All 270 Clinics that provide Male Breast Reduction in London

Gynaecomastia is a condition affecting men where they develop abnormally large mammary glands. Its causes are varied, and not limited purely to obesity. Increased breast size which is solely the result of fat deposits (adipose tissue) is sometimes referred to as pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia.

While gynaecomastia is not physically harmful in and of itself, it can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious underlying illness. Consultation with your doctor is necessary before seeking any treatment as testing for these other root causes is advisable.

Even though the symtpoms of gynaecomastia can usually be hidden quite easily in every day life, shyness about your appearance can lead to withdrawl from social activities and to depression. It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor at the same time, as surgery may not be the best or only solution.

Length

Male breast reduction surgery usually takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the complexity of the procedures involved. Some procedures will only involve liposuction, others require glandular tissue removal, and others again require both.

Procedure

The procedure itself will vary depending on the underlying condition and the desired results. The position of the scars is also dependent on which procedures are needed. Liposuction, glandular tissue removal, and repositioning of the nipple are all common in male breast reduction, but not necessary in all cases. Typically the procedure will be carried out under general anaesthetic, although it is become more common to use just local anaesthetic in certain cases.

Recovery

You may be able to leave the clinic or hospital on the day of the surgery, but normally there is a stay of between 1 and 3 days. Recovery times vary from person to person, but typically range from 2 to 6 weeks. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise during your recovery period.

Risks

As with all major surgery, there are risks involved. Consultation with your doctor(s) should include a frank discussion of these risks, and you should be happy with the answers to any questions you have before proceeding with surgery.

The risks involved can include scarring, loss of sensation in the breast and nipple, asymmetry of the breasts, infection, blood clots, and other typical risks involved with surgery.

A guide to plastic surgery regulations in the United Kingdom

The Department of Health decides on health policy and oversees the National Health Serice in the UK.

The General Medical Council (GMC) is the self-regulating body for doctors within the UK. It holds a register of all doctors registered to practice within the UK. The GMC provides detailed information online about the current status of all registered doctors. Compensation claims will rest on proof that a failure in the 'Duty to Care' has resulted in injury - these claims are persued throught the civil courts.

The British Medical Association is the chief professional organization for doctors in the UK.

BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons is the main organization that plastic surgeons will belong to.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons represents plastic surgeons who specialise in cosmetic surgery and all its members are on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgery.

Education

The UK has 32 medical schools spread over a number of administrative regions. Training is usually 5 or 6 years in length though 4 year graduate programmes have become available. The difference in training periods generally applies to theoretical work with set minimums in place for clinical study.

Doctors are ethically responsible for keeping their training up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). All professional associations promote continuing education and organize training. CPD is not mandatory though failure to engage may result in a doctors ability to maintain their 'Duty to Care' coming into question.

Complaints

The GMC will deal with complaints against doctors but its powers only enable it to limit or remove the right to practice: It does not issue fines or grant compensation. The GMC strikes off about 30 doctors each year.

Other complaints should go first to one of the local healthcare authorites.

There is also a health ombudsman (one for each of England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland), independant of the profession.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

The UK has a data protection act. This both protects data and covers the right of an individual to access data held on them - including medical data. Furthermore medical data requested by an individual must be presented in an intelligible manner and within a maximun of 40 days from a formal request being made.

Resources

Healthcare Commission (for ombudsman/complaints, provider ratings etc)
Website: http://www.healthcarecommission.org.london/aboutus.cfm

The General Medical Council (GMC)
Website: http://www.gmc-london.org/
Check status of doctors: http://www.gmc-london.org/register/search/
Role in complaints: http://www.gmc-london.org/concerns/complaints_and_role_of_the_gmc/index.asp

The British Medical Association
Website: http://www.bma.org.london/

British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
Website: http://www.bapras.org.london/
Member surgeons: http://www.bapras.org.london/findasurgeon.asp

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Website: http://www.baaps.org.london/
Member surgeons: http://www.baaps.org.london/content/view/18/32/

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