male-body-contouringOur society places a high value on looking young and fit. Gym memberships have soared over the past 20 years or so, and a good physique is equated with success.

However, few of us are born perfect. Even the fittest male can have an overgrowth of breast tissue or gynaecomastia.

The medical term gynaecomastia comes from the Greek word for “woman-like breasts”.

It’s much more common than is generally recognised, affecting an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men, especially those over 50.

Although there are certain medical conditions and drugs (including marijuana and alcohol) that can cause enlarged breasts, in the vast majority of cases, there is no known cause.

The problem is primarily cosmetic, causing embarrassment in the locker room and at the beach. If you’re one of the boys who will never take his shirt off, then read on.

It’s never too late to correct gynaecomastia, provided you’re in good physical and psychological health.

The surgery usually is not recommended for children or teenagers, since their excess tissue may disappear on its own.

In selected cases, however, it may be a very important procedure for teenage males.

As mentioned, Gynaecomastia can be due to either an excess of fat or an overgrowth of breast tissue.

If the problem is fat excess, then liposuction is ideal.

However, if the problem is tough fibrous tissue, then a direct excision of the tissue is generally required.

Both procedures are performed as a day procedure and in some cases, local excision can be performed in our rooms under local anaesthetic.

The costs is the same, regardless of the procedure required, but the scaring will vary according to the procedure and the extent of the gynaecomastia.

Whether you’ve had liposuction or excision (cutting) surgery, you may feel some discomfort for a few days afterward. Your downtime should be about one week unless you are in a physical job, where you may need two weeks away from work.

In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.

We get lots of questions about gynaecomastia returning after surgery.

This is rare, but if your problem is self-inflicted – ie to do with drug use, the problem may return to some degree, though it should never be as bad as prior to surgery.

Another concern of many of the guys we see is confidentiality, or “will everybody notice” Plastic surgeons today are well versed in the concerns of men seeking cosmetic surgery. They recognise that men demand strict confidentiality and inconspicuous results. Dr. McGovern is more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

In general, however, this is a problem that you are focusing on. Chances are no one will notice that you have had surgery.

Feel free to call our experienced staff with any questions you may have or to book an appointment with Dr. McGovern and put your problems behind you.

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