Male Breast Liposuction

Patients have different pain thresholds and can experience different recovery times. Most patients, however, report a manageable level of discomfort during recovery. While discomfort can be expected, pain is typically managed with prescribed medications. Many patients may not require analgesia at all.

Most breast reduction procedures take approximately 2-3 hours to complete. 

The reduction in the size of the breasts by removing fat cells, is generally considered permanent, provided that your weight remains stable after the procedure. Not all fat cells are removed with any liposculpture / liposuction procedure. The remaining fat cells can get bigger if a proper diet is not maintained. That is always an important consideration after any liposuction / liposculpture procedure. It is very unlikely that new fat cells develop or regrow.  

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection and scarring. Our team will discuss these thoroughly during your consultation.

The small access incisions are 3-5mm wide. There are usually 2-3 per side and healing times are variable. They are not sutured after the procedure and the incision scars usually become less obvious with time. Scars may develop over the incision sites (3-5mm) or become darker or lighter in colour or become enlarged but generally they tend to become less obvious with time. Sutures are not required for most incisions and the incision sites act as drainage points post operatively to allow the excess anaesthetic fluid to drain out.  

As all the instruments used in this surgery are blunt, there is usually no long-term change to how the nipple feels, however this may take up to a year to regain full sensitivity. It is rare for permanent loss of sensation. 

Although male breast liposuction removes excess fat, changes in weight, hormone levels, or certain medications can lead to it returning, as it is important that not all fat cells are removed to achieve natural looking results. Therefore existing fat cells can get bigger if diet is excessive. Maintaining a stable weight and regular exercise is very important after any liposuction procedure. Liposuction is not a weight loss tool. It is a body-shape-changing tool. Liposuction does not prevent existing fat calls from getting bigger if one chooses to eat more than is necessary.

Some men with enlarged breasts or breasts which have an unusual distribution of fatty tissue or breast tissue. 

If a large proportion of the breast volume is not fat but breast tissue, especially if this is firm, Liposculpture to the breast may be less successful. This is unusual, most men with large breasts may be considered suitable candidates, but individual assessment is necessary. In such cases where men may not be suitable for Liposculpture / Liposuction alone, the breast tissue may be removed through a small incision in the lower section of the nipple. If this is suspected at the time of consultation, referral to another practitioner may be requested. Dr Heckenberg only performs Liposculpture / Liposuction.  

Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator   

Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all. 

Patients with Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. BDD is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’. The preoccupation of their appearance can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” the perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws resumes. Along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a psychiatrist. 

A special compressive singlet-like chest garment is used for 10-12 days after the procedure and for the first 2 days, a firm elastic binder is used as well, for extra compression. 

In general, you should plan on taking a week off work or slightly longer if your work is active. It would be about 3 weeks before normal gym activities or jogging should be restarted.