Breast
Gynaecomastia surgery
Surgical removal of enlarged glandular breast tissue in men. Many cases need no surgery at all, where a reversible cause is found, addressing it comes first.
Who it is for
- Long-standing gynaecomastia causing physical discomfort or significant distress
- Cases where an identifiable cause has been addressed and the enlargement persists
What to expect
Assessment first: examination, review of medications and medical history, blood tests where indicated, and imaging where the findings require it.
Enlargement on one side only, a firm or fixed lump, skin changes or nipple discharge are assessed more carefully, because male breast cancer does occur.
Surgery removes the glandular tissue, usually through a small incision at the areolar border.
Recovery
A supportive garment is usually worn for a period afterwards. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are avoided for several weeks.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation carries risk, and the list below is general rather than complete. Which of these matter for you depends on your health, your anatomy and what is being treated, which is what the consent conversation before surgery is for.
- Bleeding or a blood collection, which is the commonest early problem after this operation
- Infection, and a permanent scar at the areolar border
- Contour irregularity, a visible dip, or asymmetry between the two sides
- Reduced or lost nipple sensation, which may be permanent
- Recurrence, particularly where an underlying cause has not been addressed
No surgeon can promise a particular result, and nothing on this page should be read as one.
Still not sure whether it needs looking at?
Most breast changes turn out to be benign. Working out which ones are is what an assessment is for, and the guides here explain what that involves before you go.