Male breast reduction
Gynaecomasty - Nipple correction

Breast reduction in men
Gynaecomasty: breast formation in men

Treatment for gynaecomasty visibly improves the male body contour. Therefore it is a popular procedure which many men are extremely satisfied with.

Breast reduction in men requires a different approach to breast reduction in women.

Depending on the type of tissue there are different possibilities:

• the excess breast tissue is removed
• the excess fatty tissue is removed
• sometimes a combination of both techniques is necessary. 

Breast reduction - Gynaecomasty
The consultation

Gynaecomasty - breast formation in men - is very common and is a distressing problem for many men. Gynaecomasty can occur spontaneously during puberty and can also disappear all by itself. Often though, the problem is permanent.

Sometimes breast formation in men is the result of a liver or thyroid gland problem. Tumours of the adrenal gland or testicles can also cause swollen breasts. If this is the case then cosmetic surgery is not adviseable and you need to seek medical treatment.

Gynaecomasty is becoming increasingly common in men over the age of 35. This type of breast formation does not disappear spontaneously. Cosmetic surgery offers a solution.

Sometimes it is only the shape of the nipple which needs surgical intervention:

• the nipple can be too long, stick out too far or bulge out.
• the areola can be too large or misformed.
• the nipples can point inwards: inverted nipples.

During the consultation the surgeon examines whether you are a suitable candidate for breast treatment and which operating technique is the best for you. You will also be informed of the possible risks, specific aftercare and the expected result.

Breast reduction - Gynaecomasty
The procedure - Treatment

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you arrive at the Wellness Kliniek for your treatment in the morning, which is performed under intravenous sedation. Excess breast tissue is removed endoscopically, sometimes in combination with liposculpture to suck out localised fat deposits. Via a small incision in the areola, about 2 cms, the surgeon inserts the surgical instruments. The operation, to detach and remove the breast tissue is performed under the skin. In this way the scar is very small so that it is barely visible a few months later.

Breast reduction - Gynaecomasty
Anaesthetic

• A male breast reduction procedure is performed under intravenous sedation.

 Due to progress made in sedation techniques, cosmetic procedures can now be performed without the patient being subjected to the side-effects of a general anaesthetic. With more effective pain relief a light form of anaesthesia is sufficient. Unlike traditional anaesthesia a tube will not be inserted via your throat to control your breathing mechanically.

• Intravenous sedation: you will breathe for yourself and swallow while you are asleep, feeling no pain.

Intravenous sedation makes your operation safer! A couple of hours after the procedure you feel fine and are spared the sometimes unpleasant side-effects of a general anaesthetic.

Breast reduction - Gynaecomasty
Post-operative recovery

When planning this procedure you need to take into account that the first days following the operation you will need to rest. Normally you can resume work a week after though we advise you to wait 3 weeks before performing any heavy duty activities and sport.

When the procedure is completed the incisions are closed and you are given a special chest bandage. The first few days following the operation the area which has been treated will be swollen and be a bluish colour. This disappears after a while.

If your surgeon has prescribed you special vitamins please don't forget to take them. They will help speed up the recovery process.

Most men don't experience a great deal of pain after the operation, sometimes a light pain killer e.g. paracetamol can help to ease any discomfort.

General complications can occur: hematoma, mood swings, infection, incorrect healing of the wound, irregularities under the surface of the skin and an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic.

Normally everything goes well and six weeks later there is barely any evidence of the procedure.

After the operation the surgeon will give you specific, personal aftercare instructions. Each operation can vary from one person to another. At your check-up any remaining stitches will be removed. The incisions are so small that this is easily done and if you prefer you can ask your GP to do it.

After your breast operation you will be given the medical emergency number of the Wellness Kliniek. Don't hesitate to contact us. Our doctors are there to support you 24/24, 365 days a year!