Male breast surgery (gynaecomastia)
Gynaecomastia is defined as excessive development of the male breast, affecting one or both sides, symmetrically or not. It is usually little or not at all painful, but may sometimes be associated with breast tenderness. In the vast majority of cases, gynaecomastia is normal, or ‘physiological’, that is to say with no identifiable cause. However, before this can be confirmed, a full assessment is required to look for a possible pathological or drug-related cause. This assessment includes a medical history, clinical examination, blood tests and an ultrasound scan. Surgery is particularly indicated for forms that are troublesome because of their size or tenderness, as well as for gynaecomastia that is poorly tolerated psychologically. At your first consultation, Docteur Lionel SALLAZ, after listening to your wishes and motivations, will examine you carefully to ensure that surgery is appropriate and will explain it to you in detail. He will explain what it can realistically achieve and what it cannot correct. He will inform you as fully and honestly as possible about the procedure (position of the scars, how they evolve over time, …). You will be given an information leaflet and a quotation so that you can make a fully informed decision after a cooling‑off period.
Principle
Surgical correction of gynaecomastia is a procedure that may sometimes be covered by your health insurance; the surgeon will inform you if this applies. The operation consists of removing the ‘excess breast tissue’ under general anaesthesia in the clinic’s operating theatre, in a state‑of‑the‑art environment authorised to perform cosmetic surgery procedures by the Haute Autorité Sanitaire (HAS). A hospital stay of 12 to 24 hours is then required. Recovery is usually straightforward and not very painful. Stitches are removed two weeks after the operation at your follow‑up appointment with the surgeon. Discomfort is moderate and normal activities can be resumed quickly.
Risks
Risks and complications are uncommon; nevertheless, although undertaken for mainly aesthetic reasons, gynaecomastia correction remains a genuine surgical procedure and therefore carries the risks associated with any medical act, however minor. In practice, the vast majority of procedures proceed without issue and patients are fully satisfied with their result. A haematoma, which can slow normal recovery, may occur; measures are taken to prevent this and it will be treated if necessary. To reduce this risk, no medicines containing aspirin or related compounds should be taken in the ten days before and after the operation. Delayed wound healing may prolong the need for a dressing, notably in the very rare event of skin necrosis. Smoking is a significant risk factor for poor healing. You should stop smoking before the operation to reduce these risks. Infection is rare after this type of surgery; to minimise this risk, patients should take pre‑operative antiseptic showers at home. Overall, these risks should not be overstated, but it is important to be aware that any operation, even one that appears simple, always involves an element of uncertainty. Choosing a fully qualified plastic surgeon ensures that they have the training and expertise required to avoid such complications, or to manage them effectively should they occur.