Gynaecomastia

To see Dr Avery, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist who knows you well. Some people seek a consultation after speaking with family or friends, or following their own research into plastic surgery.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for considering surgery, your expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr Avery will take time to understand your health history and circumstances so that the information you receive is specific to you.

When you arrive at Avery, you will be welcomed by our Care Team and asked to complete a medical history form if this has not already been done. You are welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend with you to your consultation, should you wish, to help you collect and retain al of the information you need to make an informed decision about surgery.

As part of the consultation, Dr Avery will carry out an examination of the area of concern and provide information about whether surgery may be suitable for you. This discussion will include what the procedure involves, the possible risks and complications, and any limitations that may apply in your situation. The aim is to provide you with clear information about what surgery may or may not achieve, and whether it is an appropriate option for you.

Your consultation will also include discussion of the estimated costs associated with surgery.

After your appointment, our Care Team is available to answer any further questions, including those relating to fees and practical next steps.

At Avery, our focus is to provide you with accurate and personalised information to support your decision-making process before, during, and after surgery.

Gynaecomastia surgery may involve the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue from the chest area. This is often done using liposuction. In some cases, excision techniques may also be required to remove glandular tissue or excess skin.

Several incision approaches exist, and the most appropriate technique depends on factors such as breast anatomy, the composition of tissue, skin quality, and the extent of reduction required. These options are discussed during consultation in relation to individual circumstances.

Procedures are carried out under a general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital with appropriately trained staff present.

As with all surgical procedures, gynaecomastia surgery surgery does have risks, despite the highest standards of practice. It is not common practice for any surgeon to outline in detail every possible side effect or rare complication. However, it is important that you are informed of the more common risks and the less common but potentially very significant complications, so you can carefully weigh the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of surgery. It is usually possible to provide a more comprehensive list of potential risks and complications related to surgery, so that any risks particularly relevant to an individual can be identified and discussed further.

The following possible complications are listed to inform and not to alarm you. There may be other complications that are not listed. Smoking, obesity, and other significant medical problems will cause greater risk of complications.

Some general risks and possible complications of surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

• Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusion.
• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases.
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions.
• The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgery.
• Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening.
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s).
• Slow healing.
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia.
• Tissue cannot heal without scarring and that how one scars is dependent on individual genetic characteristics. Dr Avery will do his best to minimise scarring but cannot control its ultimate appearance.
• Smoking or using nicotine products during the 3–4-week pre-operative and post-operative periods is prohibited as these could dramatically increase the chances of complications.
• All medications I am currently taking, including prescriptions, over the counter remedies, herbal therapies and supplements, aspirin, and any other recreational drug or alcohol use can affect the safety of my surgery.
• There can be no guarantees about the results of any surgery.

Some specific risks for gynaecomastia surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

• Bleeding / haematoma requiring surgery.
• Infection.
• Asymmetry of breasts and/or nipples.
• Delayed healing.
• Discoloration / swelling.
• Different size than expected.
• Change in nipple and skin sensation.
• Discomfort (pain/sensitivity).
• Further surgery required.
• Disappointment / unsatisfactory result.
• Further recovery time if further surgery is required.
• Wound separation.
• Nipple retraction / contour irregularity.
• Restricted activity.
• Skin or nipple loss requiring further treatment.
• Unfavourable scar appearance.
• DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – clot in legs or PE (pulmonary embolus) – clot in lungs.
• Allergic reactions to tape, suture material, topical preparations, medications.

The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) has further information about male breast reduction surgery including the possible risks for this surgery.

Recovery varies between individuals. Most cases fall within a 4–6 week period, though this can vary based on surgical complexity and tissue characteristics.

Immediate post-op (first few days): Mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising are expected. Early discomfort is common, and rest is advised. Swelling typically peaks during this time.

Support & care: Wearing a compression garment for 2–6 weeks aids in controlling swelling and supporting chest contour during healing.

Progression of activity:

• Days 1–2: Rest, minimized upper-body movement, assistance with daily tasks is often necessary.
• Around Week 1: Discomfort and swelling may begin to ease. Light walking can usually resume if comfortable.
• Weeks 2–4: Many resume light activities and return to non-strenuous work, though guidance specific to individual healing remains crucial.
• By Week 6: Most are able to return to their usual exercise routines, including upper-body and chest workouts—subject to healing progress and surgeon guidance.

Additional considerations:

• Wound care & medical support: Dressings or drains may be used postoperatively to manage fluid; follow-up visits will cover wound care, signs of complications, and adjustments to care.

The financial aspects of your surgery are as important as the medical elements when planning for surgery. At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories: Self-funded – aesthetic surgery; self-funded – plastic and reconstructive surgery; and health insured – plastic and reconstructive surgery.

To make sense of these three financial categories, we have created a detailed price guide to help you understand what may or may not be covered by your health insurer/Medicare and your out of pocket expenses.

To download this guide, please click here.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our team on 02 4002 4150.

Gynaecomastia is considered a benign enlargement of male breast tissue. Breast cancer, while uncommon in men, can occur. Because both conditions may present as changes in the breast, nipple, or areola, it is important to have any new lumps or changes assessed by a doctor.

If you notice an increase in breast tissue, the first step is to have a medical assessment with your GP. This helps identify possible causes and rule out other conditions, including rare but possible malignancy. If appropriate, your GP may then refer you to a plastic surgeon to discuss whether surgery is a suitable option.

Scarring occurs with all surgical procedures. The size, location, and appearance of scars after gynaecomastia surgery depend on factors such as the surgical technique used, skin type, and individual healing responses. Scars generally change in appearance over time, but the degree of this change varies between people.

Outcomes are influenced by many individual factors, and the healing process will not be the same for everyone. These considerations are discussed during consultation so that the likely risks and limitations are understood in advance.

Gynaecomastia surgery generally involves removal of a portion of glandular breast tissue. In most cases, a small amount of tissue is left in place under the nipple–areola complex. This is because all men naturally have some breast tissue, and complete removal is not usually performed. The exact approach depends on individual anatomy, the extent of tissue enlargement, and the surgical technique used.

Changes in nipple sensation are possible after gynaecomastia surgery. Sensation may be reduced, altered, or, in some cases, lost. These changes may be temporary or permanent, and the likelihood can depend on the extent of the surgery and individual healing responses.

For more information, please see the risks section on this page.

The timing of returning to exercise after gynaecomastia surgery varies between individuals and depends on the extent of the operation and the healing process. Light activity such as walking is often introduced within the first two weeks. More strenuous exercise is generally delayed for several weeks, and resumption of full activity is usually guided by follow-up assessment and individual recovery progress.

Some discomfort and restriction of movement are expected after gynaecomastia surgery. The degree of pain and limitation varies depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing responses. Pain relief strategies are usually planned before leaving hospital and may include tablets, injections, and supportive measures such as dressings and garments.

Patients are generally advised to limit excessive movement of the chest area for the first two weeks. The timing of resuming normal activity is guided by recovery progress and medical review. If pain increases after surgery, this should be assessed to ensure healing is proceeding as expected.

Private health insurance does not usually cover procedures that are considered cosmetic and do not have an associated Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number. In situations where surgery is performed to address developmental differences, changes from trauma, or certain medical concerns, a Medicare item number may apply. If an item number is relevant, some costs may be covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurer.

Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and your level of health cover, so it is important to confirm details directly with Medicare and your health fund.

Sun exposure can affect the healing of scars, including their pigmentation and long-term appearance. Scars are generally more sensitive to sunlight during the first year after surgery. It is advisable to protect scars from direct sun exposure until they have matured, which may take up to 12 months. Options for temporary skin colour, such as spray tanning, may be considered once wounds have fully healed. The timing for this should be confirmed with your surgeon.