Treatment guide

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery (also known as male breast reduction) works by removing the excess tissue comprising the breasts and creating the more desired contours for the chest wall.

The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.

JuliaJuliaPatient Manager
Still unsure? We'll find the right doctor together!
+44 1466 455033
★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
“Qunomedical helped me so much! Thank you!“
★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
“Qunomedical helped me so much! Thank you!“

QUICK DETAILS

WHO IS THIS FOR

  • Gynecomastia surgery is for men with stable breast size and development.

  • Men who feel their breasts are too large.

  • Men who cannot be treated with non-surgical options.

  • Non-smokers and non-drug users.

  • Men who are healthy and of stable weight.

  • Gynecomastia surgery is more successful among men with realistic expectations, a positive outlook and specific goals.

RECOVERY TIME

  • The hospital stay for gynecomastia surgery is 1 night.

  • You can return to office work 2 to 3 days after gynecomastia surgery.

  • You can do physical work again after 10 to 14 days.

  • You can do non-chest workouts after 2 weeks and chest and high-impact cardio workouts 6 weeks after gynecomastia surgery.

SUCCESS

Most men who undergo gynecomastia surgery report that they are either “satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with their results.

TREATMENT DURATION

Gynecomastia surgery can take 1 to 3 hours depending on the amount of tissue being removed and the techniques involved.

POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

  • Anaesthesia reactions

  • Bleeding or blood clots

  • Infection

  • Breast asymmetry

  • Shape or contour irregularities

  • Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation

  • Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or lungs

  • Fat necrosis

  • Unfavorable scarring

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Before / After Photos

Cost

PRICE CALCULATION

The cost of gynecomastia surgery depends on the type of surgery you select, the complexity of the procedure and where you choose to have it done. It also varies from country to country depending on many factors, such as cost of living, exchange rates, practicing costs and regulatory conditions. Below are average starting prices for gynecomastia surgery in different countries, which can give you an approximate idea of these differences.

Starting prices for Gynecomastia Surgery in different countries

CountryPrice (EUR €)
Poland€2,000
Hungary€2,534
Croatia€2,877
Turkey€3,000
Thailand€3,150
Germany€4,500
United States€6,070

How does it work?

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia occurs when the breast tissue in men or boys swells with glandular tissue, excess localized fat and excess breast skin. It can affect one or both breasts.

Both men and women have the hormones estrogen and testosterone, which control secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is largely responsible for traits linked with males, such as body hair, muscle mass and bone mass. Estrogen controls such things as breast growth.

In healthy males, the levels of testosterone and estrogen are balanced, but hormonal imbalances that lead to the decrease of testosterone and the increase of estrogen can trigger gynecomastia.

This is most common in newborns, who have lingering estrogen in their systems from their mothers. Boys going through puberty also frequently suffer from gynecomastia. For them, the excess breast tissue also typically resolves without intervention as puberty ends, but this can take up to two years. Finally, older men can also have gynecomastia as a result of hormonal changes. This most commonly occurs after the age of 50 and affects as many as 25 percent of all older men.

What are the causes of gynecomastia?

Enlarged breast tissue in males can occur as a result of using certain medications, including androgens and anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, anti-anxiety medications, calcium channel blockers, certain stomach medications, chemotherapy, methadone, AIDS medications and some herbal supplements. Any health condition that can interfere with healthy hormone levels can also cause gynecomastia, as can obesity. In up to 25 percent of cases, the cause is unknown.

What does gynecomastia surgery involve?

While there are few serious physical concerns associated with gynecomastia, the condition can be psychologically and emotionally difficult for boys and men who have it. Gynecomastia surgery can help restore the desired appearance. It typically involves removing the excess tissue and, if necessary, addressing the position and appearance of the areola. Gynecomastia surgery can also be called a reduction mammaplasty.

Several techniques are available, including:

Intra-areolar

During this common technique, the incision will extend along the bottom of the areola, providing the surgeon access to remove the excess tissue.

Skin resection

The skin resection technique can be used in more severe cases. In this technique, the excess tissue is surgically removed and the nipple is transposed as needed.

Pull-through

The pull-through technique uses a small incision at the border of the areola, and the excess tissue is removed via liposuction. This technique is less invasive than some other procedures.

Ultrasonic lipo

When the gynecomastia is primarily caused by excess fatty tissue rather than skin or glandular tissue, ultrasonic liposuction may be an option. Ultrasonic lipo uses sound waves to liquefy fat so that it can be removed more easily.

How does a gynecomastia surgery work?

1. Consultation

If you are a candidate for gynecomastia surgery, you will need to schedule a consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss aesthetic preferences and personal goals, address your concerns and answer any questions that you may have. Your surgeon will also typically perform a health exam. You and your surgeon will then discuss the surgery plan along with any special instructions.

2. Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia ensures patient comfort throughout the procedure. Most gynecomastia procedures are performed using general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia along with IV sedation. Sedation may be administered before you are taken back to the surgery room while general anaesthesia will only be administered in the operating room. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure.

3. Incision

Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make discreet incisions in specific, pre-planned locations. If you are undergoing liposuction, only a few small incisions may be necessary to insert the cannula. Excisions involving glandular tissue can necessitate larger incisions, which are typically made along the areola or natural skin creases where they will be less noticeable as they heal.

4. Surgery

The way the surgery is performed will depend on the technique being used. During liposuction, a thin, hollow tube called a cannula will be inserted into the small incisions. The cannula will be moved to loosen the fatty tissue, and then the tissue is suctioned from the body to create the desired contours.

During an excision, the excess glandular tissue and skin are removed surgically. Your nipple and areola may also be resized or repositioned to ensure the look you want.

Some techniques involve both liposuction and excision.

5. Closing the Incision

After the surgery is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. You may also have drainage tubes inserted beneath your skin to drain fluid, limit swelling and reduce the risk of infection.

6. Post-Anaesthesia Recovery and Care

Once the incisions are sutured, you will be moved from the operating room to an observation area. You will have bandages applied to your incisions, and you will be helped into a binder or compression garment, which aids in healing.

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed on either an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the amount of tissue being removed. The drain tubes will be removed in about 7 to 10 days, and if necessary, sutures will also be removed at this time.

What should I expect from gynecomastia surgery?

Results should be immediately noticeable. However, some swelling is common and can linger for several weeks or months. As the swelling declines, the contours of your figure will become more evident. Your full results will be evident 3 to 6 months after gynecomastia surgery. You may have some scarring from the incision, but this should fade over time. Additionally, placement of the incisions is typically considered carefully to minimize scarring.

Eating and drinking well and resting often are important after any surgery. You may have tenderness, and as the swelling subsides, you might notice small lumps or bumps in your chest, too. Wearing compression as prescribed and gentle massage can help these lumps resorb.

Most patients enjoy excellent results after their gynecomastia surgery along with improved self-confidence.

Reviews

5
★★★★★

(7 Reviews In All Countries)

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★½
5 Star
(7)
4 Star
(0)
3 Star
(0)
2 Star
(0)
1 Star
(0)
Verified patient

Tom, United Kingdom

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★★

The entire medical side of the process was seamless, lots of attentive nurses and the results of the surgery itself exceeded my expectations. Very pleased with Qunomedical, Health Manager was very helpful and responded very quickly whenever I got in touch

I was picked up at the airport and brought straight to the hotel. The entire medical side of the process was seamless, lots of attentive nurses and the results of the surgery itself exceeded my expectations. The hotel I was provided with was a little too rural for my liking which left me with little to do in my spare time, but that was the only criticism I have Very pleased with Qunomedical, Health Manager was very helpful and responded very quickly whenever I got in touch

Verified patient

Tom, Germany

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★☆

Pleased with the friendliness of the Reyap team

So pleased with the friendliness of the Reyap team. I,ll definately be back for more touch ups =)

Verified patient

Fernando, Spain

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★☆

I couldnt thank the team enough for my journey.

I was very nervous about getting a procedure done in a foreign country until I met the Medilife Team. They we very welcoming and made me extremely comfortable before my surgery. I couldnt thank the team enough for my journey.

Verified patient

Aled, United Kingdom

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★★

No stone was left unturned in the consultation and the surgery was then planned for the following morning. Congratulations Qunomedical on a fabulous service that you provide.

From the initial consultation I was treated with utmost courtesy and professionalism. No stone was left unturned in the consultation and the surgery was then planned for the following morning. I was apprehensive but staff put me at ease. The cleanliness of Bangkok Pattaya Hospital was impeccable. I was given a private room which equalled my hotel room. After dare was excellent. Food was not great but I wasn't hungry anyway. Overall.....amazing staff and facilities. Qunomedical... Show more

Verified patient

Hassan, United Kingdom

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★★

Clinic provided the best service they could and they have amazing nurses very friendly

The package that i bought included everything such as the taxi rides or the nights at the hotel and the night after the operation in the hospital, the assistant goes by the name MARY who guided me around the hostpital and took care of the translation from polish to English and her English is fluent very understandable deserves all the credit, Mary took her time to help me buy the medicines from pharmacy and showed me around the city to the restaurants and the shops, clinic provided the best serv... Show more

Verified patient

Andreas I., Germany

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★★

After the surgery, the handling was great. Aftercare was also optimal at all times. The whole concept is great.

Due to a communication problem, I was unfortunately not picked up from the airport and had to use a taxi, but as a gesture of goodwill this was also taken over. However, the transfer was only kept from the accommodation to the airport. That's really very positive. Staff in the hospital, was very friendly and nice, all rooms and treatment rooms were very clean, almost sterile. Pleasant atmosphere in general. After the surgery, the handling was great. Aftercare was also optimal at all times. Th... Show more

Verified patient

Daryl D., United Kingdom

Overall

★★★★★

Friendliness

★★★★★

Facilities

★★★★★

I was very happy with Qunomedical, they organized my whole experience with the clinic and the hotel. Overall I was very happy with the clinic itself and all the staff.

I was picked up at the hotel on Monday morning and bought to the clinic. Everything was done at a good pace, I was giving a breifing first thing of the whole procedure and then I went to my private room at the clinic. I filled out my paper work, got all my check ups done and went to surgery in the afternoon. I was then brought back to my room where I had 24 hr on call nurse. I was given my daily meals and medication each day. On the Wednesday I was brought back to my hotel where I stayed the... Show more

Julia

Patient manager

Julia

Your personal Patient Manager

Let's talk

Still unsure? Feeling overwhelmed? Talking to a real person can give you the guidance and reassurance needed. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s find the right doctor together.