Gynaecomastia surgery is one of the many procedures offered to patients at Dr. Peter Randle’s clinic in Perth. Dr. Peter Randle is a fully trained and qualified plastic surgeon with extensive experience providing gynaecomastia procedures for his patients.
What is Gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is a condition characterised by the excess breast tissue in men. This may occur in one or both breasts, and it can affect both adult men and teenagers. Gynaecomastia is often the result of hormone imbalances that cause increased oestrogen levels in men. Men may develop gynaecomastia during puberty, due to health conditions, or because of changes to the male metabolism. Typically, gynaecomastia is benign, and increased breast fat is considered more of a cosmetic issue than a health risk.
What Are The Causes of Gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia can have a range of potential causes. They may be due to bodily changes during puberty, specific medical conditions, or taking certain medications.
Puberty
Pubertal gynaecomastia is fairly common, as boys may experience fluctuations in their testosterone levels during this period. Often, this will go away on its own as puberty progresses. However, in some cases, it persists until adulthood.
Health Conditions
There are a variety of medical conditions that may result in men developing gynaecomastia. It may occur due to testicular tumours, pituitary gland tumours, or hyperthyroidism, which all have the potential to cause a hormonal imbalance in the body. Male breast cancer and prostate cancer may be the cause of these tumours, so it’s important to consult your doctor when you notice anything.
Inherited conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome and hyperthyroidism may have gynaecomastia as one of their symptoms. If you notice sudden gynaecomastia symptoms, it may be a sign of an underlying disease.
Medications
Taking medications has the potential to cause gynaecomastia if they react in a certain way with the human body. This is especially common in pharmaceuticals that have an effect on the body’s hormonal balance, like anabolic steroids, growth hormone, or anti-androgens. Aside from introducing entirely new medications, switching medications also has the potential to result in gynaecomastia in certain cases.
What are the symptoms of gynaecomastia?
The main symptoms that come along with gynaecomastia are breast enlargement and pain in the breast or nipples.
Enlarged Breasts
One of the primary symptoms of gynaecomastia is an enlargement of the breasts. While it may be even between the two breasts, it may also be fairly asymmetrical. The breast growth may also be uniform or uneven and full of lumps. Typically, growths will appear behind the nipples.
Breast Pain
Gynaecomastia can be painful in the breasts and nipples. Lumps that appear along with the increased body fat in the breasts may cause noticeable discomfort. Pain is especially common in teenagers experiencing gynaecomastia. It may cause sensitivity when making contact with clothing.
Gynaecomastia Surgical Procedure
Surgical treatment for gynaecomastia varies based on the type of tissue present in the patients. However, surgical excision is typically required when the breast gland tissue is considered excessive. This is done by dissecting the gland to remove it from the surrounding tissue. Meanwhile, fatty tissue can be removed by using liposuction when necessary. The surgical wound tends to be closed in layers, and dissolvable stitches are usually used to hold it together while it heals.
In certain cases, gynaecomastia treatment may necessitate additional surgical procedures. When significant glandular tissue has been removed from the breasts, their shape may not settle into the smaller contour. It may be required to remove excess skin from the chest wall in order to normalise their appearance.
In some cases, nipple reduction surgery may also be performed along with the standard gynaecomastia procedure. This is typically done for men who have experienced an enlargement of their nipples, which has caused them to protrude above their areolae.
Gynaecomastia Treatment Recovery
Gynaecomastia has a relatively short recovery period. Immediately following the procedure, patients can expect some pain and discomfort for a few days. However, they will typically be prescribed pain medication. The main swelling and bruising will heal within a period of a few weeks. However, it may take up to three months for the breasts to settle into their final appearance.
Why Choose Dr Peter Randle for Your Gynaecomastia Procedure?
If you’re looking for safe and effective gynaecomastia treatment, you should consult with a specialist plastic surgeon like Dr. Peter Randle (FRACS). He has received formal training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and is accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Dr. Randle has been working both in Australia and internationally for over a decade, providing patients with personalised and evidence-based care. Every procedure is performed in fully accredited facilities that meet Australian health and safety standards.
Every step of the way, from your first consultation to your post-operative recovery, Dr. Peter Randle and the team will take a comprehensive approach to helping you however they can. Treatments will be recommended based on the needs of the patient after careful assessment. This will ensure that you can make decisions with all the information you need. Contact us today and book yourself a first consultation.
Frequently asked questions about gynaecomastia
Is gynaecomastia surgery right for me?
To determine whether you are suitable for gynaecomastia surgery, it’s important to speak with your surgeon. They’re able to use methods like blood tests to determine whether there is any reason to avoid the treatment, such as an underlying medical condition.
What is the cost of gynaecomastia surgery?
The exact cost of your gynaecomastia surgery can vary based on a number of different factors, including your chosen surgeon, your particular circumstances, and whether your insurance covers the procedure. Typically, gynaecomastia will only be covered by insurance if it causes non-cosmetic issues.
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