Male breast reduction is known as Gynaecomastia this condition can be caused by a hormone imbalance or from being very overweight, which can increase levels of oestrogen and cause breast tissue to grow. Breast reduction surgery is an option for men with gynaecomastia. It may also be used to tighten the breast area after significant weight loss that has caused the skin to sag.

What causes Gynaecomastia?

It is important to take a thorough past medical history as Gynaecomastia can have a number of underlying causes.

Obesity - this is because being overweight can increase levels of oestrogen, which can cause breast tissue to grow. If you're overweight you're also more likely to have excess fat that can enlarge the breast tissue

Puberty - Many teenage boys have some degree of breast enlargement. Gynaecomastia at puberty usually clears up as boys get older and their hormone levels become more stable.

Older age - As men get older, they produce less testosterone. Older men also tend to have more body fat, and this can cause more oestrogen to be produced. These changes in hormone levels can lead to excess breast tissue growth.

Other causes may include side effects of medications, cannabis, alcohol misuse.

Breast reduction surgery is not usually available on the NHS

Male breast reduction surgery is not usually available on the NHS. You'll probably need to pay to have it done privately. In some cases, the NHS may provide male breast reduction if it's causing considerable pain or distress

What does male breast reduction involve?

Breast reduction surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia. The operation involves making a cut around the nipple and removing excess fatty tissue in combination with liposuction. In larger reductions repositioning of the nipples may be necessary. You'll have dressings over your wounds. The operation takes about 1-2 hours and is a day case procedure.

What is the post-operative recovery?

It can take several weeks to fully recover from breast reduction surgery. You may need to take a up to a week off work. You may have sore, swollen and bruised breasts for a few weeks. You'll need to wear an elasticated compression garment day and night for 1 to 2 weeks after the operation - similar to a tight fitting cycling shirt. This helps support your chest while it heals and reduces the chances of seroma formation. After 1 to 2 weeks, your stitches will either dissolve or be removed.

Avoid stretching, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about 3 weeks after the operation. It will take about 6 weeks until you can return fully to your normal activities.

What are the complications?

Infection

Scar

Asymmetry

Nipple sensation loss

Nipple necrosis

Seroma

Revision surgery

Procedure Summary

Male breast reduction

Anaesthetic : General anaesthetic

Operative time : 2 hours

Hospital Stay : Daycase

Time off work : 1 week

Recovery Time : 4 weeks