Gynaecomastia Melbourne (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynaecomastia, the enlargement of male breast tissue, is a condition that can affect individuals at various stages of life, including adolescence and adulthood. It may influence posture, clothing preferences, and physical comfort. Many people across Melbourne seek professional advice to understand their treatment options. Dr Gary Kode, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, offers Gynaecomastia surgery in Melbourne and provides care tailored to each individual’s needs with a focus on safety, planning, and informed decision-making.

What is Gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia surgery, also known as Male Breast Reduction surgery, is a procedure designed to remove excess glandular tissue and/or fatty deposits from the chest area. This condition can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, genetics, or underlying medical conditions. In some cases, the tissue enlargement is primarily glandular; in others, it may involve a greater volume of fat, or both.

Dr Gary Kode provides a tailored surgical plan based on each individual’s presentation and clinical needs.

Am I a suitable Candidate for Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Surgery?

Suitability for gynaecomastia surgery depends on several factors, including the cause and extent of tissue enlargement, overall health, and individual goals. A consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Kode is essential to determine whether surgery may be appropriate for your circumstances. Generally, individuals may be considered for surgery if they:

• Have persistent enlargement of breast tissue that does not resolve with lifestyle or medical interventions
• Are at a stable weight and in good general health
• Do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking prior to and after surgery
• Have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the surgical process and possible outcomes

Gynaecomastia can affect adolescents and adults, but surgery is typically recommended once breast development has stabilised. During your consultation with Dr Gary Kode, a full assessment will be undertaken, and a personalised treatment plan discussed based on your needs and preferences.

Surgical Techniques for Male Breast Reduction

Dr Gary Kode conducts a detailed, individualised assessment of each patient’s chest structure to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. Techniques may include:

Glandular Excision: Dense, fibrous breast tissue that may not be addressed through liposuction alone can be surgically removed via a small incision, typically positioned around the lower half of the areola. This allows targeted removal of glandular tissue and contributes to a flatter chest appearance.

Liposuction: Liposuction is used to remove excess fatty tissue and can help alter the overall proportions of the chest area. Dr Kode uses techniques such as tumescent and power-assisted liposuction to reduce disruption to surrounding tissues during the procedure.

Dual Approach: In many cases, both glandular excision and liposuction are performed together. This dual technique allows for comprehensive changes to the chest by addressing both glandular and fatty components.

The surgical plan is developed with consideration of skin elasticity, tissue composition, chest symmetry, and the individual’s preferences discussed during consultation.

What to Expect During a Consultation

During an in-depth consultation at his Melbourne clinic, Dr. Gary Kode thoroughly evaluates each patient’s health, medical history, chest anatomy, and personal goals. Pre-operative investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist referrals may be recommended in some cases for patient safety.

The surgical plan, anaesthetic options, post-operative instructions, scar management strategies, and potential risks are discussed in detail. Patients should ask questions and reflect on their decision without pressure, supporting informed consent.

What to Expect During Gynaecomastia Surgery

Gynaecomastia surgery is typically performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia. The entire process usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the techniques involved.

• Pre-operative Preparation: Before entering the operating theatre, patients meet with Dr Gary Kode and the anaesthetist to review the surgical plan and confirm any last details. The chest area is marked while the patient is standing to guide incision placement and tissue removal.
• Anaesthesia: Once in theatre, general anaesthesia is administered. This ensures the patient remains asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
• Incision Placement: For liposuction, small incisions (typically less than 1 cm) are made, often along the chest wall or under the areola. For glandular excision, a incision is made around the lower border of the areola to access and remove dense breast tissue.
• Tissue Removal: Liposuction is performed first, using a thin cannula to remove excess fatty tissue. If glandular excision is required, dense tissue beneath the nipple-areola complex is carefully dissected and removed. In some cases, both techniques are used to achieve a more comprehensive result.
• Haemostasis and Closure: Bleeding is controlled before the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. The incisions are dressed with surgical tape or dressings to support healing.
• Compression Garment: A medical compression garment is placed on the chest after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and supports the surgical area during initial recovery.
• Post-operative Monitoring: Patients are monitored in recovery for a few hours before discharge.

Dr Kode will provide detailed aftercare instructions and arrange a follow-up appointment to assess healing and progress.

Recovery After Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Surgery

Following surgery, patients are fitted with a support garment, which is worn day and night for the first four weeks to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues, and then during the day for an additional two months. It assists in reducing fluid accumulation and maintaining the new chest appearance. Additional aspects of recovery include:

• Drain Management: Surgical drains are only used when open excision is performed. These are typically removed within 24 hours to reduce the risk of fluid build-up and support early healing.
• Scar Care: Hypafix tape may be applied to incision sites for up to 3 months, provided the chest is not excessively hairy and no tape allergy develops. In some cases, silicone sheets or topical gels may be recommended to support scar maturation and help optimise cosmetic outcomes.
• Activity Restrictions: For the first three weeks, patients are advised to avoid activities that increase heart rate, body temperature, or blood pressure. Heavy lifting, upper body exercises, and contact sports should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing.
• Follow-up Schedule: Post-operative care includes regular reviews with Dr Gary Kode at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months to monitor healing, manage any concerns, and assess results.

Most individuals can return to non-strenuous, office-based work within 7 to 10 days, although timelines may vary depending on the specifics of the procedure and personal recovery pace. Swelling gradually subsides, with final results are typically between 3 to 6 months after surgery.

Risks and Considerations of Gynaecomastia Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, Male Breast Reduction surgery carries potential risks. These may include:

• Bleeding or haematoma formation: Blood pooling under the skin, which may require drainage.
• Infection: Rare with appropriate perioperative antibiotics and sterile technique.
• Changes in nipple or chest skin sensation: These changes may be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent.
• Poor scarring: Scars can vary in appearance and occasionally become hypertrophic or keloid.
• Asymmetry: Differences in symmetry may persist despite meticulous surgical technique.
• Irregular shape or residual glandular tissue: May require revision surgery in a minority of cases.
• Risk of recurrence: as the cause of the problem is mostly not identified, it may not be possible to prevent recurrence.

During the consultation, Dr. Gary Kode provides a transparent discussion about all risks and explains strategies employed to reduce the likelihood of these complications. Informed consent is an integral part of ethical, patient-centred care.

For more information visit our Risks and Complications of Surgery page.

Choosing a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon for Gynaecomastia Surgery

Selecting an appropriately qualified specialist is an important part of planning for any surgery. A surgeon’s training, clinical experience, and approach to patient care can all contribute to your surgical experience and outcome.

Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, including procedures to address gynaecomastia. He performs a thorough clinical assessment and works with each patient to develop an individualised surgical plan aligned with their anatomy and goals.

Patients considering surgery are advised to seek a second opinion and make informed decisions based on evidence-based guidance, realistic expectations, and open communication with their surgeon.

FAQs About Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia) Surgery

Next Steps

If you are considering Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia) surgery, the first step is to book a consultation with Dr Gary Kode in Melbourne. During this private appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and receive clinical information relevant to your circumstances.

Dr Kode provides individualised care and supports patients throughout the surgical process. The consultation aims to help you understand the procedure, possible outcomes, potential risks, and recovery considerations so you can make an informed decision about proceeding with surgery.

Further Reading

• Read more about Breast Reduction Melbourne (Reduction Mammoplasty)
• Read more about Breast Surgery