What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue, resulting in a more feminine breast appearance. This condition can affect one or both breasts and is typically caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels. While it is common during puberty, it can also occur in adults due to hormonal fluctuations, medications, or underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

  • Swelling or Enlargement: The most noticeable symptom is an increase in the size of the male breasts.

  • Tenderness: Some men may experience pain or tenderness in the enlarged tissue.

  • Asymmetry: The condition can affect both breasts symmetrically or asymmetrically.

  • Nipple Sensitivity: Men with gynecomastia may notice increased sensitivity or changes in the shape of the nipple.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can arise from various causes, including:

Hormonal Imbalance:

  • Puberty: Hormonal changes during adolescence often lead to temporary gynecomastia.
  • Aging: As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, sometimes causing an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen, which may lead to breast tissue enlargement.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can induce gynecomastia, such as anabolic steroids, anti-androgens (used in prostate cancer treatment), and some anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions like obesity, thyroid disorders, liver disease, and kidney failure can alter hormone levels and contribute to gynecomastia.

Substance Abuse:
Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, including certain prescription medications, can lead to gynecomastia.

Weight Gain:
Excessive body fat can lead to the development of pseudo-gynecomastia, where the appearance of enlarged breasts results from fat rather than glandular tissue.

Genetic Factors:
Some men may have a genetic predisposition to gynecomastia, which can lead to an imbalance in hormone levels or sensitivity to estrogen.

Planning Your Gynaecomastia Surgery

Your Gynaecomastia Consultation

During a surgical consultation, a careful medical history is obtained to look for potential causes of this condition. If no reversible medical condition is found, surgical correction may be suggested.

Your Gynaecomastia Surgery

Surgical correction involves a small incision around the lower half of the areola. In order to maintain blood-flow and preserve sensation in the nipple and areola, they remain attached to the pectoral by a thin stalk of tissue throughout this process.

This is followed by a combination of liposuction and direct excision to achieve a natural chest contour, after which the incisions are sutured. The stitches are usually located around the lower half of the areola.

The procedure takes one to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

After Gynaecomastia Surgery

A simple dressing at the wound site with a compression bandage over the chest area must be worn on the treated area for a week after surgery. This can be uncomfortable but is necessary for effective healing. Drainage tubes may be applied to remove excess fluids from the wounds and reduce the formation of bruises. These are removed few hours after surgery.

Usually, the patients can go home the same day.

A follow up appointment will be arranged a week after the surgery. During this visit, the dressing will be taken off and the wound will be reviewed.

The sutures are always dissolvable.

Surgical Technique: Liposuction, Excision, or Both

  • Liposuction‑only: If excess fat predominates, the surgeon makes small incisions (around the areola, underarm, or chest fold) and inserts a cannula to suction out fat and sculpt a flatter chest.
  • Glandular Tissue Excision (± skin removal): If dense breast tissue or significant skin excess is present, the surgeon makes a small incision (often around the areola), removes glandular tissue, and may excise extra skin to reshape and flatten the chest.
  • Combined Approach: In many cases — especially with moderate-to-severe gynecomastia — surgeons combine liposuction and direct excision to remove fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin for the best chest contour and aesthetic outcome.

The breast reduction in Sydney usually takes about 1–3 hours under general anaesthesia or sedation.

Returning to Work and Normal Activities after Gynaecomastia

You will have to rest completely for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.

It is quite normal to experience a burning sensation during this time.

It may be possible to return to work after as little as three days but only if it does not require you to lift heavy objects.

You’ll be back to normal activities and exercising after two to three weeks.

Expected Outcomes

  • A flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest contour.
  • Reduced chest size, improved symmetry, and normalised areola/nipple position if required.
  • Minimal visible scarring, especially when incisions are placed around the areola or under natural folds.
  • Permanent reduction of fatty and glandular tissue, provided weight remains stable and no hormonal triggers recur.

Light walking is allowed from Day 1. Most patients resume lower-body exercise at 2–3 weeks, light upper-body training at 4 weeks, and full chest workouts at 6–8 weeks, depending on healing and swelling.

Scarring depends on the technique. Liposuction-only cases leave 2–3 small incisions (about 3–5 mm). Gland excision leaves a scar along the edge of the areola, which usually fades over 6–12 months.

Results are long-lasting. Once gland tissue is removed, it does not grow back, unless triggered by significant hormonal imbalance, certain medications, or substantial weight gain.

A consultation can be booked at any time. Your surgeon will review your medical history, examine the chest area, and assess whether the gynaecomastia is glandular, fatty, or mixed.

Bring your referral letter with you. A medical and psychological history form will be filled out during your visit.

The cost of Gynaecomastia Sydney depends on several factors, including the technique, surgeon’s expertise, and hospital fees. At Australia Plastic Surgery, the prices of Male Breast Reduction is around $7,900-$11,990. We offer transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and detailed consultations to help you make an informed decision.

Book your personalised Gynaecomastia Sydney consultation today and take the first step towards a refreshed, confident you!

What Are The Risks Associated With This Procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

For additional information, please refer to our FAQ page.