Gynecomasty – male breast reduction

• You are a man who has enlarged breasts
• You suffer from pain in your mammary glands
• You are embarrassed by your chest
• You are embarrassed by the size of your areola (they are too large)
• Your chest is not symmetrical
• You hide your chest with shape wear or tight clothes
• You are bothered by your chest when you take part in sport
• You avoid going to the beach or the swimming pool

To consider having male breast reduction surgery in the best possible conditions, it is important that your weight be stable. In fact, variations in weight can alter the result of the surgery, as well as excess weight increasing the risk of post-operative complications. Of course, each situation should be discussed with your surgeon who will be best able to advise you.

In some cases, your surgery may be covered by health insurance. This involves your surgeon writing a prior request which they will send by post, along with your photos.

Several techniques may be used and the choice will depend on the seriousness (the stage) of the gynecomasty. Some cases can be corrected by liposuction alone, others require the mammary gland to be removed, and sometimes the excess skin. Your surgeon will advise you of the different options which are appropriate for your situation.

The first consultation with Dr Thomet will allow you to get to know your surgeon, to discuss your situation and your wishes with her. In order to fill in your medical file, she will ask you about your medical history, any operations you may have had before, as well as a list of any medication you may be on and any allergies you may have.
She will carry out a physical exam and take measurements and in some cases photos, which will remain confidential and only be used in connection with your medical records.
At the end of the consultation, Dr Thomet will give her diagnosis and tell you if you are a good candidate for surgery. She will explain the technique she plans to use, the position of the scars, the recovery time and the risks of complications.
After allowing you time to think about it, a second consultation will be scheduled in order to answer any questions you may have and to book a date for the operation.
An ultra-sound radiological check-up which goes back less than a year is required before any operation.
It may be that the cause of the gynecomasty is hormonal. If she deems it necessary, Dr Thomet will organize a check-up with your GP or with an endocrinologist.

In some cases your surgery may be covered by health insurance. This involves your surgeon writing a prior request which they will send by post, along with your photos.
If this is not the case, an estimate of the fees will be provided after the first consultation.

Gynecomasty is an operation which requires a general anaesthetic. So a pre-op consultation with an anaesthesiologist will be organised before the operation.

Gynecomasty usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. This allows better monitoring of pain medication and close monitoring of the patient. In some cases, the surgeon will place drains during the operation (small tubes connected to bottles). These will be removed painlessly before you leave the clinic.

When you leave the clinic, you will just have dressings which need to be changed for the first time during the following week at the practice. You will be able to take showers after around 5 to 7 days. You will need to wear a medical chest vest day and night for around 6 to 8 weeks.

When you leave the clinic, we recommend that you do not drive or carry anything heavy (more than 2-3 kilos). You can go back to work after 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of activity you have, and sport after 6 to 8 weeks.
If the surgery is covered by your medical insurance, Dr Thomet will provide you with a medical certificate for the period for which you are unable to work.