Male breast reduction surgery or Gynecomastia surgery is a surgical procedure that helps reduce the size of a man’s breasts. For those of you who don’t know what gynecomastia is, it refers to enlarged male breasts due to excess fat or breast tissue. According to research, every third man under the age of 40 and every other man over the age of 50 struggle with enlarged breasts.
What causes Gynecomastia?
Several factors can cause gynecomastia, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Liver disease
- Kidney concerns
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Weight gain/obesity
It is important to get a medical examination done to ensure that the enlargement of breasts is caused by pseudo-gynecomastia (a result of excess fat) or glandular gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can occur on one or both sides of the chest. Some of the most common symptoms include the increased diameter of breasts, trouble doing physical activity, tightness in the chest, or increased nipple sensitivity.
Less extensive method of breast reduction for men
Most people who undergo gynecomastia surgery are concerned with post-surgical scars. Every cosmetic procedure comes with a certain amount of scars. It is important to share this concern with your surgeon and get a suitable surgical plan for yourself.
If you don’t have severe gynecomastia, which is usually accompanied by excess skin, a liposuction technique could help address enlarged breasts. Not all patients can get effective results with this technique, especially if they have excess skin. This procedure involves the creation of tiny incisions in the target area. Through these incisions, a small, thin tube (cannula) attached to a powerful suction machine is inserted to remove the fat.
Importance of post-operative care for scar reduction
While recovering from male breast reduction, it is important to take care of your incisions properly to avoid infection and scar formation. If your recovery process is slow, your scars will be thick and pronounced. Therefore, it is important to follow the right post-operative instructions to prevent rope and rigid scars. Below are a few of the tips to help:
1. Do not Smoke
Every cosmetic surgeon will ask you to quit smoking for a certain period before and after the surgery. This is because smoking can delay the healing process which results in thick scarring. So, you will have to quit smoking for at least six weeks after the surgery.
2. Adjust the Meds
Your surgeon will also ask you to stop taking certain medications and herbal supplements. Prior to the surgery, your surgeon will look into the medication you have been taking to eliminate the ones that can hinder the healing process.
3. Incision Care
Keeping your incisions clean and dry at all times is vital and helps with wound healing. Try your best to care for your incisions as per the surgeon’s instructions.
4. Exercise with Caution
It is recommended to avoid exercising till you are fully healed because excessive sweating will not only put a strain on your body but can also irritate the incisions. Be sure to ease back into exercise once your surgeon gives the green light.
Scar removal options
Here are a few tips on caring for the scars and minimising them:
1. Scar Massage
The massage involves gentle movement of fingertips in vertical and horizontal motions on the scar. Once the vertical/horizontal movements are done, you can massage on and around the scars in circular motions. This helps increase collagen production which in turn helps to minimise scars. Aim at massaging the scar for 10 minutes at a time, up to three times a day.
2. Silicone Sheets
Silicone sheets are used to prevent the formation of rigid scars. Most surgeons recommend patients start using silicon sheets once their incisions are fully healed. Silicone sheets or scar gel sheets come in the form of a bandage which can be easily placed on any part of the body. What they essentially do is that they hydrate the skin to prevent dryness. They are only helpful if you use them shortly after the surgery.
There are specific scar gels that can be used on both fresh and old scars. Follow your surgeon’s advice on which one will work best. If used regularly, they can lighten the scars and, in some cases, reduce the size of the scar as well. However, it is very important to be consistent and do it regularly to achieve the desired results. Heads up! It can take several months.
3. Embrace Dressings
They are FDA-approved and applied immediately to the incisions after surgery. They speed up the process of healing and pull the edges together. The dressings contain silicone which helps minimise scars. One can wear these up to a year after the surgery. Even a study done in 2015 shows that people who used these dressings for twelve months saw a significant reduction in the scars.
4. Fractionated Lasers
Fractional lasers are also a great option for scars after a male breast reduction. However, you will have to wait for quite some time after the surgery till your scars are fully healed. If your scars are very long and thick, the fractional laser is a great option. The amazing thing about such lasers is their ability to target large skin areas in one go. It works on the epidermis and dermis, working on even the deepest scars. Immediately after the treatment, your scar will turn brown before healing completely. For the results to become noticeable, it usually takes three to four sessions.
5. Sunscreen
A simple but effective way to prevent scars from darkening up further is to wear sunscreen even if your scars are not being directly exposed to harmful UV rays. Sun has the potential to darken the scar tissue, making it more visible. A dark scar is difficult to get rid of, and we all know that prevention is better than cure. So get your hands on some good quality sunscreen. Make sure it’s SPF30 or higher and keep reapplying it throughout the day. Once your incisions are healed, this is the first step to take if you are concerned about post-surgical scarring.
FAQS
Do male breast reduction scars go away?
- The scars after breast reduction surgery are permanent.
- The surgeon will conceal the scars by placing the incisions in the natural folds of the skin.
How long do male breast reduction scars last?
- The scars last a lifetime but are generally well hidden.
- If you are bothered by the scars, you can discuss scar removal options with your surgeon.
How can I reduce gynecomastia quickly?
- In some cases, reducing overall weight helps immensely. It will get rid of the fat in your body and reduce enlarged male breasts to some extent.
- However, in most cases, surgery is required which gives more comprehensive results.
How can I get rid of gynecomastia without surgery?
- If gynecomastia results from excessive weight and obesity, shedding excess pounds can work in your favour. However, in some cases, you will be left with excess skin which still requires surgery.
Is gynecomastia surgery permanent?
- Yes, the results of the surgery are permanent as long as you maintain a healthy weight post-surgery. However, the results will not last a lifetime and will be affected by the ageing process.
Do I have gynecomastia, or am I just fat?
- The best way to know this is by visiting a healthcare professional. They will get a series of tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and an X-ray, to differentiate between gynecomastia and fat.
Does insurance cover gynecomastia surgery?
- In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is not covered by insurance as it is a cosmetic procedure. However, if there is an underlying medical condition involved, insurance might cover it.
Can I get male breast reduction without surgery?
- Unfortunately, there is no permanent way to get male breast reduction without surgery.
What does gynecomastia surgery cost in Australia?
- The cost can vary significantly based on the expertise and experience of the surgeon, facility, and location. On average, it costs around $7,000 to $8,900.
What does gynecomastia surgery in Melbourne cost?
- The cost of gynecomastia surgery in Melbourne is around $7,000 to $8,900. However, this will depend on factors such as surgeon’s fee, facility fee, and extent of the procedure.
Can I get a Medicare rebate for gynecomastia surgery?
- If there is an underlying medical condition involved with gynecomastia, you can get a medicare rebate.
Where can I get realistic gynecomastia surgery before and after photographs?
- Once you choose the surgeon, ask him/her to provide before and after photographs of people who have had their surgeries done.
