Say goodbye to gynaecomastia with liposuction

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

Millions of teens and adult men worldwide experience what is known as gynaecomastia, which can be treated with liposuction.

So what is gynaecomastia? Gynaecomastia occurs as a result of excessive chest fat, which in some cases resembles a female breast shape.

Dr Gavin Chan explains, “It’s important that your Cosmetic Doctor determines whether your problem is due to glandular tissue or chest fat.” This will be discussed in detail at your consultation with Dr Gavin Chan, where tests can be ordered. These can include blood tests, ultrasounds, and hormonal tests. If glandular tissue is evident under the nipple, it may indicate hormonal imbalances.

What causes gynaecomastia to develop?

Known causes of gynaecomastia (the enlargement of the male chest) can be physiological or pathological including:

• Hormonal disorders, including increased levels of oestrogen or decreased levels of testosterone
• Genetics
• Excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol
• Anabolic steroid use
• Klinefelter’s syndrome
• Weight fluctuation or obesity
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• HIV infection

Pseudo-gynaecomastia is a type of man boobs that have been caused by an accumulation of fat with usually no underlying medical pathology.

How can gynaecomastia be surgically treated?

Doctors who have experience and training with this procedure should treat your gynaecomastia medically and surgically. Dr Gavin Chan notes after the underlying cause of your man boobs has been determined and treated (if hormone imbalances are evident) it’s possible to treat your man boobs. There are a number of techniques available including:

• Removing excess fat, skin and/or breast tissue from your chest
• Liposuction
• Ultrasonic liposuction

Surgery and liposuction are often used to treat gynaecomastia. Glandular tissue is removed surgically because liposuction can’t be used on glandular tissues, as the cannula ports are too fine to suction them out. Liposuction is performed with a cannula that is inserted through skin incisions. The cannula is attached to a vacuum source that is passed back and forth through the treatment areas. Liposuction techniques include vaser ultrasonic liposuction or Microaire power-assisted liposuction.

This result is only relevant for this patient and does not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. The outcome of each procedure cannot be guaranteed, and individual results may vary for many reasons including genetics, diet and exercise. Every medical procedure carries its own set of risks, side effects and potential complications. Prior to undergoing any treatment, it is necessary to have a consultation to assess your suitability for the procedure. Patient consent has been obtained to display these images.

Who is usually a good candidate for gynaecomastia liposuction treatment?

Men who are the best candidates for liposuction in the chest area usually have an excess of fat in one or both breasts. Good candidates for gynaecomastia liposuction generally include:

• Men with persistent gynaecomastia. If the enlargement of breast tissue persists despite efforts to address it through other means, such as medication or weight loss, liposuction may be considered.
• Men in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
• It’s important to have a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the surgery.
• Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, so patients are typically advised to quit smoking before undergoing liposuction.
• Those who are committed to post-operative care following their liposuction surgery. Patients need to adhere to post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure optimal healing and results.

The development of male breasts can begin during the teenage years. Men in their 40s and 50s who experience weight changes and/or hormonal deficiencies can also develop male breasts (gynaecomastia).

Dr Gavin Chan has performed many liposuction procedures on male breasts. It’s important to note that each patient is assessed on a case-by-case basis and that thorough consultations are conducted before every liposuction surgery.

What happens during a gynaecomastia liposuction procedure?

The procedure is performed in an accredited day surgery centre and can be performed under light sedation, local anaesthesia or general anaesthetic. Prior to your procedure, you’ll meet your doctor again for a final pre-operative consultation where they’ll photograph and mark the areas to be treated.

In the operating theatre, an intravenous cannula is inserted into the back of your hand to administer the sedatives and analgesics that will be used during your procedure. Your skin is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution before incisions are made in the treatment area for the liposuction cannula’s insertion. A local anaesthetic solution is injected into the fat of the treatment area to expand the fat layer, which aids in the removal of the male breast fat with the liposuction cannula.

During your consultation with your Cosmetic Doctor, they will inform you of the possible risks and complications of liposuction. You can also read more about the risks and side effects of gynaecomastia liposuction by clicking here. While liposuction is usually an effective procedure to remove fat, you must be fully aware of the risks associated with the surgery.

Gynaecomastia liposuction treatment in Melbourne

Dr Gavin Chan has performed many gynaecomastia liposuction treatments in Melbourne. When having your consultation for liposuction, we recommend asking your Cosmetic Doctor this list of questions:

• How many gynaecomastia liposuction procedures do they perform every year?
• What qualifications, experience and training do they have for this procedure?
• Can you view before and after photos of other male patients who have had gynaecomastia liposuction?

Before our male patients have liposuction treatment, several consultations are required. During the initial consultation, the Doctor reviews the patient’s health and fitness, obtains a detailed medical history, assesses the fat distribution, takes photographs and measurements, provides a detailed quotation for surgery including all theatre and anaesthesia costs, and discusses any risks and complications of gynaecomastia liposuction surgery. Pathology tests may also be ordered at this appointment. After any underlying causes are ruled out and if they are deemed medically fit for the surgery, further consultations are held to discuss treatment options.

To arrange your consultation to discuss liposuction for gynaecomastia call us on 1300 863 824.