Gynecomastia surgery, also known as Male Breast Reduction, is a procedure designed to address excess breast tissue in men. Many men in Melbourne and Tasmania look for a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon when they experience persistent excess breast volume that does not respond to diet or exercise.
Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne and Launceston who performs Male Breast Reduction surgery in accredited hospitals in Melbourne. Below is information about what gynecomastia surgery involves, how the procedure is performed and how surgical planning is determined.
Gynecomastia refers to the benign enlargement of male breast tissue. It may affect one or both sides of the chest and can occur at different stages of life, including adolescence and adulthood.
There are numerous causes of Gynecomastia, including but not limited to:
In some cases, what appears to be gynecomastia may instead be excess fatty tissue (sometimes referred to as pseudogynecomastia). A thorough assessment is required to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management/treatment.
Male Breast Reduction surgery may be considered when:
Surgery is not always the first step. During consultation, Dr Kode conducts a comprehensive assessment, reviews medical history and may recommend investigations if required before discussing surgical options.
Gynecomastia surgery can involve the removal of excess glandular tissue, fatty tissue, or both, to achieve a flatter chest appearance.
The surgical approach depends on the individual’s anatomy and tissue composition.
Where excess fatty tissue is a significant component of gynecomastia, Liposuction may be used to remove fat deposits through small incisions. These incisions are typically less than 1 cm in length and are often placed along the chest wall or at the edge of the areola where possible to reduce visibility.
Where clinically appropriate, Dr Kode aims to use the Liposuction technique, as it generally involves smaller incisions and may result in less noticeable scarring compared to excision technique. This can be an important consideration for male patients, as chest scars may be more visible given that men are more likely to go shirtless in public settings.
Dr Kode utilises techniques such as tumescent and power-assisted Liposuction, which are designed to assist with fat removal while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues.
However, if firm glandular tissue is present or there is significant skin laxity, Liposuction alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, surgical excision of glandular tissue, with or without additional skin management, may be required to address the underlying anatomy.
Dr Kode’s aim is to achieve optimal results while prioritising safety and anatomical suitability. The most suitable technique is determined following a comprehensive consultation and physical examination.
Where dense or fibrous glandular tissue is present and cannot be adequately addressed with Liposuction alone, surgical excision may be required. This is typically performed through an incision positioned along the lower half of the areola, allowing direct access to the underlying glandular tissue.
The excision technique enables targeted removal of firm tissue and can result in a flatter chest where glandular volume is a significant component.
In some cases, gynecomastia may involve both excess fatty tissue and glandular volume. In these situations, Liposuction and surgical excision may be utilised to address both components.
The surgical plan is developed following careful assessment of skin elasticity, tissue composition, chest symmetry and the individual preferences discussed during consultation.
Dr Gary Kode performs Gynecomastia surgery in accredited hospitals while the patient is under general anaesthesia. Accredited hospitals meet strict safety and regulatory standards, including trained medical staff, appropriate monitoring and emergency protocols.
The duration of surgery varies depending on the extent of tissue removal and whether one or both sides are treated. The procedure can take between 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on the specifics of the procedure, its complexity and whether one or both sides are being treated.
The location of the incisions are placed strategically to reduce their visibility (where possible). Incision locations may include:
All surgery results in scars. Scar quality and visibility vary depending on individual healing characteristics, skin type and adherence to postoperative instructions.
Scars can take upwards of 12 months to fully mature and settle. How they are managed during the healing phase can influence their long-term appearance.
A range of scar management options may be recommended, including topical creams, silicone sheets and other treatments depending on individual healing and scar characteristics.
If you would like further information about scar care and available treatment options, this can be discussed with Dr Kode during your follow-up appointments.
Suitability for Gynecomastia surgery is determined on an individual basis. Men who may be considered suitable candidates are typically:
Men with significant excess skin or those who have experienced significant weight loss may require a different surgical approach, which can be discussed during a consultation.
Before proceeding with Gynecomastia surgery, it is important to understand:
Dr Kode provides detailed information regarding potential risks, complications and the expected recovery process during consultation.
For more information please visit our Risks and Complications page.
No two cases of gynecomastia are identical. The degree of excess tissue, skin elasticity, chest anatomy and overall health all influence surgical planning.
During consultation, Dr Gary Kode performs a physical examination and discusses:
This individualised approach allows for informed decision-making and tailored treatment planning.
If you are considering Male Breast Reduction surgery and are located in Melbourne or Tasmania, a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Kode is the first step.
Dr Gary Kode consults in both Melbourne and Launceston, with all surgical procedures performed in accredited hospitals in Melbourne. A consultation allows for a thorough medical assessment, discussion of treatment options and personalised advice based on your anatomy and goals.