When excess breast tissue, fat, or skin results in the appearance of enlarged male breasts, surgery may be considered to help create a more contoured chest appearance. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon utilises established surgical techniques tailored to the individual’s anatomy and treatment goals.

Male Breast Reduction Risks
What Is Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia Surgery)?
What Is Gynaecomastia?
What Is Pseudogynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia Symptoms
Male Breast Reduction Candidates
Male Breast Reduction Treatment Options
Anaesthesia & Male Breast Reduction
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Male Breast Reduction Scars
Male Breast Reduction Results
Gynaecomastia FAQS
Risk Transparency & Informed Consent

Risks of Surgery

All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilizes advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:

Infection
Scarring
Excessive bleeding
Pain/discomfort
Nerve damage
Bruising
Swelling
Complications relating to anaesthesia
Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
Death
Poor wound healing
Potential for an additional surgery
Blood clots
Breast asymmetry
Irregular shape of the breasts and breast contours
Temporary or permanent alterations in breast/nipple sensation
Damage to blood vessels, nerves, lungs, muscles, and/or abdominal organs that could potentially be permanent
Thrombosis
Cardiac complications
Pulmonary complications
Nipple skin loss
Inverted nipples
Tissue necrosis

What Is Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia Surgery)?

Male breast reduction is a customised surgical procedure designed to contour the male chest. The formation of noticeable male breasts can have many causes, including gynaecomastia, significant weight fluctuations, genetics, hormonal changes, steroid use, and certain medications. Regardless of the cause, Dr Milovic can create a personalised male breast reduction treatment plan, including liposuction and/or excision techniques. The areolae (the darker skin that surrounds the nipple), which can be stretched or oversized, can also be reduced.

What Is Gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is the development of overabundant breast tissue which creates the appearance of breasts in males. This condition can occur in one or both breasts. While gynaecomastia can become noticeable during puberty, it may resolve as hormones achieve balance. When the condition persists into adulthood, men may consider plastic surgery. Typically, excision methods are best suited for men with gynaecomastia, as the glandular breast tissue must be removed to create a smoother, tighter contour. If excess skin and fat are also present, then a variety of techniques may be indicated to achieve optimal results.

What Is Pseudogynaecomastia?

Pseudogynaecomastia is a condition that may appear to be gynaecomastia; however, unlike gynaecomastia, pseudogynaecomastia is caused by a presence of excess fat, rather than enlarged breast tissue. For mild cases of pseudogynaecomastia, liposuction alone can usually provide adequate fat reduction. To reduce the prominence of larger male breasts, liposuction may be combined with additional excision and reduction techniques.

What Are the Symptoms of Gynaecomastia?

Signs of gynaecomastia often become noticeable due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty. While in some men the condition resolves after a period of time, gynaecomastia can persist into adulthood for others. Gynaecomastia is typically characterised by enlarged or swollen breast tissue (which may or may not feel tender) and can be accompanied by the presence of excess fat tissue and/or enlarged areolae.

Who Is a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

If you are concerned about the appearance of your chest due to enlarged breast tissue, a consultation with Dr Milovic can provide an opportunity to discuss your options. During this consultation, he will assess your chest and determine whether surgical treatment for gynaecomastia is clinically appropriate based on your individual health and circumstances.

Suitable candidates for surgery are typically in good general health, are non-smokers (or willing to cease smoking before and after surgery), and have a clear understanding of the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of the procedure.

Any decision to proceed with treatment should be made after careful consideration, with realistic expectations and a full understanding of the surgical process.

What Are My Male Breast Reduction Treatment Options?

Dr Milovic offers the full range of treatment options for men interested in correcting the appearance of gynaecomastia or otherwise enlarged breasts. As with every body contouring surgery offered at our practice, the male breast reduction procedure is personalised to suit each patient’s unique needs and desired outcome and may include one or more of the techniques listed below:

Liposuction

When the male breasts are primarily composed of excess fat tissue, fat reduction using liposuction techniques may be all that is required to achieve an optimal result. This may not be the most suitable option for men who have experienced sudden and massive weight loss or who have stretch marks, solar damage, or otherwise less than optimal skin elasticity. Liposuction requires tiny incisions, which can be well-hidden, to accommodate the insertion of a surgical cannula that breaks down fat and suctions it from the body. During this process, Dr Milovic is mindful of creating a smoother, tighter, more masculine chest. This technique can often deliver the best results in patients who have good skin elasticity. For patients with a combination of excess breast tissue and fat, liposuction may be combined with excision techniques.

Excision Techniques

Excision techniques may be used to remove excess breast tissue, as well as large amounts of fat and/or redundant skin. The excisional contouring techniques used and the placement of any incisions will depend on the shape, size, and composition of the male breasts. For most patients, a crescent-shaped incision along the inside border of each areola is all that is required to access and remove problematic breast and/or fat tissue. Men with larger breasts characterised by a significant amount of fat and skin, usually as the result of considerable weight gain or weight loss, may have surgical plans that include incisions beneath the breast fold and the removal of large amounts of stretched skin.

Areola Reduction

Oversized, prominent, or stretched areolae commonly accompany enlarged male breasts, and Dr Milovic can address any cosmetic concerns with areola reduction techniques. The goal is to create the appearance of flatter, more proportionally sized areolae to accompany the reduced chest.

Will I Need Anaesthesia During Male Breast Reduction?

Gynaecomastia correction and male breast reduction surgery are typically day procedures performed under general anaesthesia or twilight sedation. While anaesthesia is generally considered safe and effective, please be aware that it does have some risks. For patient safety, Dr Milovic chooses only to engage the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).

Prior to your surgery, you will be asked to provide a current list of all of your medications and allergies. For more information, we welcome you to discuss anaesthesia or sedation with Dr Milovic.

What Happens During the Male Breast Reduction Procedure?

Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, gynaecomastia surgery is typically performed as a day procedure or alternatively with an overnight hospital stay. Dr Milovic will only perform your gynaecomastia surgery in accredited operating facilities. Once you are anaesthetised, Dr Milovic will perform the surgical procedure as planned, likely using a combination of techniques to create the best possible outcome. Any incisions will be as hidden as possible. Once the chest has been sufficiently recontoured, the incisions will be closed and bandaged. You may also be placed into a compression garment to control swelling and promote proper healing.

What Can I Expect During Recovery After Gynaecomastia Surgery?

Recovery time will vary from patient to patient and will also depend on the extent of the surgery. Expect at least seven days off from work and allow for three weeks for most, if not all, swelling and bruising to disappear. Light exercise, such as walking, may be resumed within two to three days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two to three months. You will be given aftercare instructions to follow and if you have any questions, please call our offices.

Will I Have Scars After Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

As a major cosmetic surgery, male breast reduction will cause scarring; however, rest assured that Dr Milovic always strives to minimise noticeable scarring by carefully placing incisions.

If you so desire, Dr Milovic can recommend several solutions (such as silicone gel and laser treatments) to potentially expedite the healing of your scars.

How Long Do Male Breast Reduction Results Last?

While excess skin, tissue, and/or fat are permanently removed during male breast reduction surgery, certain post-surgical lifestyle habits can be employed to help reap the full benefits of the procedure into the future. For instance, steroids and select medications which can interfere with testosterone levels should be avoided where possible.

Dr Milovic can talk more with you about any medications you may currently be taking and address those concerns. Additionally, he can provide you with further instructions for maintaining your results during your consultation.

Gynaecomastia FAQs

How Common Is Gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is very common, affecting approximately 50% of men worldwide. The condition is especially prevalent in men older than 50.

Can Gynaecomastia Be Treated with Exercise?

In answering this popular question, it is important to note that while excess fatty tissue (e.g., “pseudogynaecomastia”) can be mitigated with exercise in some cases, gynaecomastia caused by excess skin or glandular tissue (sometimes referred to as “true gynaecomastia”) often cannot. This is because breast tissue does not respond to exercise or diet in the same way fat does.

Is Gynaecomastia Surgery Painful?

As male breast reduction surgery is typically performed using general anaesthesia, there should be little to no opportunity for discomfort throughout the procedure itself. You may notice some degree of swelling and soreness as you heal, but these reactions are typically quite normal and should subside in the weeks following surgery.

Gynaecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)