Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs – Q&A about Male Breast Reduction
Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure used to get rid of gynecomastia or gyno. Gynecomastia, or "man boobs," refers to the enlargement of the male breast tissue, which can cause the male chest to take on a feminine appearance. Gynecomastia surgery involves surgically removing excess breast tissue and fat to achieve a masculine-looking chest. Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and is a centre of excellence for male breast reduction surgery. Here, we answer your most commonly asked questions about male breast reduction and gynecomastia.
RELATED: Male Cosmetic Surgery at Centre for Surgery
RELATED: How To Get Rid Of Gynecomastia
GYNECOMASTIA OVERVIEW
Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal growth of breast tissue in males, resulting in enlarged breasts. A hormonal imbalance, certain medications or an underlying health condition can cause this. Treatment options include surgery, hormone therapy, or a combination of both.
RELATED: What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is typically classified into four stages based on the degree of breast tissue development:
RELATED: Gynecomastia vs Chest Fat – How to Tell the Difference
Gynecomastia can go away without treatment, but this depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, the condition may resolve on its own as hormones return to normal levels. If the cause is related to a medication or underlying medical condition, the condition may persist and require treatment.
RELATED: Does Gynecomastia Go Away?
Gynecomastia is not typically considered dangerous. However, it can cause physical discomfort, embarrassment and a significant effect on self-esteem. In rare cases, breast tissue that is hard or painful may indicate a breast tumour and requires further evaluation.
Gynecomastia surgery can provide several benefits, including improved physical appearance with a flatter, more masculine chest; increased self-esteem and confidence; relief from physical discomfort or pain in the breast area; better-fitting clothing; and long-lasting results.
SUITABILITY FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY
Yes. Centre for Surgery observes a mandatory reflection period between your consultation and your surgery date. This ensures you have had sufficient time to consider your decision fully, ask any remaining questions, and feel completely confident before proceeding. Your surgeon will confirm the specific timeframe at your consultation.
You may be a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery if you:
Gynecomastia surgery may be necessary if you have an abnormal growth of breast tissue that causes discomfort, embarrassment or affects your self-esteem, and if non-surgical options have not been successful.
GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY PROCEDURE
Surgical options for male breast reduction include:
A Webster’s incision is a surgical technique used in gynecomastia surgery that involves an incision around the areola which extends vertically down the chest. It is typically used when there is significant excess skin or when the nipple and areola need to be repositioned.
Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. You will be completely asleep and unaware during the operation. In selected cases involving liposuction only, the procedure may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.
The duration depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique used. Liposuction-only procedures typically take one to two hours. More extensive procedures involving excision or skin removal may take two to three hours.
Drains are sometimes used after gynecomastia surgery to prevent the buildup of fluids and blood under the skin. Whether drains are needed depends on the type of surgery performed, the amount of breast tissue removed and the individual patient’s healing process. Drains are usually removed a day or two after surgery, or when fluid output is sufficiently low.
RECOVERY AFTER MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Recovery time after male breast reduction surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health. In general, Sunekos Revive patients should expect to take one to two weeks off work, though it could be longer depending on the type of work and the extent of surgery.
RELATED: Recovery after Gynecomastia Surgery – Top Tips & Timeline
Yes. There will be some scarring after gyno surgery. Your surgeon will position incisions in natural skin folds to minimise their appearance. Scars gradually become lighter and flatter over time and can be easily covered up with most types of clothing.
RELATED: Gynecomastia Scars – Treatment, Healing and Fading
GYNECOMASTIA RESULTS
Male breast reduction typically produces long-lasting results. The removal of breast tissue during surgery is permanent. However, significant weight gain may cause the breast area to increase in appearance due to fat expansion. Similarly, if an underlying hormonal imbalance or medication caused the original gynecomastia and this persists, breast tissue may return.
Gynecomastia can recur after surgery, though this is relatively uncommon. Factors that can increase the risk of recurrence include obesity, the use of certain medications or recreational drugs, and an underlying hormonal imbalance.
RELATED: Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Male breast reduction can be performed more than once if the patient has recurrent gynecomastia or if the underlying cause was not fully addressed after the initial surgery. A candid conversation with your surgeon about expectations, risks and potential outcomes is essential before considering a second procedure.
RELATED: Gynecomastia Revision Surgery – All You Need To Know
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY
Male breast reduction, like any surgery, carries certain risks. These may include:
RELATED: Crater Deformity After Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep and will not feel any pain during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
FUNDING FOR MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Whether gynecomastia surgery is available on the NHS depends on the specific policies of the local NHS trust and the medical team’s assessment of the individual case. Generally, gynecomastia surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered. In some cases where gynecomastia is causing significant distress or physical discomfort, or is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the NHS may cover surgery. Most patients fund treatment privately.
Gynecomastia surgery can be a highly effective way to improve the appearance of the chest and reduce the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by gynecomastia. Whether or not surgery is worth it depends on your individual condition and goals.
RELATED: Is gynecomastia surgery worth it?
Centre for Surgery offers a full range of finance options through Chrysalis Finance, including 0% APR for eligible applicants.
RELATED: Finance Options
Male breast reduction at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and is considered one of the top centres for gynecomastia surgery in the UK. Our plastic surgeons have years of experience treating all grades of gynecomastia, from mild to severe. Book a consultation by calling us at or fill out the contact form below.
RELATED: View all Male Cosmetic Surgery procedures at Centre for Surgery
Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.
—Please choose an option—Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)Facelift / Neck liftOtoplasty (ear surgery)Breast augmentationBreast liftBreast reductionLiposuctionTummy tuckBrazilian Butt Lift (BBL)Mummy makeoverLabiaplasty / Cosmetic gynaecologyGynaecomastia (male breast reduction)FTM / MTF top surgerySkin lesion / mole removalMorpheus8 / Fotona / non-surgicalRevision surgery (any previous procedure)Other / not sure yet
Best time to call you
Morning (9am–12pm)Afternoon (12pm–3pm)Late afternoon (3pm–6pm)Any time
Send me occasional treatment guides, patient stories, and clinic news
I have read and understood the Privacy Policy
Your enquiry is treated in strict confidence. We respond within one working day, Monday to Saturday.
Request a consultation
Primary Sidebar
I agree to receive marketing communications (Read our Privacy Policy)
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including rhinoplasty and facelift surgery, breast surgery, gynaecomastia surgery for men, and body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic Baker Street, offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.
95-97 Baker Street
Marylebone
London
W1U 6RN
Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm
Saturday consultations available