What is Gynaecomastia?
QUICK ANSWER Gynaecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, removes enlarged male breast tissue to flatten and reshape the chest. It is usually a day-surgery procedure under general anaesthesia, using a small incision around the areola with liposuction of surrounding fat. Dr Ong Wei Chen performs gynaecomastia surgery at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore.
Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue caused by an increase in the breast gland, and it can affect one or both breasts. It most often results from an imbalance between the hormones testosterone and oestrogen — commonly during puberty or later in life — and less often from medication, tumours or genetic conditions. Because the enlargement is glandular, it usually cannot be reduced by exercise or weight loss alone, so surgery may be considered after a doctor evaluates the cause.
What causes gynaecomastia (enlarged male breasts)?
“Enlarged male breasts are usually glandular, not just fat. That is why diet and exercise often don’t fix it — and why the cause has to be assessed before any surgery.”
— Dr Ong Wei Chen, Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Gynaecomastia is most commonly caused by an imbalance of the hormones testosterone and oestrogen. This often occurs during puberty, when low testosterone lets breast tissue grow, and can recur later in life as testosterone falls. Less commonly, medication, tumours or genetic conditions are responsible. Significant weight loss can also leave prominent breast tissue once chest fat reduces, and a proper evaluation identifies which applies before surgery is considered.
How is gynaecomastia surgery performed?
Gynaecomastia surgery removes excess breast gland tissue through a small incision made around the areola, and liposuction is often used to remove surrounding fat and reduce overall chest volume. It is usually performed as day surgery under general anaesthesia, so you return home the same day. In select cases where there is loose skin, excess skin can also be removed. A post-operative compression garment helps the chest settle into its new contour.
Who is a suitable candidate for gynaecomastia surgery?
Gynaecomastia surgery suits men with enlarged breast tissue that protrudes noticeably and does not respond to weight loss or exercise. Because the prominence is glandular rather than fatty, surgery is often the effective option — but only after a doctor evaluates the cause to rule out reversible or medical factors. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each patient’s chest, health and goals before recommending surgery.
What is recovery from gynaecomastia surgery like?
Most men return home the same day and back to work within about a week, avoiding strenuous exercise for around four weeks while the wounds heal. Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected early on and generally settle within two to six weeks. A compression garment is worn to support the chest and help form a new contour, and the clinic provides pain medication and wound-care guidance. General surgical risks include bleeding, infection and slower wound healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for gynaecomastia surgery in Singapore?
Gynaecomastia surgery suits men whose breast tissue has enlarged enough to protrude more than normal and does not reduce with exercise or weight loss. Because the enlargement is glandular, surgery is often the effective option, but a doctor should first evaluate the cause. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each patient at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, before recommending surgery.
Will gynaecomastia surgery leave a visible scar?
Some scarring is unavoidable, but the incision is placed around the areola so the resulting scar is discreet. Removing excess gland tissue and fat requires an incision, which is positioned at the edge of the areola where it blends with the natural colour change of the skin. The clinic guides you on wound care and scar management to support healing after surgery.
How long does recovery from gynaecomastia surgery take?
Most men resume work within about a week and avoid strenuous exercise for roughly four weeks. Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected in the first days and usually subside within two to six weeks as the body heals. A compression garment supports the chest during recovery, and the clinic provides pain medication and monitors your progress at follow-up appointments.
Can gynaecomastia surgery be claimed under Medisave or insurance in Singapore?
It depends on why the surgery is done — gynaecomastia surgery for cosmetic reasons is generally not claimable, but when it is medically indicated it may be. If surgery is performed for medical reasons, WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery can assist with direct insurance e-filing and Medisave claims. Coverage depends on your policy, so confirm with your insurer before surgery.
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Dr Ong is a fully accredited Singapore plastic surgeon. She currently practices at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery at Gleneagles Medical Centre, serving patients in all Parkway hospitals and Mount Alvernia Hospital. Under the competent and experienced hands of one of the best female plastic surgeons in Singapore, you can be assured of quality care and treatment.
