FAQ

• What is a male breast reduction surgery?

  Male breast reduction surgery, is a procedure to reduce the volume and weight of enlarged male breasts, resulting in a flatter, less pronounced chest area.

• how is the procedure carried out?

  Should male breast reduction be agreed upon as the most suitable course of treatment, the procedure will be carried out by your surgeon in our state-of-the-art operating theatre.

  Most operations for gynaecomastia take about 90 minutes to complete and are performed under general anaesthesia, or in some cases, under local anaesthesia with sedation. Following surgery, the skin edges are closed with dissolvable stitches and dressings are applied.

• What surgical techniques are used?

  The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from individual to individual and in gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both.

  If there is predominantly a diffuse fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. This involves removing the tissue through a small cannula inserted via a 3-4mm incision (please see our patient information sheet on liposuction for more detail).

  If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised with a scalpel. This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction.

  Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars.

• How does a male breast reduction feel?

  Male breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic to ensure the patient’s total comfort for the duration of the procedure.

• Will the area be painful after surgery?

  Following surgery, the chest will be swollen and bruised for a while and it can be difficult to assess the full effect of the operation.

• is there any downtime?

  Showering may commence the day after surgery, as the dressings are water-resistant.

  The surgical sites will be a little tender for a couple of weeks and you will be required to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks.

  You should refrain from vigorous exercise for six weeks, however light exercise may be resumed after 4 weeks.

  Our highly experienced medical team will be available around the clock to answer any queries you may have in the immediate postoperative period.

  It is recommended to have an appointment at the hospital to check the surgical areas between one and two weeks following the surgery.