Gynaecomastia Surgery

• Surgery time: 1–2 hours
• Anaesthesia: General or local with sedation
• Hospital stay: Day case or 1 night
• Recovery: 2–6 weeks
• Garment: Compression vest for 2–4 weeks
• Scars: Small, discreet (often around the areola or chest fold)
• Final result: Seen at 6 months
• Common techniques: Liposuction and glandular tissue excision
• Risk factors checked: Hormones, medications, lifestyle
• Ideal for: Persistent gynaecomastia after puberty

Male chest reduction, or gynaecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue using liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both. The aim is to achieve a flatter, firmer chest with natural contours. Surgery is tailored to each individual depending on the grade and cause of gynaecomastia, and any underlying medical issues are ruled out beforehand.

Gynaecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast tissue. It’s common at three stages of life: newborns, adolescents, and older men. For most, it resolves on its own—but for some, it persists beyond puberty or arises later in life due to hormonal imbalances or other factors.

There are two main types:

• Physiological: Hormone-related and often age-dependent
• Pathological: Linked to medical conditions or certain medications

Common causes include hormonal fluctuations, liver disease, certain medications (e.g., spironolactone, cimetidine), marijuana use, and testicular tumours.

If your chest enlargement hasn’t improved with time, exercise, or weight loss—and is affecting your confidence or comfort—surgery may be the most effective solution. True glandular gynaecomastia typically doesn’t respond to non-surgical methods.

• Liposuction is used to remove fatty tissue
• Excision removes dense glandular tissue
• A combination of both is often used for the most natural result
• Incisions are small and strategically placed
• In more severe cases with loose skin or nipple drooping, additional procedures may be required

• Most patients go home the same day or stay overnight
• You’ll wear a supportive compression garment for 2–4 weeks
• Stitches are removed after around 10 days
• Follow-up appointment at 4–6 weeks
• Final results visible at 6 months once swelling fully settles

As with any surgery, there are risks. These include:

• Bruising, bleeding or infection
• Scarring
• Delayed wound healing
• Temporary or permanent changes in chest sensation
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities
• Over- or under-correction
• Changes over time due to weight fluctuation or ageing

All of these will be discussed with you during your consultation.