Gynaecomastia Surgery: What Causes Male Breast Tissue and How Is It Treated in Sydney?
Gynaecomastia Surgery: What Causes Male Breast Tissue and How Is It Treated in Sydney?
Quick answer: Gynaecomastia is the development of excess glandular breast tissue in men, most often caused by a hormonal imbalance, certain medications, weight fluctuation, or genetics. Diet and exercise alone rarely resolve true glandular gynaecomastia. Surgical correction, which may combine liposuction with direct removal of glandular tissue, is the most reliable treatment. A/Prof Damian Marucci sees patients from across Sydney, including Kogarah and Miranda, for evaluation and treatment of this common but rarely discussed condition.
What Is Gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia refers to enlarged breast tissue in men, which can affect one or both sides of the chest. It is extremely common, affecting a significant proportion of men at some point in their lives, particularly during puberty, midlife, or later in life as hormone levels shift. Unlike simple fat accumulation from weight gain, true gynaecomastia involves an increase in actual glandular tissue beneath the nipple, which is why it often does not respond to weight loss or exercise the way patients hope it will.
What Causes Gynaecomastia?
- Hormonal imbalance: a shift in the ratio of testosterone to oestrogen is the most common underlying cause
- Puberty: temporary gynaecomastia is common in adolescent boys and often resolves on its own, though it can persist
- Medications: certain blood pressure medications, anti anxiety medications, and other drugs can trigger tissue growth
- Weight fluctuation: significant weight gain or loss can affect chest appearance, though this is distinct from glandular gynaecomastia
- Anabolic steroid or certain supplement use
- Underlying medical conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or hormone producing glands
A thorough evaluation helps determine whether your case is primarily glandular, fatty, or a combination of both, which shapes the most effective treatment approach.
Non Surgical Options and Their Limits
For adolescents in early puberty, gynaecomastia often resolves without treatment within a couple of years. For adults, addressing an underlying medical cause or adjusting medication, where appropriate and under medical supervision, may help in some cases. However, once glandular tissue has developed and matured, it typically does not shrink through diet, exercise, or weight loss, which is why so many men eventually consider surgery.
Surgical Treatment for Gynaecomastia
Surgery for gynaecomastia is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and may involve liposuction alone to remove excess fatty tissue, direct excision to remove firmer glandular tissue, or a combination of both techniques. In cases involving significant skin excess, additional skin removal may be needed to achieve a flatter, more natural chest contour. A/Prof Marucci discusses the full range of options during your consultation and explains which approach suits your specific anatomy. You can learn more about his approach to Cosmetic Surgery Overview and the Risks of Cosmetic Surgery before your visit.
What Recovery Involves
Most patients wear a compression garment for several weeks after surgery to support healing and help the skin adapt to the chest’s new contour. Swelling and bruising are normal in the first couple of weeks, with most patients returning to desk based work within a week or so and to full exercise after approximately four to six weeks, depending on the extent of surgery. Full details on what to expect are available on our Recovery After Cosmetic Surgery page.
Are You a Candidate?
Good candidates are generally in good general health, have realistic expectations, and have gynaecomastia that has been stable for some time rather than actively changing due to an unaddressed medical cause. A/Prof Marucci will review your medical history and may recommend blood tests or further investigation before proceeding, particularly if the condition developed suddenly or is limited to one side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will gynaecomastia come back after surgery?
Glandular tissue that has been surgically removed generally does not regrow, though significant future weight gain or the use of certain substances such as anabolic steroids could contribute to new tissue development.
Is gynaecomastia surgery covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia?
Coverage depends on individual circumstances and whether the case meets specific medical criteria. Our team can discuss what documentation may be needed to explore your eligibility.
How noticeable will scarring be?
Incisions are placed carefully, often around the edge of the areola where they blend naturally with the surrounding skin, and typically fade significantly over the following months.
At what age can gynaecomastia surgery be performed?
Surgery is generally deferred until breast development has stabilised, which your surgeon will assess individually, particularly for younger patients.
Book a Consultation in Kogarah or Miranda
If enlarged breast tissue is affecting your confidence or comfort, A/Prof Damian Marucci welcomes patients from across Sydney to discuss your options at either the Kogarah or Miranda office. Call +02 9588 6374 or visit our Contact page to book your consultation.
