PROCEDURE
Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia Correction)
Gynecomastia is the enlargement or overdevelopment of breast tissue in males, leading to a more pronounced or uneven breast appearance. This condition can manifest during various life stages – from infancy due to maternal hormones, during puberty due to hormonal changes, or in later years as a result of ageing.
Although breast reduction surgery is a procedure attributed to women’s health, men who do grapple with gynecomastia often seek this treatment as gynecomastia not only poses physical discomfort but can deeply affect emotional well-being, self-confidence, and daily interactions.
Reduction mammoplasty, or male breast reduction surgery, addresses this concern by reducing the breast size, alleviating both physical strains and psychological burdens, while also enhancing the overall chest contour. While the primary intention is size reduction, the surgery also aims to get a man’s body back into shape. For some patients, integrating liposuction can further refine the chest, back, and surrounding areas. The optimal approach for male breast reduction in London is personalised for each individual, which is determined through a detailed consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity
Outpatient Surgery:
Typically no overnight stay required.
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia.
Downtime:
Resume light activities within a week. Full recovery takes about 4-6 weeks.
Showering:
Avoid for 48 hours post-operation. Avoid submerging the surgical area (bathing) until advised.
Sleeping:
Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated for at least the first week.
Driving:
Avoid for at least a week post-surgery and or off pain medications.
Smoking:
Avoid at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Avoid to the surgical area for at least 6 weeks post-op. Use sunblock when outdoors.
Benefits of Gynaecomastia Correction
There are many significant psychological and physical benefits of male breast reduction surgery, including but not limited to:
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Achieving a More Masculine Chest Contour:
For men afflicted with gynecomastia, the excess glandular tissue and fat around the areolar region can disrupt the natural contours of their chest. Surgical correction removes this excess tissue, revealing a flatter, more defined, and masculine chest profile.
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Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence:
The presence of female-like breast tissue can deeply impact a man’s self-worth and induce feelings of depression. This can be compounded by societal pressures, leading to social anxiety, especially in settings like the gym, beach, or sports events where the chest might be visible.
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Enduring Results:
The effects of gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting. With a maintained healthy lifestyle, moderate alcohol intake, and avoiding triggers known to cause gynecomastia, you can expect the results to be enduring. Going for further treatment that addresses any underlying causes, especially hormonal imbalances, further ensures the longevity of the surgical outcome.
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Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer:
Men with gynecomastia face a slightly elevated risk of developing breast cancer, albeit a rare occurrence in the male population. Male breast reduction surgery offers another grade of protection against a disease that, though uncommon in men, can have serious consequences.
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Making Active Lifestyles Easier:
Extra breast tissue can pose physical challenges for men, making certain exercises or activities uncomfortable or even painful. Activities involving chest movements, like running or jumping, can be particularly problematic. The lack of appropriate sportswear for men to manage this issue further exacerbates the problem. Post-gynecomastia surgery, men find themselves able to fully commit to physical activities without the constraints or self-consciousness that once held them back.
Gynecomastia Correction Surgery Techniques
The enlarged breast tissue in men can be the consequence of various factors, including hormone imbalances during adolescence, certain medications, or natural shifts in hormone levels that occur as we age. In more severe instances, the abundance of breast tissue can lead to the breasts sagging and the areola – the darker skin encircling the nipple – becoming stretched and enlarged. To address these concerns, various surgical techniques are used, the choice of which depends on the degree of skin laxity and gynecomastia you may exhibit. These techniques are:
This technique is primarily focused on the removal of excess fatty tissue in the breast area. Using specialised instruments, fat is suctioned out, providing a flatter and more contoured chest. It’s minimally invasive, leading to quicker recovery times, and is especially beneficial for those whose gynecomastia is largely due to excess fatty tissue.
For cases where there’s a significant amount of glandular tissue or excess skin, the breast bud excision method is preferred. Through carefully placed incisions around the areola, this technique allows for the direct removal of this glandular tissue and any redundant skin, ensuring a tighter and more masculine chest contour.
In certain scenarios, to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome, a combination of both liposuction and breast bud excision is recommended. This dual approach ensures comprehensive treatment, addressing both fatty and glandular components of gynecomastia, leading to a more harmonious and sculpted chest appearance.
For some male patients with more pronouced gynaecomastia with significant skin excess similar then liposuction or breast bud excision alone is not enough and would leave a lot of excess skin behind. For these patients skin has to be excised too and this leaves an anchor shaped scar.
Gynecomastia Procedure Steps
Going through a gynecomastia surgery involves a structured approach. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to expect during the procedure:
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Anaesthesia
Initially, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable and safe. Mr Kshem Yapa will use general anaesthesia, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure. An experienced team will monitor your well-being continuously.
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Incision
Mr Yapa will create an incision in the breast. Once you’re under anaesthesia, Mr Yapa will create an incision in the breast. These are typically small and discreet, planned with your comfort and the surgery’s effectiveness in mind. If the procedure focuses on removing fatty tissue, Mr Yapa might just need minor incisions for liposuction. However, for glandular tissue removal, slightly more prominent incisions may be made, but always with discretion and aesthetic outcome in mind.
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Tissue Removal and Repositioning
Through the incisions, excess fat and skin will be carefully removed. Depending on your individual needs, the surgery may involve liposuction to get rid of unwanted fat and a direct excision method to remove surplus glandular tissue. By combining these techniques, Mr Yapa aims to give you a well-contoured chest.
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Closing the Incision
After the surgical steps, Mr Yapa will close the incisions using sutures. Sometimes, it’s necessary to place temporary drain tubes to help remove any excess fluid. Once this is done, you’ll be moved to a recovery area for a short while. The treated area will be covered with bandages, and you may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to help shape your chest. Typically, any sutures and drains are removed within 7-10 days post-surgery.
Risks and Complications
Whilst Mr Kshem Yapa adheres to the utmost standards of care and diligence, you must be informed about the inherent risks associated with any surgical procedure, including gynecomastia surgery. Here are some potential complications you should be aware of:
It’s common to observe some bruising post-surgery, which usually fades over time with proper care.
Though rare, there’s a possibility of excessive bleeding either during or after the procedure.
Sometimes, fluid collections can occur after surgery. Regular check-ups and follow-up appointments will help in early detection and management.
While the aim is a uniform contour, there can be instances of minor irregularities in the chest’s shape. These should even out over time.
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the nipples is possible, and in rare cases, this can be long-lasting.
Though Mr Yapa will make every effort to ensure scars are as discreet as possible, surgical scars are permanent. With time, they tend to become less noticeable.
Post-surgery, there might be subtle differences between both sides of the chest, but these usually balance out as the healing progresses.
Recovery
After your gynecomastia surgery, it’s typical to have dressings applied to the chest area, potentially supported by adhesive strips. A compression garment might be provided to offer both support and aid the healing process. It’s natural to experience initial discomfort, swelling, and some pain, but this can usually be managed with pain relief as advised by the clinical team. Minor drainage, which could be blood or clear fluid, might happen, so it’s wise to protect your bedding and clothing.
During the first week after surgery, be sure to rest and limit activities to gentle walking, avoiding any heavy lifting or strenuous exertion. You should aim to sleep on your back for the initial two to three weeks to support healing. Most patients can return to work within 7-10 days and gradually reintroduce cardiovascular exercises by the second week, progressing to weightlifting or more intense activities by the fourth week.
It’s worth noting that while the majority of swelling tends to reduce within a few weeks, the scars might take longer, up to a year or more, to fade significantly. Any sensations or numbness experienced usually diminish over time.
You will be provided with a direct phone line to our experienced specialist cosmetic surgery nurse who provides an on call service 24 hrs a day, from the moment you have surgery, for any questions or concerns you may have or any other support you may need. We take pride in making sure our patients are well looked after following surgery and want you to feel well supported throughout your journey with us.
