Once developed, gynecomastia that persists after ONE year of unsuccessful medical treatment will require surgery.

Men complaining of long nipples are a minority and are bothered mainly by their appearance. Nipple reduction surgery is a solution to treat this condition.

Reoccurrence of gynecomastia is uncommon.  A 2017 study in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal revealed that only 12.5% experienced recurrence over 10 years later. In summary, nearly 90% of patients won't see a return of gynecomastia post-surgery.

Statistics indicate that up to 70% of men may experience gynecomastia to varying degrees in their lifetime, impacting mental health. However, the psychological effects are alleviated post-surgery.

A study in the World Journal of Plastic Surgery revealed that most patients remain content with the results over time, emphasising the rarity of gynecomastia recurrence.

The costs of gynecomastia surgery in Singapore will vary between practices, and the following factors will determine the price.

Generally, the doctor's fees for performing gynecomastia surgery are based on experience and the case's complexity. Other charges include the type of anaesthesia used, surgical facility costs, medical tests such as blood tests, post-surgery garments, pre and post-medication, specimen (biopsy), etc.

While costs are one of the variables you need to consider, the doctor's experience and the variety of gynecomastia cases he has treated and your comfort level with him are just as necessary as the final cost of the surgery.

With Dr Ivan Puah's surgical approach, there is no need for the patient to undergo general anaesthesia. The patient will be under twilight sedation during the procedure. Our anesthesiologist will ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout the process.

Before understanding if your gynecomastia surgery is covered financially by insurance or MediSave, we encourage you to visit Dr Ivan Puah for a consultation.

A complete history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests are needed to determine the underlying cause of your condition. Following that, he will be able to advise you on whether surgery is medically necessary or not. If proven it is, you may be able to tap into your insurance or MediSave.

Aside from discomfort and pain, gynecomastia, if left untreated, will not improve or resolve by itself. It may affect the individual physically, emotionally, mentally and psychologically.

No. Gynecomastia is a male breast disorder involving abnormal proliferation of breast tissues. It cannot be treated non-surgically with fat freezing or low-energy laser, nor can it be resolved by exercising or dieting. Cream and spray will not work either.

[1] Nuzzi, Laura C. B.A.; Cerrato, Felecia E. M.P.H.; Erikson, Cameron R. B.S.; Webb, Michelle L. B.A.; Rosen, Heather M.D., M.P.H.; Walsh, Erika M. M.D.; DiVasta, Amy D. M.D., M.M.Sc.; Greene, Arin K. M.D., M.M.Sc.; Labow, Brian I. M.D.. Psychosocial Impact of Adolescent Gynecomastia: A Prospective Case-Control Study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 131(4):p 890-896, April 2013. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182818ea8

[2] Esenboğa, S., Akgül, S., Kanbur, N., Tüzün, Z., & Derman, O. (2015). The effect of gynecomastia on body image perception and gender roles in adolescents. Turk J Pediatr, 57(1), 60-67.

[3] El Noamani, S., Thabet, A. M., Enab, A. A., Shaeer, O., & El-Sadat, A. (2010). High grade gynecomastia: surgical correction and potential impact on erectile function. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(6), 2273-2279.

[4] Simon, B.E., Hoffman, S., Kahn, S. Classification and surgical correction of gynecomastia. Plast.Reconstr. Surg. 51:48-52, 1973.