Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Excessive breast tissue in males is called Gynacomastia. It may require surgical correction to reduce both the tissue and the excess skin component.

Excess breast tissue in males is normal at the time of puberty. Breast buds respond to changing hormone levels and changes in hormone balance. This breast bud development may be tender, but mostly resolves in time.

Causes of Gynacomastia

There are many causes of secondary gynacomastia. These include weight gain, steroid use, medicines, drugs and hormone producing tumours. Gynacomastia is more common in older men and may also be attributed to liver and thyroid disease.

A careful medical history and examination is important.

The excess tissue must be assessed to establish both the glandular and fatty components. At times, there may be an associated skin excess.

Special investigations include blood tests and may include ultrasound scans.

Surgical Treatment

Softer, more fatty gynacomastia can be treated with liposuction. For firm thick glandular tissue, surgical excision is performed through incisions around the areola. Surgery and liposuction may be combined. Scars usually heal well; however, if skin resection is required the scarring pattern is more obvious. This will be explained by Dr Kippen at your consultation.

Risks and Recovery

As with all surgery, risks are associated with gynacomastia correction. Specific risks include remaining asymmetry, irregularities, tethering to the underlying muscle and sensation changes or numbness. Bleeding and haematoma rarely occur. Drainage tubes may be required. Dr Kippen will use brochures and photos to explain this.

Surgical Procedure

Depending on the extent of tissue, surgery can be performed with general or twilight anaesthesia. It is usually combined with local anaesthesia to give good post operative pain control and limit the bleeding and bruising. If drains are used an overnight stay may be required. Recovery is usually rapid.

Consultation with Dr Kippen

At the time of consultation, Dr Kippen will give a far more comprehensive explanation of the procedure and likely recovery. He will give you brochures to read as well as showing before and after photographs.

You should read the information presented here in conjunction with the information contained on the Frequently Asked Questions page of the website.