Procedures

Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia is enlargement of male breast tissue, also referred to as “man boobs.” This condition is rarely a serious medical problem, but it can be psychologically damaging for the men that have to deal with it. This condition may affect as many as 50 percent of all males at some point in their lives, and while many cases resolve on their own, those that do not may require surgical correction to eliminate extra tissue and create a more masculine chest contour.

Dr Teston is an experienced plastic surgeon that understands the emotional trauma gynaecomastia can cause. She offers customisable male breast reduction procedures to help her male patients reach their aesthetic goals. With different techniques and methods to choose from, you can rest assured your procedure will be tailored to your specific needs and desired outcome.

Before Your Gynaecomastia Procedure

There are a number of potential causes of gynaecomastia:

  • Hormonal Fluctuations – It is the balance between the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone oestrogen that is often the culprit of gynaecomastia. This is why gynaecomastia is commonly seen during stages of life when the hormones are in flux, such as infancy, puberty and the middle to later years of a man’s life.
  • Medications – Some prescription medications can lead to swelling of male breast tissue, such as anabolic steroids, medication to treat prostate problems, and anti-anxiety medications. In these cases, simply stopping the medication may be sufficient to reverse gynaecomastia.
  • Medical Conditions – Hypogonadism (severely low testosterone levels), thyroid disorders, and kidney and liver failure can all be characterised as symptoms of gynaecomastia. In these cases, treating the condition might also reverse the breast enlargement without the need for surgery.
  • Street Drugs and Alcohol – Consumption of these substances can also lead to the development of gynaecomastia. Common offenders include marijuana, heroin, and amphetamines.

When it is possible to determine the cause of the gynaecomastia, this may help you understand how to treat the condition most effectively. When the cause of gynaecomastia cannot be found, or the swollen breast tissue lingers even after stopping medication or treating an underlying disorder, surgery will likely be recommended as your best course of action in treating the problem.

During Your Gynaecomastia Procedure

Dr Teston performs male breast reduction using one of two methods. For men with minimal enlargement, liposuction may be sufficient for removing the excess tissue and smoothing the chest contour. Liposuction is performed at an accredited hospital, and you will likely be able to go home later that same day.

During liposuction, a small incision is made to allow for insertion of a narrow cannula directly into the breast tissue. The cannula is responsible for loosening the fat and tissue and suctioning it out of the body. In some cases, laser energy may be added to the procedure to liquefy fat cells for easier removal. After your liposuction procedure, you will be placed into a support garment that minimises swelling and aids the healing process.

Other patients might require surgical breast reduction, in which an incision is made and excess skin and tissue is surgically excised. This technique is recommended when more tissue removal is needed and when loose skin might interfere with the results of liposuction. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and may require a night or two in the hospital before you go home to complete your recovery process.

After Your Gynaecomastia Procedure

Your recovery will depend on the specific procedure performed. Men that undergo liposuction may be back to regular activities within about one week. Surgical gynaecomastia treatment takes a bit longer to recover from, with most men back to their routine within one to two weeks. Exercising at the gym will be restricted for three to four weeks depending on the procedure used for your reduction. The results of your procedure will be permanent, giving you a more masculine chest profile and a boost of confidence that will last a lifetime.

If you are dealing with the emotional impact of gynaecomastia, help is available. Schedule your personal consultation with Dr Teston today by phoning her office on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Gynaecomastia was reviewed by Dr. Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Procedures Offered


With more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr Teston is qualified to provide a broad range of plastic surgery procedures. Some of the choices available to her patients include:

Breast Enhancement

No matter what cosmetic goals you might have for your breasts, Dr Teston can help you achieve them. One of her specialties is correcting asymmetries between the breasts that cause a woman to feel self-conscious about her body. Other breast procedures offered by Dr Teston include:

Facial Improvements

Whether you are concerned about the effects of ageing or looking to correct an imperfection that has been nagging you throughout your adult life, Dr Teston offers procedures to enhance and refresh your appearance. She can customise any of the following to your specifications and facial proportions:

  • Facelift to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
  • Eyelid surgery to correct drooping and rejuvenate the area around the eyes
  • Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping to create symmetry, remove imperfections, or restore the nose after injury
  • Otoplasty (or ear surgery) to correct ears that stick out or are disproportionately large
Body Contouring

Body contouring is an effective way to put the final touches on your body shape when you can’t get there with diet and exercise alone. Body contouring is usually recommended for patients that have achieved a healthy, stable weight and may include the following:

  • Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) to tighten and flatten the midsection
  • Lift procedures to shape and firm the upper arms and thighs
  • Liposuction to remove isolated, stubborn areas of fat from nearly anywhere on the body
  • Labiaplasty to correct discomfort due to either developmental or hormonal enlargements or scarring
Skin Treatments

As the largest organ of the body, the skin deserves special attention. When you want to get rid of unsightly moles, fatty lumps, or other concerns, Dr Teston is prepared to eliminate the blemish and leave the best cosmetic results behind. Some of the concerns Dr Teston can treat include:

Hand Restoration

Your hands are one of the most functional and visible parts of the body, and when they are injured or affected by a debilitating condition, the effects on your life can be dramatic. Dr Teston offers hand surgery to treat many of these concerns, with the following being some of the hand conditions she treats:

When you are in search of a plastic surgeon in Sydney, Dr Teston offers a valuable female perspective, extensive training and experience, and a commitment to the highest level of patient care. To learn more about our practice, contact our office today at (02) 9708 3511.