Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

Tissue in the chest can enlarge, giving the impression of a developing male breast. This tissue can be removed in a male breast reduction.

What is male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) surgery?

We are often contacted by men who are concerned by the density of their breast tissue. All men have some breast tissue located beneath their nipples. In some, this tissue will enlarge to give the impression of a developing male breast. The most common time for this to occur is during puberty and it will often resolve on its own. It can also occur naturally in older men as the hormone levels in their body change.

Other causes of gynaecomastia include genetic conditions, various chronic diseases, and some drugs. Anabolic steroid use frequently leads to the development of the male breast tissue and is a well-recognized side effect of using these drugs.

Men who are overweight can also appear to develop breasts, but this is usually due to the excessive deposition of fat on the chest and not due to the growth of male breast tissue. In men with long-standing gynaecomastia and no treatable or reversible cause, surgery may be appropriate to reduce the size of the breast mound. This can be achieved with either liposuction of excessive fat deposits or surgical removal of the enlarged breast tissue, or a combination of both.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Regardless of the cause, gynaecomastia can cause significant emotional distress or embarrassment in some men, especially during the summer months or when undertaking activities such as swimming, where the contour of the chest is visible. Surgical reduction of the breast tissue can help overcome these concerns.

Is Mr Morgan experienced in this procedure?

Mr Morgan has had many years of experience in performing male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) surgery. At your consultation, he will be able to show photos of his other patients who have undergone this procedure to give a sense of what change can be achieved. These results are specific to these patients, and may not accurately reflect the types of result you may achieve. All results can vary for a number of reasons, including differences in genetics and original appearance, as well as differences in healing and recovery. Despite all care being taken, complications can and do occur, and can also affect the final result. Occasionally, revisional surgery is required.

How is it performed?

This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and does not usually require an overnight stay in hospital. Surgical incisions are made around the edge of the areola to remove the excess breast tissue; this helps camouflage them at the change in skin pigmentation. Additional small scars may be required if some liposuction is also performed to remove fatty tissue.

The wounds are closed with dissolving sutures, and the covered with waterproof dressings so that you can shower as soon as you feel comfortable. Discomfort is limited and usually well controlled with tablet pain relief. You will be asked to wear a compression vest for the first three weeks to minimise swelling and bruising and hasten your recovery.

How long will I need to recover?

Everyone will experience the anaesthetic and recover from an operation differently. Although uncommon, complications can also occur and result in a prolonged recovery time. Bruising and swelling can persist for two to three weeks, after which time you should feel comfortable to return back to work. The compression vest will need to be worn for a total of at least three weeks to help optimise the result. Light activity is encouraged as soon as possible, and most patients will return to normal daily activities within three weeks. More strenuous physical activity should be limited for 6 weeks.

Specific Risks and Complications

Male breast reduction (Gynaecomastia) surgery has several potential specific risks:

Bleeding, infection, poor quality or visible scars, prolonged wound healing, asymmetry, over-resection of breast tissue, permanent numbness in the skin, irregular contours, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, need for revisional surgery

If liposuction is also performed:

Rare complications include damage to internal organs from the long metal tubes (cannulae) being inserted into the incorrect areas, and chemical imbalances from using large amounts of fluid and local anaesthetic solution

This is not an exhaustive list of potential risks. Every patient responds differently to surgery and anaesthesia, and can heal and recover differently. Individual results can vary. The results experienced by one patient do not always reflect the results other patients may achieve. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations

All Surgical Procedures Carry Risks

Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.

Individual results may vary due to a number of factors, including genetics, and variations in healing and recovery, and the potential for complications. The outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations

Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and will most often require a general anaesthetic. All surgery will require a period of recovery before returning to normal activity, as outlined in the particular procedure information. Although uncommon, complications can and do occur, and may affect the final result of your surgery. The potential risks will be discussed fully during your consultations, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the various risks in your particular circumstances. Risks may include the general risks of surgery, as well as the risks specific to the procedure, and include poor quality scarring, excessive bruising and swelling, infection, bleeding, pain, asymmetry, nerve injury, anaesthetic complications, drug reactions, unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes, the need for further surgery, and permanent disability and death.

As a specialist plastic surgeon, Mr Morgan is appropriately trained and qualified to deal with complications of surgery, including the ability to admit you to hospital, if required.

Who should/should not consider male breast surgery?

We believe that the best results are achieved for those who have a clearly defined concern and realistic expectations about what male breast reduction surgery (gynaecomastia) can achieve. In situations where this is not the case, the outcome from male breast reduction surgery (gynaecomastia) may be disappointing.

We believe that you should not consider this type of surgery as a response to a personal or professional crisis, or under the encouragement of somebody else. Any decision to undergo surgery needs to be for the right reasons. All surgery entails an element of risk, and you should not make any decision regarding surgery at a time of stress.

Free Surgery Preparation Guide