Male chest reduction surgery (gynaecomastia surgery)

The cost of this procedure depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Male breast reduction surgery is used to treat a condition known as gynaecomastia, where a man's breasts become enlarged due to excessive glandular tissue. The condition can be caused by:

• Hormone imbalances - such as during puberty, ageing, and for the first few weeks after birth. Sometimes hormonal imbalances have no known cause
• Obesity
• Side effects of some medications
• Alcohol misuse
• Using drugs such as cannabis or anabolic steroids
• Genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome
• Some health conditions such as kidney or liver disease

Gynaecomastia can be mild, resulting in minimally enlarged breasts, or severe. It can affect one or both breasts.

Male chest reduction surgery may be a good option for you if you have larger-than-normal breasts that make you self-conscious about your appearance and affect your mood and self-esteem.

Male chest reduction surgery may also be performed if you have saggy breast tissue after losing weight. The procedure is not suitable for you if you have enlarged breasts because you are overweight or obese.

Male chest reduction surgery will remove excess breast tissue and leave you with a sculptured, more masculine chest. Many men feel more confident in their appearance following male chest reduction surgery. You may also feel more comfortable and be able to perform activities you couldn't do before after your excess breast tissue is removed.

Benefits of male chest reduction surgery include:

• Increased self-confidence
• Increased self-esteem
• Being more "in proportion"
• Feeling less self-conscious
• Being able to wear a wider choice of clothes

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant plastic or reconstructive surgeon, a doctor specialising in cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures.

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They will ask you about your reasons for wanting male breast reduction surgery and what you hope to achieve from the procedure.

Your consultant will examine your chest, take measurements, and order tests such as a blood test, chest X-ray and ECG to check your general health. They may screen you for male breast cancer and run some tests to determine the cause of your gynaecomastia if this is not known.

Why is this first consultation so important?

At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is important as it's where you first meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is very important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your initial appointment.

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if male breast reduction surgery is a suitable option for you based on your general health, symptoms, physical examination, and expectations for treatment.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your surgery. If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your surgery, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared for your surgery will help to ease any anxiety you may have as well as allow your surgery and recovery to go more smoothly.

Before your surgery, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medication, including over-the-counter medicines you are taking.

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications like blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, or some herbal supplements for a few days before your operation. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your surgery.

You will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your operation.

What lifestyle changes can I make before my surgery?

Being as healthy as possible before your surgery can reduce the risk of complications and help your recovery go more smoothly.

To make sure you are as healthy as possible before your male chest reduction surgery:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• If you smoke, try to stop at least eight weeks before your surgery
• Avoid alcohol for a few days before and after your surgery. Alcohol thins the blood and can increase the risk of bleeding
• Take regular exercise

Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic.

During male breast reduction surgery:

• Once your anaesthetic has taken effect, your consultant will make an incision (cut) under your arm or around your nipple
• Your consultant will remove any excess fatty tissue with a scalpel and/or liposuction
• Your nipples may be repositioned if a lot of tissue is removed
• The incisions are closed with stitches and a sterile dressing is applied

Male chest reduction surgery normally takes about 1.5 hours.

Recovery from any type of surgery is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your age, general health and whether or not there were any complications during your surgery or recovery.

Your consultant will give you an estimated recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.

After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will then be taken to your room.

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

You will need to spend one night in hospital after your male chest reduction surgery. You can normally go home the next day.

Will I be able to drive home?

You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital after your male chest reduction surgery. Please make arrangements for someone to collect you, or we can organise a taxi if you prefer.

How soon can I go back to work?

How soon you can go back to work after your surgery depends on your individual recovery, and the type of job you do. We recommend taking at least a week off work after your male chest reduction surgery, more if you have an active or strenuous job.

How soon can I drive?

You should not drive until you can wear a seatbelt comfortably, safely control your vehicle and perform an emergency stop. This may be a few weeks after your surgery. Do not drive if you are taking strong painkillers that may make you drowsy or impair your concentration and reaction times.

When will I be back to normal?

Recovery from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone. In general, it takes four to six weeks to fully recover from male breast reduction surgery.

You can help your recovery go more smoothly by following your consultant's postoperative instructions carefully. Call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.

When you wake up from the anaesthetic, you will have bandages around your chest to protect your surgical wounds, support your chest and reduce swelling. You may have thin plastic tubes in your chest to drain any blood or fluid. These will be removed when you no longer need them.

You can expect some pain and discomfort for the first few days after your male chest reduction surgery. Your consultant will prescribe pain medication to manage this.

You will need to wear a compression vest for four to six weeks after your surgery. This provides support and helps to reduce swelling.

After your male chest reduction surgery:

• You can shower, but avoid bathing or getting your dressings soaked
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least three weeks
• Keep any follow-up appointments given to you by your healthcare team
• Non-dissolvable stitches are removed after around two weeks
• Begin light exercise such as walking around your house as soon as possible after your surgery. You can resume light exercise routines after three to four weeks and begin more strenuous activity after six weeks.
• Avoid exposing your chest to sunlight for six months after your surgery

As with all types of surgery, male chest reduction carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery and answer any questions you may have about your procedure. Being as well-informed as possible about what to expect from your surgery will help put your mind at rest and allow you to make an informed decision so please ask any questions you may have.

Possible complications of any surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Damage to surrounding structures
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic

Possible complications specific to male chest reduction surgery include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Scarring
• Persistent pain
• Loss of or reduced nipple sensation
• Unevenly shaped breasts or nipples
• Poor wound healing
• Bleeding under the skin (haematoma)

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about male chest reduction surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in July 2024. Next review due July 2027.

Breast reduction (male) NHS

What is gynaecomastia? NHS

Gynaecomastia Surgery Male Breast Reduction Surgery American Society of Plastic Surgeons