Gynaecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is a condition that affects many men, causing embarrassment and self-consciousness. Fortunately, male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynaecomastia surgery, can effectively address this issue by removing excess skin, glandular tissue and fat to create a flatter, more masculine chest. At HR Plastic Surgery we are committed to helping you achieve a flatter, more masculine chest and a renewed sense of confidence in your appearance.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)
Gynaecomastia surgery removes excess skin, glandular tissue and fat to create a flatter, more masculine chest.
At a Glance
Surgery time
1-1.5 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthetic
Hospital stay
Day case
Recovery
2 weeks scar healing; 6 weeks total recovery
Bras and garments?
Chest garment for 6 weeks
Sleeping on back
4 weeks
Sexual activity
4 weeks
Scar healing
2 weeks
What is Male Breast Reduction
Gynaecomastia is a common condition characterised by the enlargement of male breast tissue, which can affect men of all ages. The condition can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, obesity, certain medications, and the natural ageing process.
Understanding the causes of Gynaecomastia, and the risks and benefits of Gynaecomastia surgery can make you feel more confident about your decision. This guide helps you explore the key factors.
Causes
Gynaecomastia can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, obesity, certain medications, and the natural ageing process.
Benefits
Unsightly and uncomfortable fat and breast tissue can successfully be removed with male breast reduction surgery. Undergoing male breast reduction surgery can provide several benefits for patients, including:
Improved appearance
Gynaecomastia surgery can effectively remove excess breast tissue and fat, resulting in a flatter, more masculine chest appearance.
Increased comfort
Men with enlarged breasts often experience physical discomfort, such as chafing or irritation when wearing tight clothing, or engaging in physical activities. Gynaecomastia surgery can alleviate these discomforts by reducing the size of the breasts.
Increased self confidence Gynaecomastia correction results in enhanced confidence in appearance which leads to being more comfortable in social situations.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, gynaecomastia surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Changes in sensation
- Asymmetry
- Poor wound healing
To minimise these risks, it is crucial to choose a highly experienced and qualified surgeon for your gynaecomastia surgery. Furthermore, following aftercare instructions and attending all follow-up appointments can help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Who is a good candidate?
Men of any age who are healthy and in good physical shape are good candidates for gynaecomastia surgery. If you are close to your ideal weight, it’s helpful as obese candidates would be asked to lose weight. Being a non-smoker is essential as smoking increases the risks of the procedure and leads to poorer aesthetic result. Finally, having realistic expectations, result in greater satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure.
Related Conditions
Breast
Man Boobs / Moobs
Man boobs is a condition where a man’s breast area grows larger than expected.
Book a Consultation
Take the first step toward your ideal look by booking a consultation with our expert surgeon.
Understanding what male breast reduction surgery involves, can help you feel more confident and prepared for your journey. The procedure is carefully planned to achieve the results you desire, whilst keeping your safety and comfort paramount. From your initial consultation to recovery, each step is designed to offer a smooth experience. We outline below what you can expect from the process.
Consultation
If you are considering gynaecomastia surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, Mr Hyder Ridha. At HR Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on our compassionate and patient-centred approach to care.
During your consultation, Mr Ridha will discuss your goals and concerns, assess your suitability for gynaecomastia surgery, and recommend the most appropriate surgical technique to achieve your desired outcome. In addition, you will be provided with any relevant preoperative instructions to help you prepare for the surgery, which may include recommendations on smoking cessation, medication adjustments, and any necessary lifestyle changes.
Procedure
Gynaecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours. The technique used will depend on the patient’s unique needs. The most common techniques include:
Liposuction: If the primary cause of the enlarged breasts is excess fat, liposuction may be used to remove the fat and contour the chest. During this procedure, a small incision is made, and a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted to suction out the fat.
Excision: If the primary cause of the enlarged breasts is excess glandular tissue, an excision technique may be used. During this procedure, an incision around the areola is made to allow the removal of the excess tissue. Excess skin can also be removed if necessary, through the same incision.
In some cases, a combination of liposuction and excision are used to achieve the desired result.
Recovery
Following gynaecomastia correction surgery, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. These symptoms are typically mild and subside within a week. You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions, which may include:
- Wearing a chest support garment to minimise swelling and support the healing process.
- Avoiding strenuous activities and exercise for at least six weeks
- Taking prescribed pain medication as directed
Most patients can return to work within a week, depending on the nature of their job and individual recovery process.
Procedure Results
The choice to have male breast reduction surgery is a personal decision. It can be useful to see previous before and after results to understand what you can expect and help you to make up your mind.
The choice to have male breast reduction surgery is a personal decision. It can be useful to see previous before and after results to understand what you can expect and help you to make up your mind.
Pricing?
Prices from
£7200
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. At your consultation, we’ll provide you with a personalised quote, including all associated fees. You can find more information on our pricing and payment plans pages, otherwise please get in touch with our team and we’ll gladly discuss your options.
FAQs
Is it worth getting gynaecomastia surgery?
Whether or not it is worth getting gynaecomastia surgery is a personal decision that depends on the individual’s goals and expectations. The physical and emotional benefits must outweigh the risks associated with the procedure. It is, therefore, important to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your surgeon to assist you in informed decision-making.
How painful is gynaecomastia surgery?
Gynaecomastia surgery is typically performed as a day case under general anaesthetic, so you should not experience any pain during the surgery itself. The recovery period afterwards can be uncomfortable and involve some pain, but this is managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How long does recovery take?
The recovery time for gynaecomastia surgery can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and your healing process. Generally, patients can expect to take up to 1 week off from work with full recovery taking up to 6 weeks.
Do gynaecomastia surgery results last indefinitely?
While the results of gynaecomastia surgery are typically permanent, there is still a chance that the condition may recur over time due to hormonal changes or other factors such as weight gain.
What kind of results can I expect from a male breast reduction procedure?
Results will be noticeable immediately after the procedure and will become more evident as the swelling subsides. Final results may take up to 3 months to be achieved.
Can I exercise after having this procedure done?
Exercise is not recommended for at least 6 weeks post-surgery. You should get clearance from your surgeon before resuming an exercise routine.
Is having a male breast reduction procedure safe?
Generally, reduction surgery for gynaecomastia is safe and most patients have smooth recoveries. Despite the greatest attention to safety on the part of the patient and surgeon, complications may occur. Common complications include bruising, bleeding, fluid collections, contour irregularities, loss of nipple skin, visible scarring, numbness of the nipples, inverted nipples, loose breast skin and asymmetry.
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Breast Reduction Patient Leaflet
Preparing Safely for Surgery
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