Gynaecomastia Surgery In Singapore

Restore your natural physique and regain your confidence. Our gynaecomastia treatments are centred around precision, safety, and natural looking results. Speak to us to learn more.

Dr Jesse Hu
Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery
Dr Felicia Tan Li Sher
Director, Consultant General Surgeon

What is Gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, resulting in a feminine-like chest appearance. It is a common condition that affects Singaporean men, with an estimated 30-40% of males experiencing it at some point in their lives.

While not life-threatening, gynaecomastia can cause affect your quality of life. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.

What Causes Gynaecomastia?

  • Hormonal Imbalance. An imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones in the body can lead to the development of gynaecomastia. This is particularly common during puberty and ageing.
  • Medications. Certain medications, such as anabolic steroids, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, can cause gynaecomastia as a side effect.
  • Health Conditions. Certain health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney failure, and thyroid disorders, can contribute to the development of gynaecomastia.
  • Lifestyle Factors. Excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and smoking can also cause gynaecomastia.

Types and Symptoms of Gynaecomastia

Florid gynaecomastia refers to breast tissue with a lot of glandular cells that can cause the breast to become enlarged and tender. It often occurs in adolescents during puberty.

Fibrous gynaecomastia is an increase in the amount of fibrous connective tissue in the breast, which can cause it to feel firm or rubbery. It can occur in men of all ages.

Intermediate gynaecomastia is a combination of the florid and fibrous types and is characterised by both glandular and connective tissue changes in the breast.

Gynaecomastia can also be physiological, meaning it occurs during infancy, puberty or old age. Symptoms of physiological gynaecomastia include tenderness or sore breast tissue.

Pathological gynaecomastia is caused by various medical conditions or drugs. Symptoms of pathological gynaecomastia may include pain, nipple discharge, and breast enlargement.

Diagnosis of Gynaecomastia

Here are the common methods used for diagnosis:

Physical examination

Your surgeon will examine the breast tissue, abdomen, and in some cases, the genitals to evaluate overall sexual development and to check for any abnormalities that may indicate a hormonal imbalance, such as small testicles or lack of pubic hair.

Medical history review

The doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history, medication use, and any other relevant factors that may contribute to gynaecomastia.

Blood tests

These can help determine if there are any underlying medical conditions or hormonal imbalances.

Imaging tests

Ultrasound, MRI, and mammogram are used to identify any abnormalities in the breast tissue and to determine the type and extent of gynaecomastia.

Biopsy

This is a procedure where a small sample of breast tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to determine if any cancerous or abnormal cells are present. A biopsy may be recommended if imaging tests show suspicious findings or if there is concern about the nature of the breast tissue.

Gynaecomastia Surgery

During the surgery, anaesthesia will be administered. Liposuction then commences through minute, discreet incisions. For glandular tissue removal, excess skin reduction, or areola resizing, excision techniques are utilized. The incisions are then skillfully stitched to mitigate scarring. Postoperative care, including wearing a support garment and specific healing medications, is crucial in supporting the newly contoured chest to expedite recovery.

Who is eligible for Gynaecomastia Surgery?

A comprehensive understanding of your past medical history and body may be conducted.

A candidate for Gynaecomastia Surgery should typically:

  • Have a stabilised breast development
  • Be of healthy weight
  • Have realistic expectations of the outcomes
  • Has no serious illnesses/conditions that may impede recovery

What to know before the Gynaecomastia Surgery

Disclose your medical history, medication usage, and any previous surgeries during these consultations. This information aids the surgeon in tailoring the procedure to your specific needs. Prior to the surgery:

  • Complete the required laboratory testing
  • Adjust your medications if requested
  • Stop Smoking
  • Restrict your use of certain drugs
  • Discuss your expectations

Cost of Gynaecomastia Treatment

Gynaecomastia treatment costs can vary depending on various factors such as:

Consultation fees

The cost of your consultation fee can vary depending on which clinic or hospital you choose to visit.

Anaesthesia and medication fees

The cost of anaesthesia and medication will be included depending on the treatment method recommended by your specialist.

Type of Treatment

Non-surgical treatment costs typically depend on the treatment method and number of sessions required.

Surgical options are typically higher than non-surgical treatments. The cost for surgical treatments depend on the complexity of the surgery and hospital fees.

Risks and Complications of Gynaecomastia Treatment

Gynaecomastia treatment is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications to be aware of, such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Changes in nipple sensation
  • Anaesthesia complications such as nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions

Recovery and Aftercare

Gynaecomastia treatment may require some recovery time and aftercare. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully after treatment to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
  • Depending on the type of treatment, patients may need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for some time.
  • Compression garments are often recommended after surgery to help reduce swelling and support the chest area.
  • Patients will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery progress and ensure optimal results.

Dr Jesse Hu

Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

Dr Jesse specialises in managing both benign and malignant breast and thyroid conditions, which also includes breast pain, breast lumps, breastfeeding problems, neck lumps, amongst others.

Her dual expertise in cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques expands the design of individualized treatments, leading to holistic patient outcomes.

Dr Jesse was part of the teaching faculties of both NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of medical students and trainee doctors.

  • Surgical training at NUS School of Medicine
  • FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) Edinburgh, UK in 2014
  • Completed 2 Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowships at Oxford University Hospital, UK in 2016

Dr Jesse is recognized as an authority in breast cancer and thyroid surgery and a sought-after conference speaker.

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Dr Felicia Tan Li Sher

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Felicia is actively involved in promoting breast cancer awareness. She has also been invited to give lectures and public talks on breast cancer related issues both locally and internationally.

Her clinical interest lies in treatment of breast cancer and the use of various surgical techniques to achieve the best oncologic and cosmetic outcome for her patients.

She is the pioneer of the procedure radioisotope occult lesion localisation (ROLL) in Singapore – which is used for locating non-palpable breast lesions and micro-calcifications for surgical excision.

  • Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery from the National University of Singapore
  • RCSEd (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh)
  • Post-graduate training as a General Surgeon at NCC and SGH, subspecializing in breast surgery.

She is also adept with the whole range of breast surgical procedures including vacuum assisted biopsies and endoscopic (key-hole) breast surgery for breast lesions.

 

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