Gynaecomastia procedure: what happens during male breast reduction surgery?
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Gynaecomastia surgery is designed to reduce excess tissue in the male chest. For many men, this may include firm glandular tissue behind the nipple, fatty tissue across the chest, or a combination of both. The procedure is planned carefully around your chest shape, your skin, and what is safe and appropriate for you.
Gynaecomastia procedure explained by plastic surgeon Andrew Hadj
Male breast reduction: step by step
A common approach includes direct glandular excision, often combined with liposuction, to reduce excess tissue and help shape the chest. The exact details of your procedure will depend on what we find during your consultation and what is causing the fullness in your chest.
Anaesthetic
First, you will meet the theatre team and your anaesthetist. They will talk you through what to expect before you go into theatre.
Gynaecomastia surgery is typically performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. Once you are comfortable and asleep, the surgery can begin.
Incisions
Once you are asleep, I will carefully mark the chest and plan the areas that need treatment.
Small incisions are then made to access the glandular tissue and, when needed, to perform liposuction. These incisions are placed as discreetly as possible, often around the areola or in small access points that allow the chest to be treated carefully.
If there is firm glandular tissue behind the nipple, this is removed directly. If there is excess fatty tissue around the chest, liposuction may be used to help smooth and blend the surrounding contour.
Many men need both techniques, because gland and fat often sit together in the chest.
Closing the incisions
Once the excess tissue has been reduced, the incisions are closed with sutures and dressings are applied.
You will then be transferred to the recovery room, where the nursing team will monitor you closely as you wake up from the anaesthetic.
Result
When you wake up, your chest will be supported with a firm compression bandage or garment. This helps support the treated area and manage early swelling.
You may notice a change in your chest shape straight away, but it is normal for the area to feel firm, tight, swollen or bruised in the first stage of recovery. The chest continues to settle over time.
After 24 hours, the compression bandage may be changed to a fitted athletic sports vest. You will usually need to wear this vest for 4 weeks; 2 weeks strictly, then 2 weeks at night.
Gynaecomastia surgery can provide a long-term change in chest contour, particularly when glandular tissue is removed. However, your chest can still change over time.
Weight changes, hormones, medications, recreational drug use, or other health factors may influence the chest in the future. During your consultation, Dr Andrew Hadj will talk with you about what may affect your gynaecomastia surgery results and what is realistic for your body.
Dr Andrew Hadj performs gynaecomastia surgery at several private hospitals in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. If you are considering male breast reduction surgery in Brisbane, your hospital location will be discussed with you during your consultation, based on your procedure, your health, and what is most appropriate for your care.
Please scroll to the section below for the full list of hospitals Dr Andrew Hadj uses for gynaecomastia surgery in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Yes. Dr Andrew Hadj performs gynaecomastia surgery at private hospitals on the Gold Coast, as well as in Brisbane.
If you are considering male breast reduction surgery on the Gold Coast, your hospital location will be discussed during your consultation. This will depend on your procedure, your health, hospital availability, and what is most appropriate for your care.
Please scroll to the section below for the full list of hospitals Dr Andrew Hadj uses for gynaecomastia surgery in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms: Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters. I operate at
Gold Coast & Brisbane plastic surgeon Andrew Hadj answers your questions about gynaecomastia
Frequently asked questions about gynaecomastia surgery
The gynaecomastia recovery process is well tolerated. The first days after surgery, you can go for a light walk. You cannot do any heavy lifting and exercise for 4 weeks and this is critical to avoid excess swelling and bleeding in the chest.
Gynaecomastia is enlargement of the male breast area. It may involve glandular tissue, fatty tissue, or both, and it can affect one or both sides of the chest.
You can read more about causes, symptoms and suitability for surgery on the main gynaecomastia page.
Liposuction may be used when there is fatty tissue around the chest. It can help soften the transition between the treated area and the surrounding chest, especially when fullness extends beyond the nipple area.
It may. When tissue is removed from behind the nipple, the nipple and areola may sit flatter against the chest. Temporary numbness, swelling or firmness can occur while the area heals.
Many men notice that one side of their chest feels fuller or looks different in clothing. During surgery, each side is assessed carefully. One side may need a slightly different amount of gland removal or liposuction to improve balance.
Recovery after gynaecomastia usually involves wearing compression, resting, and avoiding heavy lifting or gym training for a period of time. Swelling and bruising are expected early on.
A more detailed recovery guide will be available on the gynaecomastia recovery page.
Gynaecomastia surgery Brisbane & Gold Coast
Understanding gynaecomastia and male breast reduction surgery
Gynaecomastia before and after photos
These images show examples of male breast reduction surgery performed by Dr Andrew Hadj. Every patient’s chest shape, skin, tissue and healing process is different, so your own outcome may vary.
Before and after images are shown with patient consent. They are intended as general examples only and do not guarantee a specific result.
