Gynaecomastia
Features
Gynaecomastia is an excessive enlargement of the male breast and may be present in one breast (unilaterally) or in both breasts (bilaterally).Gynaecomastia is common in men of any age and may develop as a result of:
- Hormonal changes
- Weight gain
- Hereditary conditions
- Disease, such as liver disease
- Certain medication
- Use of non-prescription or recreational drugs, including anabolic steroids and marijuana
Gynaecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and may affect a man’s self-confidence. Excess breast tissue can also cause a man’s breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).
Notification
Surgery for gynaecomastia is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Always talk to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon before making a decision. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.
Before you decide on breast reduction surgery, there are some important issues to keep in mind:
- Any surgical treatment to correct gynaecomastia will require incisions. While most incisions are hidden in natural contours or in the areolae of the breasts, some scars may be visible and an unavoidable result of any breast reduction surgery
- Surgeons generally recommend waiting until breasts are fully developed. Younger men or adolescent boys may be advised to wait a number of years after the onset of gynaecomastia before surgery
- Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for overweight men who have not tried proven weight-loss techniques such as diet and exercise
- If gynaecomastia has resulted from the use of alcohol, certain prescription medications or drugs including steroids, you must be fully free of these substances before undergoing surgery
- You must remain at a stable weight in order to maintain the results of your surgery
- Smokers are at increased risk of complications. If you are serious about undergoing surgery, you should try to quit smoking
Estimated Cost
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.