Enlarged male breasts, also known as gynacomastia, is a problem that afflicts over 40% of the male population. Male breast reduction surgery is a popular solution to this problem. It involves the removal of fat and tissue from underneath the male breasts by traditional surgery techniques or liposuction.

How does it work?
In most cases a surgeon will make a small semicircular incision below the areola (outer brown area of the nipple) and carefully separate the skin from underlying tissue. Excess fat and tissue is then removed and the incision closed. Where the amount of fat to be removed is extensive, liposuction using a cannula and vacuum pump device may be the preferred method to remove fat from around the male breasts.

How long does surgery take?
Male breast reduction surgery typically takes between 1 – 2 hours to complete, but is very dependent upon the amount of fat and tissue to be removed. Patients will need to be under a local or general anaesthetic.

What is the recovery time?
Recovery from male breast reduction surgery takes about 2 weeks. During this time soreness of the chest will subside. Strenuous activity should be avoided for up to a month after the procedure.

How long will it last?
The positive effects of male breast reduction surgery are long lasting, but are very dependent upon lifestyle, diet and exercise regimes. Eating fatty foods and not participating in exercise will lead to a gradual build up of fat in the male breasts again, so undoing all the good work that surgery achieves.

Are there any side effects?
Bruising, swelling and soreness of the chest is likely for the first few days following the operation, but this will rapidly subside. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least one month