Gynaecomastia Surgery Male Breast Reduction on the Gold Coast
Gynaecomastia is enlargement of the male chest caused by an increase in glandular breast tissue, sometimes together with excess fat. It is common and can occur at any age, and is often linked to hormonal changes, certain medications or substances, weight, or an underlying condition. Gynaecomastia surgery — also called male breast reduction — aims to restore a flatter, firmer chest contour by removing the excess glandular tissue and, where present, fat, and in larger cases redundant skin. It is an operation carried out under general anaesthesia; it carries risks, involves permanent scars and a recovery period, and is considered once any underlying or reversible cause has been assessed. Whether surgery is appropriate for you is determined at a one-on-one consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
Types in DetailUnderstanding the types of gynaecomastia
Firm breast tissue that needs surgical removal
True or glandular gynaecomastia is caused by an increase in the firm glandular tissue behind the nipple. This tissue does not respond to weight loss or exercise and cannot be removed by liposuction alone, so it is excised surgically, usually through a small incision at the lower border of the areola.
How it is treated
- Small incision at the lower border of the areola
- Surgical excision of the firm glandular tissue
- A cuff of tissue left beneath the nipple to avoid hollowing
- Often combined with liposuction to blend the edges
Excess fat rather than glandular tissue
Pseudogynaecomastia describes chest fullness caused mainly by excess fat rather than glandular tissue, and is often related to weight. Where the skin has good tone, this can frequently be treated with liposuction alone, though a stable weight is important as weight gain can affect the result.
How it is treated
- Liposuction through small, hidden incisions
- Reduces and blends the fatty component
- Best suited to patients with good skin tone
- A stable weight helps maintain the result
A combination of gland and fat
Many patients have a combination of firm glandular tissue and excess fat. Treatment combines liposuction to address the fatty component with surgical excision of the gland, tailored to the balance present in your chest.
How it is treated
- Liposuction for the fatty component
- Excision of the firm glandular tissue
- Tailored to the balance of gland and fat
- Aims for a smooth, even chest contour
When loose skin also needs addressing
In larger cases, or after significant weight loss, there may be loose or excess skin that will not retract once the gland and fat are removed. Here, additional skin is removed and the nipple may be repositioned, which involves longer scars but achieves a flatter, firmer chest.
How it is treated
- Removal of excess, loose skin
- Repositioning of the nipple where needed
- Longer scars in exchange for skin tightening
- Planned individually to your anatomy
Before and afters Want to see our results with previous patients?
Who is a Good Candidate for Gynaecomastia Surgery?
Surgery is generally considered for men whose gynaecomastia has persisted and has not settled with time or with treatment of any underlying cause. Suitability is assessed individually, and factors generally considered include:
- Persistent Enlargement Chest enlargement that has been present for a long time (often more than 12 months) and has not resolved on its own or with treatment of any underlying cause.
- Stable Weight A stable, healthy weight, as surgery is not a substitute for weight loss and weight change can affect the result.
- Underlying Causes Reviewed Any medication, substance (including anabolic steroids) or medical condition contributing to the enlargement has been assessed, as these can cause it to return if they continue.
- Good Overall Health Being in good general health and a non-smoker (including vaping), or willing to stop before and after surgery, as smoking increases the risk of wound-healing problems.
- Realistic Expectations A clear understanding that scars are permanent, some asymmetry is normal, and results depend on your tissue.
An honest note: gynaecomastia surgery cannot guarantee a perfectly flat or symmetrical chest, and the result depends on your skin quality, the amount of gland and fat removed, and how your tissue heals. Scars are permanent, and if a hormonal cause, medication or steroid use continues, the enlargement can return. Larger cases with loose skin may need additional, longer scars. Whether surgery is right for you is assessed individually.
How is Gynaecomastia Surgery Performed?
The technique is tailored to how much of the enlargement is glandular tissue versus fat, and to the amount of excess skin. A general outline includes:
- Anaesthesia The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital, so you are asleep and do not feel pain during surgery.
- Liposuction Where excess fat is present, liposuction is used through small incisions to reduce and blend the fatty component and refine the chest contour.
- Gland Excision Firm glandular tissue that liposuction cannot remove is excised, usually through a small incision at the lower border of the areola. A cuff of tissue is deliberately left beneath the nipple to avoid a hollowed appearance.
- Skin Tightening In larger cases with significant loose skin, additional skin is removed and the nipple may be repositioned, which involves longer scars. Drains are sometimes used, and a compression garment is applied.
