Gynecomastia, commonly known as "man boobs", is a condition characterised by excess breast tissue. It can be due to enlargement of the actual breast glands or deposition of fat tissues in the chest area. As its name implies, "man boobs" usually occur in men and boys and can affect one or both breasts. Many people think of gynecomastia as an aesthetic problem, but underlying medical conditions often cause it. One of the recommended methods to address gynecomastia male breast reduction surgery- a form of plastic surgery.
Shens Clinic is one of the clinics in Singapore that offers male breast reduction surgery. The procedure is performed by Dr Shens, who is an accredited consultant plastic surgeon by the Ministry of Health and a member of the registry of specialists for plastic surgery in Singapore.
Read on to find out more about gynecomastia surgery at Shens Clinic.
There are a variety of reasons why men can develop male breasts or gynecomastia. Most often, enlarged breasts are caused by hormonal imbalances or when female hormone, oestrogen, predominates over male hormone called testosterone. The increase of oestrogen levels and the decrease of testosterone levels result in breast tissue growth.
Apart from hormonal imbalance, a variety of other factors can contribute to an increase in breast size. It is not uncommon for men to experience breast enlargement as a side effect of certain medications such as steroid injections, antibiotics, some drugs taken for gastric disease or fungal infection, or even stress-relieving medications. There are also several medical conditions that are related to gynecomastia, including obesity, cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, and more. In very rare cases, the enlargement of male breast tissue is caused by breast cancer.
A common cause of gynecomastia in boys is puberty and the hormonal changes that occur during this time. Enlarged breasts often improve on their own at an older age. It is possible, however, for the condition to persist into adulthood.
Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate you have gynecomastia.
It is important to note that having the above symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have gynecomastia. It is best to see a doctor in case you suspect that you are suffering from the condition.
Besides reviewing your symptoms, your physician will also perform tests and exams such as blood tests, mammograms, and CT scans. Depending on the situation, tissue biopsies might also be conducted to ensure there is no breast cancer.
Gynecomastia can be classified into three categories based on the grade of development.
As the name implies, this is just a slight breast enlargement along with a small amount of localised tissue visible around the areola or surrounding nipple area. It is less noticeable with clothes but can be evident when undressed.
This is usually the most common form of gynecomastia. It is when the breasts are neither too large nor too small. Clinically, excess skin may or may not be present. It mainly depends on the condition of the patient. Furthermore, it is possible for breast tissues to expand a bit into the breast zone as well. Gynecomastia of moderate severity is usually clearly visible to others.
Characterised by a pronounced feminine appearance of the breasts, severe gynecomastia includes significant breast tissue and fatty deposits, often accompanied by substantial skin excess. This level of gynecomastia development can be especially distressing, as it is conspicuous in fitted clothing.
According to the types of tissue involved, gynecomastia can be further divided into two types.
This is when the affected person does not have enlarged breast glands but instead has excess fat in the chest area. Gynecomastia of this type is often associated with male patients who are overweight.
Real gynecomastia involves the growth of glandular tissue, which may occur during puberty or as a result of using body building substances like anabolic steroids.
Understanding the specific type and stage of gynecomastia is crucial for plastic surgeons to best determine the most appropriate intervention approach for their patients.
Gynecomastia surgery is one of the treatments for enlarged breast tissues in men. The surgery can be done in two ways, through either the "scarless" or the "open" approach. The "scarless gynecomastia surgery" is usually done by using liposuction to remove excess fat through a small 4mm incision on each side of the chest, under general or local anaesthesia with sedation. This method suits many cases, focusing on fat removal to refine the chest's contour.
In more severe cases of gynecomastia, an “open surgery” approach (excision method) may be necessary
This method includes the excision of glandular tissue and excess skin to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour. Incisions for this procedure are strategically placed either around the edges of the areola or within the armpit to minimise visible scarring. The choice between liposuction and open surgery depends on the volume of excess tissue and the condition of the skin.
Overall, the surgical technique selected is tailored to the patient's specific condition, ensuring natural-looking results and addressing both the aesthetic and physical impacts of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia surgery at Shens Clinic is performed by using a High Definition Vaser Liposuction technique. Thanks to this, Dr Shens is able to successfully help patients who suffer from mild or moderate breast enlargement and model the desired shape of the men's chest.
High Definition Vaser Liposuction is an advanced method of removing excess fat from the body. It works more precisely than traditional liposuction techniques. Vaser technology emits ultrasonic waves that melt fat cells beneath the skin with minimal trauma to blood vessels and skin. Besides that, it removes fat between the skin and muscle and exposes the cuts the muscle provides to the skin. This allows the surgeon not only to remove gynecomastia but also to contour the chest area better. The technique is thought to be more effective than traditional liposuction. In addition, it is less painful, allowing a quicker and easier recovery.
Vaser Liposuction at Shens Clinic is performed under sedation by an anaesthesia provider in a day surgery facility. Day surgery provides better cost savings than surgery performed in a hospital. Gynecomastia surgery in Singapore must be done in the hospital only if the BMI is greater than 28. This is mandated by the Ministry of Health Act.
Shens Clinic is a MOH-accredited plastic surgery clinic operating in Singapore and has successfully completed more than 6,000 cases to date. Led by Dr Shens, the team of professionally trained staff is fully dedicated to building up the confidence and images of clients. Dr Shens is a Korean-trained plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Some of Dr Shens’ signature treatments include vaser liposuction, buccal fat removal and gynecomastia surgery for breast reduction in men. Shens Clinic strives to provide high-quality standards for our clients by continuously improving with the latest technology and innovations.
You might be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery if you have any of the following concerns.
Surgical reduction is usually an option for both groups of patients with pseudo gynecomastia and real gynecomastia. However, if you are very overweight, you would have to consider other options before having this cosmetic surgery. In such a case, you should consider getting weight loss surgery or losing weight.
Gynecomastia surgery usually begins with a consultation and evaluation between you and your surgeon. In this conversation, you will discuss preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details as well as potential complications of this surgery. Afterwards, you will be asked to complete your medical history and physical examination. The surgeon will discuss your goals with you and make suggestions based on those goals.
You will be instructed to stop smoking and taking blood thinners, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, at least two weeks before your surgery. You will also be advised to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. Post-surgery, wearing a compression garment is crucial; it helps minimise swelling, supports the new chest contour, and is generally made from breathable, snug-fitting materials for comfort. The compression garment should be worn for several weeks to prevent any excess fluid from building up. In addition, it will help to promote the formation of scar tissues that will enhance the new shape of the chest wall, promoting a masculine appearance.
Recovery from a gynecomastia surgery is usually straightforward. Patients might experience pain and tenderness within the area for the first 2-3 days, but this can typically be managed with pain medication. Depending on the job type, returning to work might be possible within a week, and light exercise can often be resumed after three weeks. Full activity and unrestricted exercise are generally achievable about a month post-surgery. Overall, many patients report high satisfaction with the outcomes of their gynecomastia surgery.
During your gynecomastia surgery, you will not feel any pain as it is performed under anaesthesia. Post-surgery, as the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience soreness and discomfort in the chest area. Pain management medication will be prescribed to help ease and manage any tenderness. The "scarless" gynecomastia surgery approach, typically involving liposuction, generally causes less pain and is well-tolerated by most patients, with discomfort usually subsiding within 2-3 days.
Conversely, the "open" gynecomastia surgery method, which involves more extensive tissue removal, can be more painful and often requires a longer recovery period. You might feel mild discomfort and a sensation of tightness that could last about a month post-operation.
Among the possible side effects and complications of gynecomastia surgery are:
Usually, male breast reduction is considered a safe procedure and postoperative complications are rare. In order to ensure your safety, you should carefully choose the surgeon with whom you will be having surgery, as well as strictly follow his preoperative and postoperative instructions.
Costs for gynecomastia surgery in Singapore vary greatly depending on many factors. That is why it is best to contact us and schedule an appointment at Shens Clinic. As part of your consultation, the plastic surgeon will examine you and evaluate your condition to determine what surgery or treatment method is best for you. With this information, the doctor will be able to provide you with an accurate quote of the cost of gynecomastia surgery.
Please contact Shens Clinic if you need more information about the procedure or if you have any questions. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
Gynecomastia surgery typically results in long-lasting effects which some patients might describe as “permanent” as the fat and glandular tissue removed during the procedure do not regenerate. However, it's critical to recognise that new excess tissue can develop if patients gain weight, use certain drugs, or take specific medications after surgery. To ensure lasting results, it is essential for patients to adhere to the aftercare guidelines provided by their surgeon and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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