Cosmetic Breast Plastic Surgery

Male Breast Reduction

Gynaecomastia is an excessive enlargement of male breasts. It is a medical term that originates from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." This is a common condition that affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population. It may affect only one breast or both. It can be a normal occurrence in some male teenagers and men.

Cause of Gynaecomastia

Breast tissue development is influenced by hormonal levels of Oestrogen, which is naturally low in males. Hormonal imbalances at puberty may give rise to tender gynaecomastia. Most cases normally improve within a few years or by the age of 20.

Gynaecomastia can also be caused by the use of anabolic steroids, medications containing oestrogen, alcohol, marijuana, etc., and medical conditions including cancer and impaired liver function. However in most cases the causes of gynaecomastia are unknown.

Assessment: Examination and Diagnosis

Enlarged breast tissue in men is composed either predominantly of fatty tissue, glandular tissue or a combination. Thick and excess skin also makes the breasts look larger.

In some cases Dr Pham may request an ultrasound or mammogram to further evaluate the breasts before surgery. Breast cancer in males may be detected but this is highly unlikely.

Management of Gynaecomastia

Options of treatment include:

  • Observation - if the enlargement is mild or during a hormonal change period such as the puberty years. Dr Pham recommends that teenagers and young men with gynaecomastia wait for 2 years after the onset as most cases will improve without intervention.
  • Non medical - changing certain medications, cease heavy use of alcohol, marijuana or anabolic steroid. Obese men can lose weight by dieting and exercise.
  • Medical - hormonal treatments
  • Surgical - excision and liposuction

There will be scarring around the nipples of the breasts (areolas) from this procedure but the scars will fade over a period of time. There will be some post-operative bruising, swelling, and burning sensations. To assist with the healing process, patients are advised to wear an elastic pressure garment for 3-6 weeks. Avoid exposing scarred areas to the sun for at least 6 months.

Other considerations include temporary numbness or lack of sensation that could last up to a year. Infrequent complications may include infections, skin damage, fluid accumulation, bleeding, scarring or pigment changes. Post-operative asymmetry, whilst rare, is possible and very occasionally a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue.

Making a Decision to Proceed with Surgery

You should be informed as much as possible before making a decision to proceed with breast surgery. Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.

Indications for surgery

  • Failed non -surgical treatments
  • Cosmetic or psychological reasons - some men are self-conscious of their enlarged breasts.
  • Breast discomfort - tenderness and soreness
  • Suspected malignancy - in rare cases.
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Male breast reduction surgery is an elective procedure, which means that it is a personal choice and not necessary for maintenance of good health. It is important to understand that neither Dr Pham nor any other surgeon can predict the exact outcome of the breast size and shape, nor can they guarantee to satisfy all of your expectations. There will be always some minor asymmetry between the two breasts after the procedure.

A good rapport between you and Dr Pham and realistic expectations are prerequisites for successful outcome. You are most likely to be pleased with the results if you have a realistic idea of what surgery can and cannot do.

You can expect a thorough explanation from Dr Pham regarding the procedure’s risks and benefits. Dr Pham will inform you of the best methods of anaesthesia, the surgical facility where your procedure will take place and the cost of surgery. Following a joint decision by you and Dr Pham to proceed with surgery, photographs of you will be taken and Dr Pham will further discuss the options available. You are encouraged to seek the opinion of other surgeons if you are uncertain.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

Male breast reduction for medical or functional reasons is usually partially covered by Medicare and Health Insurance Funds. There will be an out of pocket or gap fee. You will be given a quote from Dr Pham (surgeon’s fee only) and you should contact your health insurance fund to find out the amount you can expect to be rebated.

Understanding the Procedure

Surgery for gynaecomastia is performed under general anaesthetic or under sedation with local anaesthetic. Modern anaesthesia is safe but does have side effects and you should discuss these with your anaesthetist.

Specific techniques selected for your male breast reduction will depend on your individual factors and Dr Pham’s preferences. In all cases there will be scars, which become less noticeable with time.

Techniques and Incisions

Enlarged male breasts can be reduced by:

  • Liposuction / liposculpture – to remove fatty tissue. One or two small incisions are made and a cannula is used to remove fat under suction.
  • Excision – to remove excess glandular tissue. A small cut is made at the lower edge of the areola and occasionally into the breast skin. A small drain is sometimes used and removed the next day. The scars generally heal very well.
  • Combination of liposculpture and excision.
  • Additional procedure – may be required in certain cases. If the skin, fat and breast tissues are excessive then the skin may be removed to restore the appearance of a flat chest wall. Fat flap sculpture is sometimes used to prevent a large crater forming.

How Long is the Procedure?

The procedure takes an average of 1 to 1 ½ hours, usually on an outpatient basis.

Results of surgery

Results are permanent, although subsequent obesity can create a gynaecomastia-like effect. Some of the benefits of surgery include a firmer, flatter, more contoured chest which may give the male patient a boost in self-confidence. There is little downtime, and you may return to work within one week unless you are involved in strenuous activities.

Please contact us for your consultation on gynaecomastia or other cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures

Contact Us

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FEES AND INSURANCE

After conducting a thorough medical history, Dr Pham and his staff will offer information regarding anaesthesia, the surgical facility to be used, and the costs for the procedure. Every procedure is individual and unique to each patient. Because of this, determining your specific needs and the fees associated relies on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the operation, where the surgery will take place and the type of anaesthetic to be administered.

YOUR QUOTE

A quote will be provided and is usually an estimate as the actual surgery may differ from the proposed treatment due to unexpected findings. Dr Pham will never compromise your health or surgical outcome to conform to previously anticipated or communicated anaesthesia and facility time. If further treatment is required (through complexity, unforeseen complications or additional procedures you request) then extra costs may apply.

TOTAL FEE

The total fee will comprise of

  • Surgeon Fee (Dr Pham) – this will be provided in the quote
  • Anaesthetist Fee – you will need to consult the Doctor / Anaesthetist involve for a quote
  • Hospital or Day Surgery Fee – you will need to contact the hospital involve for a quote

CONSULTATION FEE

The fee for an initial consultation with Dr Pham is $220. To be eligible for any Medicare rebates, you will need to have a valid referral from your general practitioner. Any follow-up consultations will incur a fee of $130.

Your first cosmetic consultation is complimentary with a Nurse Coordinator.

Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery are paid prior to surgery.

DEPOSITS

A non-refundable deposit of 10% or $500 is required once surgery has been scheduled. This deposit reserves the surgery date and is credited towards the balance due.

The balance of fees due is to be paid in full at the pre-operative appointment or three weeks prior to the scheduled surgery, whichever is first. Perth Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery generally does not provide refunds. Once a procedure is scheduled and the fee collected, and you cancel or reschedule the surgery within 2 weeks, there will be a fee of 25% of the total cost.

Exceptions are made for life-threatening emergencies or medical illnesses prior to the procedure. In these instances, the rescheduling fee does not apply.

PAYMENT

Acceptable forms of payment include:

  • Cash
  • Bank Cheques
  • Visa or MasterCard

We do not offer payment plans

HEALTH INSURANCE

As a rule, cosmetic plastic surgery is considered “elective surgery” and is not covered by most health insurance funds or Medicare. Some operations that have a significant functional aspect may be considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic and may attract a small rebate. These include Rhinoplasty for deformity or nasal obstruction, and breast reduction if the weight of your breasts causes pain or interferes with normal activities. Dr Pham will advise you to contact your health fund and Medicare if this is the case.

Because Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is artistic, on occasion, revisions may be necessary. Such revisions are performed within one year of the original surgery, and although there is generally a minimum charge for the surgery, facility and anaesthesia fees still apply for such procedures. Perth Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery reserves the right to determine whether a revision is appropriate and what the procedure will entail. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please ask Dr Pham.

YOUR AREAS OF CONCERN

Brow and Forehead: lines, angry or tired, sad look
  • Wrinkle Relaxer
  • Wrinkle Fillers
  • Blepharoplasty / Eyelift / Eyelid surgery
  • Endoscopic Brow Lift /Forehead Lift/Open Brow Lift
Eyes: hooded, droopy, puffy, fullness, block vision
  • Blepharoplasty / Eyelift (upper and lower eyelid reshaping)
  • Endoscopic Brow Lift / Forehead Lift
Eyes: crow feet
  • Wrinkle relaxers
Ears: protruding, batty, large, prominent ear
  • Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)
Jowls and Sagging Cheeks & neck
  • Facelift (Rhytidectomy) – deep plane
  • Mini Facelift, S-lift, MACS lift
  • Face Neck lift
Neck: sagging, excess skin, bands, fullness
  • Neck Surgery (Neck Lift and Liposuction / Liposculpture)
Wrinkles and Lines
  • Wrinkle Relaxer
  • Wrinkle Fillers
  • Laser & Chemical Resurfacing
  • Dermabrasion
  • Platelet Rich Plasma
  • Skin Care Products
Nose: prominent, large, twisted, too small, nasal hump, too long
  • Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Blocked nose, crooked nose, fractured nose
  • Septoplasty / Septo-rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery for breathing and deformity)
Cheeks: hollow
  • Implants – Cheek implant
  • Wrinkle Fillers
  • Fat transfer
Chin: small, protruding
  • Chin Surgery – Chin implant, Genioplasty / Mentoplasty
  • Wrinkle Fillers
  • Fat transfer
Cosmetic Breast Surgery: breast enhancement / implant, sagging breast, heavy breast, male breast
  • Breast implant / Breast enhancement / Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
  • Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
  • Correction of Enlarged Male Breasts (Gynaecomastia)
Body Contouring: sagging tummy, too much fat
  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
  • Mini Tummy Tuck (Lipectomy)
  • Liposuction / Liposculpture
Facial Reconstructive: scars, skin cancer, moles
  • Skin Cancer of the Face, Head & Neck
  • Mole Removal

 

TABLE OF FEES

These prices are approximate only. You will be provided with a firm quote after consultation with Dr Pham. Most cosmetic surgery fees will attract a GST.

ProcedureDr Pham’s FeeAnaesthetist FeeHospital fee (Private Health Insurance may apply)
Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping / Nose Job / Nose Surgery)$8,500 – $10,000
$12 – $15,000 (complex case, costal/rib cartilage)
$2,500 – $3,000
$3,000 – $3,500
$5,500 – $6,500
Mini Face Lift, Minimum Incision Facelift$8,000 +GST$2,000 – $2,500$4,500 – $5,500
Face and Neck lift$10,000 – $12,000 +GST$2,500 – $3,000$6,000 – $8,000
Neck lift$8,000 +GST$2,000 – $2,500$4,000 – $4,500
Brow lift$4,000 – $5,000 +GST$1,200 – $1,500$2,500 – $3,000
Eyelid Upper$2,500 – $3,500$800 – $1,000$2,000 -$2,500
Eyelid Lower$3,000 – $3,500$800 – $1,000$2,000 – $2,500
Eyelid Upper and Lower$5,000 – $6,000$1,500 – $1,800$3,000 – $4,000
Mini-Face lift, upper & lower blepharoplasty$12,000 + GST$2,500 – $3,000$6,000 – $8,000
A Face, Neck lift, upper-lower blepharoplasty$14,000 – $15,000 + GST$3,500 – $4,000$7,000 – $9,000
Face Neck Brow lifts, upper lower blepharoplasty$16,000 – $18,000 + GST$4,000 – $4,500$10,000 – $12,000
Otoplasty / Ear Pinning / Prominent Ear$5,000 – $6,000$1,200 – $1,500$2,500 – $3,500
Chin implant / Augmentation$3,000 – $3,500 + GST
Implant
$900 +GST
$800 – $1,000$2,500 – $3,000
Cheek Implant / Augmentation$3,000 – $3,500 + GST
Implant
$700 +GST
$800 – $1,000$2,500
Breast Augmentation / Breast Enhancement$5,000 – $6,000 +GST
Implant
$2,000 +GST
$1,200 – $1,500$3,500 – $4,000
Breast Reduction / Breast Lift$8,000 – $10,000$1,500 – $2,200$4,000 – $5,000
Gynaecomastia – Male Breast Reduction$5,000 – $6,000$1,200 – $1,500$3,000 – $3,500
Tummy Tuck (Lipectomy / Abdominoplasty)$8,000 – $10,000$2,000 – $3,500$6,000 – $8,000
Mini Tummy Tuck (Lipectomy /Abdominoplasty)$6,000$1,500 – $1,800$3,000 – $4,000
LiposculptureDepends on the area
Approximately $1,000 – $1,500 per area +GST
Need quoteNeed quote. Each area includes the Upper abdomen, Lower abdomen, Flanks, Medial thigh, Lateral thigh, Buttock, Axillae, Back, Upper arm
Chemical Peel$2,500 +GST Depends on the areaIf required sedation or general anaestheticNeed quote
Dermabrasion$2,500 +GSTIf required sedation or general anaestheticNeed quote
Wrinkle Relaxer$550 – $650 for 25-30 units or $300 per area +GST
Fillers – temporary- Juvéderm$650 – $750/ampoule +GST
Fillers – semi-permanent$1,500/cc +GST