Male breast reduction

Breasts are a very special part of the body for women and their shape and size are associated with sexuality. However, attractive male breast is flat and it gives the appearance of masculinity.

Enlarged breasts in a man can both cause discomfort and affect self-esteem. Gynecomastia can lead to social anxiety and self-consciousness in various social settings, such as at the beach, gym, or in intimate relationships. By addressing the underlying cause of gynecomastia through surgery, individuals may feel more at ease and confident in social interactions. While enlarged breasts are disturbing mainly from an aesthetic point of view, sometimes enlarged male breasts can also be painful.

What are the causes of enlarged male breasts?

Gynaecomastia is the presence of enlarged glands in the male breast area.

It is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body and the cause is unknown in most cases.

Enlarged breasts in men can be caused also by:

taking certain medications (for high blood pressure, prostate treatment, etc.),
taking anabolic steroids,
cannabis use,
certain diseases,
obesity,
or weight loss.

Enlarged breasts may also be transient and resolve spontaneously (for example, in newborn babies or at puberty). In about 30 % of men, no cause for male breast enlargement or gynecomastia is found.

Are you a good candidate for gynecomastia correction?

During puberty, enlarged breasts in men may be a temporary condition, which means that overly large breasts will spontaneously decrease in size.

Therefore, my advise would be to wait until completion of puberty before undergoing the procedure. Otherwise, male breast reduction is suitable for any man who is bothered by his large breasts and their effect on his self-confidence and self-image.

Reduced self-esteem and the burden of having too large breasts can indirectly affect performance in life and also intimate life. During the consultation I will discuss with you the procedure, recovery and expected results.

What are the steps of gynecomastia surgery?

Before male breast reduction surgery, I may recommend a more detailed laboratory blood test (including hormonal status).

Gynaecomastia correction or male breast surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about one and a half hours.

The course of the scar depends on the size of the breast and the amount of excess skin present.
The scar usually runs along the lower edge of the areola, but can also run around the entire areola.
During the procedure, I remove the gland tissue.
At the same time, I perform liposuction to create a more harmonious chest. I usually use VASER technology. This method further liquefies and softens the fat before suctioning. This makes the technique more atraumatic and less likely to cause uneven skin.
Liposuction alone is usually not enough, as the enlarged gland in gynaecomastia is firm and cannot be effectively removed by liposuction alone.
If the gland is not palpable and only fat is accumulated in the chest area, liposuction is sufficient.
The wound is sutured with resorbable stich that does not need to be removed.
Immediately after the procedure, I will place a compression garment over your chest.
You are discharged from the hospital in the same day.

What should I expect during gynecomastia correction surgery?

Recovery time after gynecomastia correction surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the chest area, which can be managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care.

After the surgery is completed, you will be monitored in the recovery room until you are stable to go home. At home you may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and tightness in the chest area.

You should follow the following steps:

Wear a compression garment for four weeks after breast surgery.
Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercises for the upper body for the first 4 - 6 weeks following surgery.
The stitches will dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed.
Once the wound is healed (usually 2 – 3 weeks), I recommend you the scar care with an oily cream.
Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support the healing process. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products, as they can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.

What are the risks and possible complications after gynaecomastia correction?

While gynecomastia correction surgery is generally safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks of potential complications.

It is essential to be aware of these complications and discuss them with me before undergoing the surgery. Here are some of the possible complications that may occur after gynecomastia correction surgery:

Infection: infection at the surgical site is a possible complication that can occur after gynecomastia correction surgery. Signs of infection may include fever, increased pain, redness, warmth, or drainage from the incision site. Prompt treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if an infection occurs.
Bleeding: bleeding during or after surgery is a potential complication. Excessive bleeding can lead to hematoma (collection of blood under the skin), which may require drainage to prevent complications.
Changes in sensation: some patients may experience changes in sensation, such as numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in the chest area or around the nipples. These changes are often temporary but can persist in some cases.
Asymmetry: achieving perfect symmetry in the chest area may be challenging, and some degree of asymmetry may be present after gynecomastia correction surgery. I will strive to create a balanced and natural-looking result, but minor differences in size or shape may occur.
Scarring: scarring is an inevitable outcome of any surgical procedure. The extent of scarring can vary depending on the surgical technique used and individual healing characteristics. After the surgery I will provide you with the guidance on scar care to help minimize the visibility of scars over time.
Fluid accumulation: seroma, a buildup of fluid under the skin, can occur after surgery and may require drainage to prevent complications. Proper post-operative care and wearing compression garments can help reduce the risk of fluid accumulation.
Skin contour irregularities: in some cases, irregularities in the skin contour, such as dimpling or wrinkling, may occur after surgery. These issues can sometimes be addressed with additional treatments or revisions.
Allergic reactions: rarely, patients may experience allergic reactions to anesthesia, medications, or surgical materials used during gynecomastia correction surgery. Be sure to inform me of any known allergies before the procedure.
Delayed healing: factors such as poor wound care, smoking, certain medications, or underlying health conditions can contribute to delayed wound healing. Following post-operative instructions and maintaining good overall health can help promote proper healing.
Unsatisfactory results: while most patients are satisfied with the outcomes of gynecomastia correction surgery, there is a possibility of not achieving the desired aesthetic results. It is important to have realistic expectations and communicate your goals clearly with me during the pre-operative consultation.

Gynecomastia correction surgery offers numerous benefits to individuals who are affected by enlarged or overdeveloped breasts.

Here are some of the key benefits of gynecomastia correction surgery:

Boost in self-confidence and self-esteem
Enhanced body image
Better clothing fit
Improved physical comfort (e.g. pain, tenderness, and chafing)
Enhanced masculine contour with a more defined and sculpted chest appearance
Increased motivation for healthy lifestyle
Reduction in social anxiety
Overall well-being

And the price?

Deciding to have gynecomastia correction surgery is a big step. I am sure you have some remaining questions, concerns or doubts. I would be happy to discuss the procedure with you and together we will find the best possible solution for your individual needs. To schedule a consultation please click.

Male breast reduction | Gynecomastia correction

Gynecomastia correction, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure to reduce excess breast tissue in men.

How long does the procedure take?

What is the type of anesthesia?

When are you discharged home?

When can you return to work?

When can you return to normal life?

When is it seen end result?