Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

Gynaecomastia is a medical term meaning male breast reduction. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can be helpful. The procedure removes tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases excess skin.

What happens during the operation

Gynaecomastia surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic. You will be asked to follow fasting instructions before your operation. Typically, you cannot eat or drink for six hours before having the anaesthetic.
Surgery takes between one-and-a-half and two hours. You are usually required to stay in hospital for one night.
The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from individual to individual and in gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both. If there is predominantly a diffuse fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised (cut out) with a scalpel. This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars.

Aftercare and recovery

Following the surgery the chest is swollen and bruised for a while and it can be difficult to assess the full effect of the operation. To help reduce swelling, patients are often instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for one or two weeks. It is advisable to refrain from exercise for about three weeks and, in general, it takes about six weeks before one can return to completely normal activities

The length of time you need to keep the dressings on will depend on how quickly your wounds heal. After one to two weeks, your stitches will either dissolve or be removed at an outpatient clinic.

After a few days you will be able to walk around and resume some of your normal activities but only do the easy ones to start with.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks so it’s important that as well as the benefits of cosmetic procedures you are also fully aware of any complications that may arise.
All surgery is risky and there are side effects and complications. These are rare but do happen and are something you need to consider before making a decision. Complications are:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Poor wound healing
  • Haematoma (blood clot under the skin)
  • Infection
  • Under sensitive or oversensitive nipples
  • Loss of nipple sensation/Sore nipples

There is always the risk of an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is very safe but there can be complications in a tiny minority of cases.

Book a consultation

To enquire about our services or to make an appointment call us on (03033) 302956 or make an online enquiry

Who will perform this procedure?

Mr Augustine Akali

Consultant plastic surgeon offering plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Where can I have this procedure performed?

Goole and District Hospital

Goole hospital is where all of our cosmetic procedures are carried out, although you can choose to have your clinic consultations at Scunthorpe or Grimsby hospitals if this is more convenient.

How much does it cost?

Initial Consultation Fee From £150
Male breast reduction From £4212

Quality of care

From the moment we receive your request for a consultation through to the completion of your treatment we offer the highest standards of care.

Affordability

We offer a high quality service at competitive prices. As we work out of NHS hospitals we are able to offer procedures that are more affordable than our competitors

FAQ

From 'what's included in the price' to 'how to pay' see some of the questions asked by our patients and the answers.