Gynecomastia Surgery in Auckland New Zealand by Dr Mark Gittos Plastic Surgeon
What is Gynecomastia?
Men can suffer from overly puffy or pointy breasts, man breasts or ‘Moobs‘. Enlarged male breasts are caused by a medical condition known as gynecomastia or just Gyno, which can cause untold embarrassment and stress. Male Breast Reduction Surgery can help.
Many men in New Zealand suffer from the condition with some estimates as high as 40%. And it’s not just older men with excess weight – young adolescents can see their chest go to the size of a C cup. Undergoing Male Breast Reduction surgery can offer a permanent solution to gynaecomastia, enabling you to lead a more normal life. More men are seeking Male Breast Reduction plastic surgery to get a flatter, more masculine-looking upper body.
Download Dr Mark Gittos’ Guide to Male Breast Surgery – Gynecomastia or Man Boobs
Male breast reduction is not a way to lose weight. Surgeons will discourage surgery for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or dieting or weight loss surgery.
Some men have more than two nipples (3 nipples or more) and this can also be surgically adjusted if required or desired.
Medical definition: Gynaecomastia surgery is a male breast reduction surgery. It aims to help men attain a flatter-looking, firmer chest contour. It involves liposuction and/or excisions to reduce excess skin or protruding tissues or fat deposits that have accumulated in the chest or breast area of men.
Watch Dr Gittos explain Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breasts
What causes Gynecomastia or Moobs?
Causes of gynaecomastia are varied and may include hormonal changes, obesity, substance use, androgen or testosterone imbalances, medication side effects and illnesses.
Causes of Gynaecomastia may include:
- hormonal changes that often occur with adolescence
- genetics (ethnicity or abnormality)
- increased levels of estrogen
- decreased or lacking testosterone
- androgen imbalances
- chronic kidney or liver disease
- HIV infection
- Chronic illnesses
- Over-use of certain drugs (like cannabis/marijuana, Anabolic steroids or alcohol)
- obesity and weight fluctuation
Physiological changes in hormone ratios just after birth, at puberty and late in life often create ‘moobs’.
Various drugs – medical or recreational – such as cannabis, steroids, methyldopa, phenothiazines, cimetidine, cyproterone acetate and drugs that inhibit testosterone also can have side-effects such as breast growth. Usually you will have been referred for treatment by your GP who knows what drugs you take and after doing the relevant physical examination and special investigations to exclude the above conditions.
It’s important to aim to understand the causes of your GYNECOMASTIA before you schedule surgery.
Your Surgeon may arrange some tests to assess potential underlying illnesses if these are suspected of influencing the appearance of your chest or nipple area.
Am I a good candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
This is best decided during a consultation, but generally speaking, if you are a healthy, emotionally stable man, with firm, elastic skin that will contract to your chest’s new contours after breast reduction, you will benefit from either liposuction or surgery to decrease your breast mounds.
If your male breasts visibly protrude through your clothing, you may want to consider Male Breast Reduction Surgery.
Our Male Breast Reduction specialist Plastic Surgeons see primarily two age groups and three types of males seeking treatment for ‘male boobs’:
- males in their teenage years who are embarrassed by the condition.
- men in their late forties or early-to-late fifties who want help restoring their lost chest firmness.
- men who have lost weight and have excess skin or fatty tissues in the chest area.
- body contouring patients who have experienced former obesity and significant weight loss.
- Social Discomfort is a primary motivation for having breast reduction surgery
Gynaecomastia isn’t typically physically dangerous unless it’s a symptom of an underlying medical problem. But having enlarged “male breasts” is often linked with emotional and social discomfort. Having man boobs can leave a man feeling very self-conscious about his body. It can also significantly impair a man’s self-confidence and clothing choices. Being able to take your shirt off during summer could be important to you.
Some males may avoid certain physical activities, relationships or even physical intimacy because of their chest.
Whilst nearly any man can develop Gynaecomastia, the most common incidences of “man boobs” tend to develop most noticeably during:
- periods of adolescence
- situations of weight gain or substance use
- medication side effects
- health problems or chromosomal variances
- hormonal changes that are common in the middle to later years of life
Some cases of gynaecomastia may simply improve with age – this is especially true of teenage boys. If the condition is caused by being overweight then we strongly recommend a supervised diet and fitness programme as the best initial treatment.
You can be SUPER fit and still have puffy looking breasts or nipples. If you want to find out if you are a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery. Or you would like to rule out different links to your moobs. Find out your options with a confidential consultation with a Plastic Surgeon.
Why do men have Gynaecomastia Surgery?
- Are you embarrassed by your “man boobs”?
- Do you wish you could wear tight-fitting shirts again or the latest slimline shirt fashions?
- Are you afraid to take your shirt off in front of someone you’re wanting to impress?
- Do you hate summer because you’re uncomfortable going shirtless or topless?
Male Breast Surgery Procedure
Gyno Surgery is usually done by Liposuction, Surgical excision or a combination of both depending on the breast.
If liposuction is the preferred treatment, it will usually be performed under general anaesthetic. The process involves making two tiny incisions hidden at the edge of the areolar margin and the excess fat is removed and the chest shape sculptured.
Liposuction is best suited to small breast mounds composed mostly of fatty tissue in men with good elastic skin tone. It involves making 2 – 3 small incisions through which the excess tissue is sucked out.
When there is also a lump of breast tissue below the nipple then liposuction is best combined with direct excision of the tissue mound through a small incision hidden along the edge of the areola.
In the rare instance where there is loose droopy skin as well a skin removal and tightening procedure may also be needed. These two procedures are also performed under a General Anaesthetic and the each side takes about 90 minutes to complete.
The Surgical technique used depends on the size of your breast mounds and the elastic tone of your skin. At the least, incisions are made around half the circumference of the areolar skin, but may stretch all the way around the areolar, then vertically down the chest wall and then in a symmetrical curve below – to leave an anchor-shaped scar.
The aim of either liposuction, or surgery for this condition is to produce as predictable, stable and aesthetic a breast shape for you as possible.
If you wish to book an appointment please contact our friendly staff.
Recovery after Male Breast Surgery
Naturally there will be mild discomfort after your surgery, but this will improve and is easily treated with painkillers. Activities such as lifting will tend to make symptoms worse. You will normally be allowed home the day after surgery. We will arrange a follow-up appointments on a weekly basis with our specialist nurses and then you will see your dedicated specialist after six weeks.
How much time you need off work also varies between individuals – it can be up to 2 weeks. It really depends on what you do, and the precise nature of your treatment. Allow for about 1 to 2 weeks off of normal duties and you may be required to wear a compression garment for several weeks or months to help you get good results. No heavy lifting or heavy exercising for several weeks as your Surgeon will advise.
What types of Surgeons or Doctors perform Male Breast Surgery for Gynaecomastia?
Several surgeons may offer this procedure, but it’s best to choose a FRACS qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who has adequate training and credentials. Look for FRACS membership as a Specialist (versus a GP or skin disease doctor) and look for ISAPS, ASPS or ASAPS memberships.
Good Surgeons often have hospital operating privileges in actual hospitals and are able to use general anaesthetic; less trained/less credentialled surgeons tend to ONLY operate in clinic back rooms with awake surgery methods (twilight anaesthetic) which can be an unwelcome prospect for patients as well as potentially risky should something not go to plan or should sterilisation not be properly monitored.
ALL MALE PLASTIC SURGERY ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
Costs – How much is a Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
All Surgery is customised and your surgeon will give you a price for surgery depending on the type of procedure you are having and the hospital you attend
After your initial consultation, you will be given a detailed quote. This will include the surgeon’s fee, Anaesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee and the hospital fees.
We can also provide information on Health Insurance, Finance, Payment Plan and different methods of payment.
How to find a Gynecomastia Surgeon in Auckland
For many men in New Zealand, having Gynecomastia Surgery is a life-changing experience. There are many qualified doctors, but it is always best to find one who is experienced in male breast procedures. Always look for an experienced surgeon that you feel comfortable with and get a second opinion.
Why Choose Dr Mark Gittos – Auckland Plastic Surgeon?
With a wealth of experience and training, Dr Gittos is dedicated to best practice patient care and education, customising surgery for each and every patient to best meet their needs and desired surgical outcomes. Dr Gittos has a current FRACS membership and significant male breast surgery experience.
About Dr Mark Gittos FRACS (Plast) – New Zealand Plastic Surgeon
Practice locations in Herne Bay Auckland, Northland and Bay of Plenty – Kerikeri, Whangarei, New Plymouth & Tauranga
Dr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in Herne Bay, Auckland and in the UK. The practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.
Dr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years. With worldwide expertise Dr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.
Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.
NEXT STEPS
Please NOTE: Dr Gittos only performs surgery on non-smoker patients with a BMI less than 30. To check your BMI please visit the NZ Heart Foundation website. For help giving up smoking before surgery visit the Smoke Free website
Do your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Browse our Frequently Asked Questions including how to choose a Surgeon for your procedure
- Download and read the FREE Guides to Surgery
What to Bring to your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided thoroughly
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress for examination
- Bring your medical referral and any relevant medical documents or test results
Book your Initial Surgery Consultation
- A Referral from your GP or specialist is helpful but NOT essential – you can have a consultation without a GP Referral
- Email us or Call on 09 529 5352 to arrange your surgeon consultation appointment.
- Book a consultation with Dr Gittos by paying the Consultation Fee – $350 incl GST
Traveling for Surgery? – Consider post-surgery luxury recovery in a Hotel with LuxeCare
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 09 529 5352 during Clinic Hours
