Gynaecomastia in Singapore

This type occurs naturally at different stages of life due to hormonal changes:

Puberty: Teen boys might experience breast tissue growth during puberty due to fluctuating hormone levels.

Older Age: In older men, gynaecomastia can occur due to a decrease in testosterone levels and a relative increase in estrogen levels.

This type is linked to underlying health issues or the use of specific medications:

Medications: Certain drugs can cause gynaecomastia, including anti-androgens (used for prostate conditions), anabolic steroids, some antidepressants, and medications for heart conditions.

Health Conditions: Diseases like hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver disease, and tumours (testicular, adrenal, or pituitary) can cause gynaecomastia.

This condition differs from true gynaecomastia as it involves fat accumulation rather than an increase in glandular breast tissue. It’s often seen in overweight or obese people and can be managed with weight loss and exercise.

The primary symptom of gynaecomastia is the enlargement of the breast gland tissue. This can occur in one or both breasts and may present as a rubbery or firm mass that starts beneath the nipple and spreads outward over the breast area.

Men with gynaecomastia often experience tenderness or sensitivity in the breast tissue. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by pain, especially when touching the affected area.

Gynaecomastia may cause asymmetry between the two breasts, with one breast appearing larger than the other. This can be particularly noticeable and may contribute to feelings of self-consciousness.

Some men with gynaecomastia may experience general swelling in the breast tissue, which can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the breast area.

Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room so you can see your chest clearly.

Look at your chest for any visible changes. Note if there is any swelling, asymmetry, or changes in the nipple area.

• Use the pads of your fingers to gently press around the nipple area on each side of your chest.
• Move your fingers in a circular motion, feeling for any firm or rubbery lumps. Gynaecomastia often presents as a disk-shaped lump behind the nipple.
• Check if the lump is tender or painful to touch.

Gynaecomastia can occur in one or both breasts, so make sure to examine both sides of your chest thoroughly.

Determine if the enlargement feels like breast tissue (firm and rubbery) or fat (softer and more diffuse). Pseudogynaecomastia, caused by fat accumulation, feels different from true gynaecomastia, which involves glandular tissue.

Pay attention to any discharge from the nipple, changes in skin texture, or any additional pain or discomfort.

This surgical option involves removing the excess breast tissue to restore a flatter chest contour. It can significantly improve physical appearance and alleviate discomfort. Gynaecomastia surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours to perform and is considered an outpatient procedure.

The Treatment Procedure for Gynaecomastia Surgery

The procedure typically involves:

• Anaesthesia: Local or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort.
• Incisions: Small incisions around the areola or in the armpit area.
• Tissue Removal: Removal of excess glandular tissue and fat.
• Suturing: Closing the incisions with sutures.

Recovery and Aftercare for Gynaecomastia Surgery

Post-surgery care typically includes:

• Rest: Adequate rest to promote healing.
• Pain Management: Taking prescribed medications to manage pain.
• Avoiding Strenuous Activities: Limiting physical activities to avoid complications.
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups to monitor recovery.

Risks of Gynaecomastia Surgery

Undergoing surgery to correct gynaecomastia involves certain risks, just like any other surgical procedure. Here are some potential risks to consider:

• Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur, requiring antibiotics or further treatment.
• Scarring: There may be visible scars from the incisions, which can vary in size and visibility depending on the surgical technique used.
• Bleeding or Hematoma: Excessive bleeding or the accumulation of blood (hematoma) can occur after surgery, possibly necessitating additional procedures.
• Changes in Sensation: Some patients experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be temporary or permanent.
• Asymmetry: There might be unevenness in the appearance of the chest if the tissue removal is not symmetrical.
• Adverse Reaction to Anaesthesia: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anaesthesia, including allergic reactions or other complications.

Cost of Gynaecomastia Surgery

In Singapore, the cost for this procedure typically ranges from SGD 6,000 to SGD 12,000. Several factors influence this range, including:

• Surgeon’s Fees: The fees charged by your surgeon may vary.
• Surgery Fees: The overall cost of the surgical procedure itself.
• Anaesthesia Fees: The type of anaesthesia (local or general) and the anesthesiologist’s fees contribute to the overall cost.
• Post-Surgery Care: This includes follow-up consultations, medications, and compression garments, which are often part of the overall price but can vary.

Liposuction is used to remove excess fat from the breast area. This technique is effective when there is more fatty tissue present. The recovery process is typically quite tolerable, with patients usually able to return to work or school within several days after the procedure.

Treatment Procedure for Liposuction

Liposuction involves:

• Anaesthesia: Local or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort.
• Insertion of Cannula: A thin tube is inserted to suction out excess fat.
• Suctioning: Fat is suctioned out, contouring the chest area.
• Completion: Incisions are closed with sutures.

Recovery and Aftercare for Liposuction

Recovery involves:

• Compression Garments: Wearing garments to reduce swelling and support the chest.
• Managing Swelling: Using cold compresses and prescribed medications.
• Following Care Instructions: Adhering to specific instructions from the plastic surgeon.

Risks of Liposuction

While liposuction is a less invasive option for treating gynaecomastia, it still carries certain risks. Here are some potential complications to be aware of:

• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites, which may require antibiotics or further treatment.
• Asymmetry: There may be uneven results, with one side of the chest looking different from the other, requiring additional corrective procedures.
• Contour Irregularities: The skin surface might appear uneven, wavy, or bumpy after liposuction, especially if too much or too little fat is removed.
• Changes in Sensation: Some patients experience temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, including numbness or tingling.
• Fluid Accumulation: Fluid pockets (seromas) can form under the skin, which might need to be drained.
• Adverse Reaction to Anaesthesia: Although rare, some individuals may have adverse reactions to the anaesthesia used during the procedure.
• Scarring: While incisions are small, there can still be some scarring, which may vary in visibility depending on individual healing.

Cost of Liposuction

For liposuction, the cost in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 4,000 to SGD 10,000. Key factors that determine the cost include:

• Surgeon’s Fees: The fees charged by your surgeon may vary.
• The Procedure: The amount of fat to be removed and the complexity of the procedure can affect the price.
• Technology Used: Techniques such as VASER or laser-assisted liposuction may incur higher costs due to specialised equipment and expertise.
• Post-Surgery Care: This includes follow-up consultations, medications, and compression garments, which are often part of the overall price but can vary.