Male Breast Surgery

What is male breast surgery?

Male breast surgery is a procedure to correct gynecomastia, a condition where male breast tissue becomes enlarged. This enlargement may occur in one or both breasts and is common in teenagers and older men.

Gynecomastia can result from:

Hormonal imbalances affecting the development of glandular breast tissue
Excess fat or glandular tissue, or a combination of both
Obesity or sudden weight loss
Certain medications or drugs, such as anabolic steroids
Medical conditions, including liver disease or congenital issues

Enlarged male breasts can cause physical discomfort and emotional distress. Male breast surgery can help reduce breast size, improve chest contour, and enhance self-confidence.

Who is a suitable candidate for male breast surgery?

You may be considered a candidate if you:

Are physically healthy with no conditions that may affect healing
Have stable breast development
Are at a relatively normal weight
Have tried non-surgical alternatives without success
Do not smoke or use recreational drugs

A consultation with a registered surgical practitioner is essential to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

How is male breast surgery performed?

Surgery typically takes around two hours and is performed under intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. The choice of technique depends on the type of breast enlargement: excess fat, glandular tissue, or loose skin.

Liposuction

Small incisions are made, usually around the areola.
A thin tube (cannula) is inserted to loosen and remove excess fat using suction.
Drainage tubes may be used to remove excess blood and fluid.

Excision

Used when glandular tissue or excess skin needs to be removed.
An incision is made around the areola, and underlying tissue is excised.
This can flatten the chest, reduce areola size, and reposition the nipple.

Some cases may require a combination of liposuction and excision.

Recovery after surgery

Dressings and an elastic bandage are applied to reduce swelling and support healing.
Hospital stay is usually overnight or as advised by your surgical practitioner.
Return to work is often possible within a week, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one month.
Sun exposure on the scars should be minimized for approximately six months to reduce pigmentation changes.

Risks and potential complications

As with any surgical procedure, male breast surgery carries risks, which may include:

Changes in nipple or breast sensation, temporary or permanent
Scarring
Pain, infection, or bleeding
Fluid accumulation or seroma formation
Loose skin or uneven chest contour
Changes in pigmentation
Damage to underlying structures (blood vessels, nerves, muscles)
Rare cardiac or pulmonary complications

Your surgical practitioner will discuss these risks and explain strategies to minimise complications before surgery.

Expected outcomes

Male breast surgery can:

Reduce breast size
Improve chest contour and symmetry
Enhance self-confidence and comfort

Results can vary based on individual anatomy, surgical technique, and post-operative care. Additional procedures may occasionally be needed to achieve the desired outcome.