding (haematoma)
- Infection
- Discomfort
- Nipple necrosis
Later (after one week):
Frequent
- Altered nipple sensation
Infrequent
- Scars - can be lumpy, may stretch and widen
- Delayed healing
- Fat necrosis
- Seroma
- Asymmetry
- Altered sensation
General anaesthetic
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Chest infection
- Allergic reaction to drugs or tape
Recovery
Immediately after the operation
- You will feel bruised and sore and there will be some swelling
- Pain is usually moderate and controlled with standard painkillers
- When the fat is surgically removed a drain will be left in place that may stay in when you go home
After return home
- Socialising with friends 4-5 days
- Return to work at 2-3 weeks
- Driving at 2-3 weeks
- Swelling and bruising up to 6-8 weeks
- Wear compression garment for 6 weeks
- Return to gym and strenuous activity 2 months
- Final result 4 months