Gynaecomastia is an excessive development of the breast in men. It can be due to an excess of mammary gland, an excess of fat (then called adipomastia) or both. It is frequent in adolescence and often regresses on its own. It can also appear in adulthood. Gynaecomastia surgery removes the excess gland and fat to give the chest a masculine appearance again.
How the procedure unfolds
In practice
- In consultation, I analyse your request.
- I examine your chest: the share of gland, the share of fat and the excess skin.
- I also collect information about your state of health, your medication and your history.
- We take photographs for your medical record.
- I give you all the information about the surgery and give you an estimate.
A second consultation is mandatory before any procedure. You must stop smoking at least one month before the procedure.
Surgery
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, at the Clinique Pasteur in Toulouse. It is most often done on an outpatient basis. The procedure depends on the form of the gynaecomastia.
- The fat is removed by liposuction, through small incisions of a few millimetres.
- The gland is removed through an incision located at the lower edge of the areola. The scar then follows the border between the areola and the skin. It generally becomes barely visible.
- In case of significant excess skin, more extensive scars may be necessary.
The procedure generally lasts between 1 and 2 hours. You go home with a compression vest, to be worn day and night for several weeks.
Postoperative effects
Pain is generally moderate.
- Bruises and swelling appear on the chest. They generally fade within two to three weeks.
- You can return to normal activity after about one week.
- Sport can be resumed after four to six weeks.
- The sensitivity of the areola may be changed for several months.
- The skin retracts progressively.
The final result can be assessed after three to six months. I see you again at several follow-up consultations.
Assessment before surgery
Gynaecomastia can have a cause: hormonal imbalance, medication, another disease. A hormonal assessment and chest imaging (ultrasound or mammogram) are generally prescribed before the procedure. If a cause is found, it is treated first. Surgery is proposed when the gynaecomastia has been stable for several months and no treatable cause is found.
What to do to optimize the result?
- Hydrate yourself and your skin.
- Do not smoke: tobacco slows healing.
- Wear the compression vest as recommended.
- Avoid arm and chest efforts during the first weeks.
- Protect the scars from the sun during the first year.
- Keep a stable weight: weight gain can bring back excess fat.
Social security coverage
Gynaecomastia surgery may be covered by social security in some cases, when glandular gynaecomastia is confirmed by the assessment. A prior approval request is then necessary. Adipomastia (excess fat alone) is generally not covered. We discuss this in consultation.
Pricing
From 3600 euros, on estimate given at the end of the consultation.
The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.