Specialist service · Male breast surgery
Gynaecomastia Surgery
Gynaecomastia is enlargement of male breast gland tissue. Assessment comes before contour surgery because hormones, medicines, weight and medical conditions may contribute—and a new lump or nipple change needs proper investigation.
- Medical-cause assessment before surgery
- Liposuction, gland excision or combined treatment
- Chest contour and skin excess planned together
Suitability
When may surgery be considered?
Surgery is usually considered for persistent enlargement that remains after appropriate assessment and treatment of reversible causes.
- Persistent gland enlargement causing discomfort or distress
- Stable weight with residual chest fullness
- Pubertal gynaecomastia that has not resolved over time
- Realistic expectations about scars and residual asymmetry
Assessment before male breast reduction
The consultation distinguishes gland tissue from fat and assesses one or both sides. History includes puberty, weight, medicines, supplements or anabolic steroids, alcohol and symptoms of thyroid, liver, kidney or hormonal disease. A firm one-sided lump, skin change, nipple discharge or bleeding requires diagnostic assessment rather than cosmetic treatment alone.
Liposuction, gland excision and skin reduction
Liposuction treats excess fat and helps contour the chest, while firm gland tissue is usually removed through a small incision near the areola. Larger or drooping chests may need skin reduction and longer scars. The technique is selected from tissue type, skin elasticity and nipple position.
- Treat reversible causes where possible
- Plan gland and fat removal conservatively
- Discuss scar placement and compression
Recovery
A compression garment supports the chest and limits swelling. Bruising, tightness and temporary numbness are common early. Work and exercise are resumed in stages according to healing and the operation performed; final contour takes time as swelling and tissues settle.
Risks and contour limitations
The aim is improvement rather than mathematical symmetry, and over-removal can create a visible depression.
- Bleeding, infection, seroma or delayed healing
- Asymmetry, contour dents or residual gland tissue
- Visible scars or skin excess
- Temporary or permanent nipple sensation change
- Recurrence if an underlying cause continues
Frequently asked questions
Does every case need surgery?
No. Pubertal cases may settle, and weight, medicines or a medical cause may be treatable. Surgery follows assessment of persistence and cause.
Is liposuction alone enough?
It may be enough when excess fat is dominant. Firm gland tissue commonly needs direct excision, and some patients need both.
Will there be scars?
Yes. Many cases use a short scar near the areola, while significant skin excess requires longer scars. The likely pattern is explained before surgery.
Content was reviewed against official medical and professional patient-information sources.
Last medically reviewed: 22 August 2026
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This page is general information. Procedure choice, technique, recovery and risk vary with your examination and health.