Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

Many men struggle with a condition known as Gynaecomastia, in which the breast tissue swells or over develops. The condition can affect one or both breasts, and can affect them unevenly. Throughout his career, Dr. Barr has effectively treated many male patients suffering from gynaecomastia with male breast reduction procedures, also known as gynaecomastia surgery. Dr. Barr understands how sensitive this particular subject can be for his patients, and takes great pride in being able to offer his abilities to correct enlarged breast tissue in his patients.

Educate Yourself on Your Procedure

If you are considering a gynaecomastia procedure, please explore the links provided for further information on this procedure and what you can expect. If you have any questions about male breast reduction, or any of our other procedures, please contact us.

What are the Benefits of a Gynaecomastia Procedure?

Male Breast Reduction patients often pursue surgery in order to correct a number of issues including:

  • Reduce the size of breasts
  • Flatten breast tissue
  • Alleviate emotional distress
  • Improve confidence

Like the thousands of men who undergo this procedure every year, you too can acquire the physique you’ve always wanted, and gain the confidence you deserve.

Preparing for Your Gynaecomastia Procedure

What is the first step in my male breast reduction procedure?

The first step when considering male breast reduction surgery is to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Barr. The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to obtain important information about the procedure, and to have all of your questions answered prior to proceeding with surgery.   It also enables Dr. Barr to properly assess you and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for gynaecomastia surgery.

You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, all current medications, as well as any significant weight gain or loss.

During your consultation Dr. Barr will carefully examine your chest and assess your general health. Different surgical approaches and options will be discussed and he will explain which surgical approach would be best suited to you based on your individual characteristics and aesthetic goals.

The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with male breast reduction surgery will be thoroughly explained during this consultation. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough, and should enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not gynaecomastia is the right choice for you. A comprehensive instruction package, which includes instructions for before and after surgery, will be provided to you at the time of consultation.

Am I a candidate for a male breast reduction procedure?

The ideal candidates for a gynaecomastia procedure are healthy men who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes.

Will my chest remain the same size after surgery?

Results achieved with breast reduction surgery are often permanent, although a significant weight gain can result in enlargement and hypertrophy of the breast tissue. Weight maintenance and a reasonable amount of exercise should prevent recurrent enlargement of the breast following male breast reduction surgery.

Can I combine another surgery with my gynaecomastia procedure?

It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your male breast reduction procedure. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

The Procedure

What will I need to do prior to my male breast reduction surgery?

Prior to surgery you will be scheduled for a pre-op session with a Registered Nurse to review your medical history and your post-op instructions. She will review all of the information you will need to know in order to prepare yourself for surgery.

Where will my gynaecomastia procedure be performed?

Your male breast reduction procedure will generally be performed right on site in the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

The Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

Underage patients, or those with medical conditions may be treated in the operating department at Health Sciences North, the single site hospital located in Sudbury, Ontario.

How is a gynaecomastia procedure performed?

Gynaecomastia surgery, also known as a male breast reduction is a procedure sought by males with abnormal development of large mammary glands and breast tissue. This condition is far more common than most patients realize.

Correction involves reducing the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue and usually takes one to two hours. The procedure could involve surgical excision of glandular tissue from around the areola and sides and bottom of the breast, using liposuction techniques to remove excess fat in the breasts, and/or surgical excision of excess skin to allow the skin to adjust to the smaller breast size.

The particular techniques used in your gynaecomastia procedure will depends on Dr. Barr’s assessment of your breast tissue, and will be fully detailed for you in consultation.

Who will administer the anaesthetic?

A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Pricing

How much does a male breast reduction procedure cost?

Pricing for your procedure will depend on whether you have concurrent procedures along with your gynaecomastia procedure and will be provided to you during your consultation.

Many patients express concern about the cost of surgery. The cost of surgery should not keep you from investing in your self-confidence and happiness. Our knowledgeable Patient Coordinators are happy to spend time with you discussing pricing and your many payment options.

Is full payment required or do you offer a financing plan?

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using a medical/dental financing company which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. You may follow the links below to learn more. Please note that these companies are not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery.

For more information on how financing companies can help you afford your procedure, you may visit:

Crelogix: www.crelogix.com

CMC – Credit Medical Corporation, visit: www.creditmedical.com

Is my procedure tax deductible or covered by insurance?

Male breast reduction is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not usually covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP. However, some surgical procedures may qualify. More information about the coverage eligibility of your surgery can be obtained during the consultation process.

What is included in the surgical fee?

The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.
You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, these medications will be at an additional cost to you.

Is a deposit required? When is it due?

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 and a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000.
This deposit is payable upon scheduling a surgery date. This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.

When is payment for the surgery due?

Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

  • Cash
  • Certified Cheques
  • Mastercard or VISA
  • E-transfers
  • Financing plan

Recovery

Will I need to stay overnight following my surgery?

Gynaecomastia surgery is generally an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay at Barr Plastic Surgery. Following your surgery you will need a friend or family member to pick you up and care for you for 24-48 hours. This person should be familiar with your prescriptions and post-surgery instructions.

How long will it take me to recover from my male breast reduction procedure?

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience in performing this procedure will help to ensure that your post-operative recovery is minimized. Once you are discharged you will be sent home with instructions for post surgical care. Most patients are up and around within the first two days after surgery, and typically back to work within 3 or 4. Most patients have mild bruising and swelling following their procedure which generally settles within 7 to 10 days. The sutures used by Dr. Barr are dissolving, so there is no need for suture removal. You will be provided with a compression vest which you will be required to wear under regular clothing for approximately 3 weeks. Most patients are able to return to light gym activity three weeks after their procedure, and unrestricted exercise six weeks following their surgery.

Will I have scarring?

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring from the incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve the texture. Reusable silicone strips as well as medical grade topical scar creams are available for purchase that will help to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Precautions to take in order to minimize scarring will also be discussed during consultation.

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