The Cadogan Clinic, based in Chelsea, London, is home to the UK’s leading Male Breast Reduction surgeons, providing the highest quality patient care and outcomes.

Gynaecomastia surgery is the third most popular surgical procedure among men in the UK, as reported by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Cadogan Clinic’s specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeons have performed thousands of Gynaecomastia procedures, and 100% of our surgical patients would recommend the Clinic to their family and friends.

What is Gynaecomastia Surgery?

Gynaecomastia Surgery, also known as Male Breast Reduction, or shortened to Gyno Surgery, is a surgical procedure which removes excess breast growth in men, creating a defined and flat chest appearance.

Gynaecomastia is a condition characterised by the excess growth of breast tissue in men. Although this is typically benign, it can cause physical discomfort, and embarrassment, especially when participating in activities such as sport, or swimming.

Male excess breast development can occur for several reasons:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Medical conditions
• Steroid use

Gynaecomastia is a distinct condition, and differs from fat accumulation around the chest (Pseudogynaecomastia):

• Gynaecomastia: The development of firm, glandular tissue directly behind the nipple, resulting in pain, sensitivity, or a pointed, puffy appearance
• Pseudogynaecomastia: Soft fatty tissue which develops evenly across the chest, and typically improves with weight loss

Male Breast Reduction can effectively address both Gynaecomastia and Pseudogynaecomastia depending on the surgical techniques used:

• Liposuction: A surgical technique which extracts excess fat using a specialist cannula. Liposuction can be used to treat both Gynaecomastia and Pseudogynaecomastia
• Webster’s Procedure: A specialist surgical procedure which specifically removes excess glandular tissue in patients with Gynaecomastia, and can be combined with Liposuction

Cadogan Clinic’s specialist Plastic Surgeons regularly perform Gynaecomastia Surgery using both of these techniques.

Gynaecomastia Surgery is a popular and effective procedure to reduce excess breast growth in men, restoring a defined and masculine appearance to the chest, addressing a wide range of functional and aesthetic concerns.

Can You Get Gynaecomastia at Any Age?

Gynaecomastia is the most common benign condition affecting the male breast tissue and is estimated to affect between one and two thirds of men at some stage in their lives. However, exact figures are unknown, as it remains an underreported condition due to embarrassment.

As the primary cause of Gynaecomastia is hormonal imbalance, it is most likely to occur during puberty, or in older age, the two life stages where hormone levels are naturally changing:

• Adolescence: Up to 70% of teenage boys experience some degree of Gynaecomastia during puberty, although in many cases, this resolves without treatment
• Older Men: Up to 65% of men develop Gynaecomastia between the ages of 50 and 80

Although Gynaecomastia can develop at any age, it is less likely to become a permanent concern in younger patients.

Medical Reasons for Gynaecomastia Surgery in Younger Patients

Following a comprehensive consultation, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon may, in some cases, decide that the Gyno Surgery age can be reduced on a case-by-case basis due to an indisputable medical benefit.

However, it is essential to understand that the presence of one of these reasons may not immediately justify teenage Gynecomastia Surgery, and your surgeon may request further investigation or assessment to make a final decision.

Abnormal Breast Tissue Development

Although Gynaecomastia is most often benign, as its primary cause is hormonal imbalance, it is associated with a higher risk of malignant tumours developing at the same time. Reassuringly, high-risk breast growths are unusual in young patients.

In cases where excess breast tissue is considered abnormal, it is essential to seek medical advice to ensure that the correct testing and treatment are provided in a timely manner.

Signs and symptoms of abnormal tissue development to be aware of include:

• A firm or hard lump developing in the breast or armpit
• Dimpled or textured skin on the breast
• Nipple discharge

Depending on the exact diagnosis, your surgeon may decide that a full Male Breast Reduction procedure is not required; however, in other cases, removing the affected glandular tissue may be necessary.

Physical Discomfort

Gynaecomastia can cause several painful symptoms which may affect individuals in different ways and to different extents.

• Growth of glandular tissue can be uncomfortable, causing tenderness and pain
• Nipple sensitivity may increase, leading to painful rubbing against clothing
• Excess tissue may result in skin irritation and rashes, which can be challenging to treat and manage, or can develop into skin infections

In cases where physical discomfort is affecting an individual’s ability to undertake their usual daily activities, Gynaecomastia Surgery may be considered to relieve symptoms and restore quality of life.

Psychological Distress

There are several emotional and psychological symptoms which are linked to Gynaecomastia, which may lead to psychological distress.

Embarrassment and increased self-awareness of appearance are common in patients affected by Gynaecomastia. In severe cases, this may develop further into anxiety, depression or body dysmorphia.

Especially in young patients, when it is normal for confidence and self-image to be impacted by many influences, it can be difficult to determine that excess breast growth is the root cause of any psychological concerns.

During a consultation where a young patient feels that a Male Breast Reduction would directly improve their mental health, a surgeon may refer them for further independent psychological assessment to ensure that their safety and well-being are prioritised and protected.

There are several medical factors that surgeons consider when deciding whether a patient is suitable for teenage Gynecomastia Surgery, although it is important to understand that the overall context and surgeon assessment are unique to each patient.

What Are the UK’s Gynecomastia Age Requirements and Criteria?

Guidelines which influence the Gynecomastia Surgery age requirement in the UK advise that Male Breast Reduction shouldn’t be performed for patients under the age of 18 unless it is in their best interest.

The best interest of the patient is a medical concept that compares the benefits of any procedure or treatment with the associated risks and complications.

To determine whether performing Gynaecomastia Surgery is in the best interests of the patient, the surgeon must consider:

• Do the benefits of carrying out the procedure outweigh any potential risks and complications which may arise during the surgery, or the recovery period
• Would the benefits be improved by waiting to perform the procedure, including concerns such as recurrence

During your consultation, your Consultant Plastic Surgeon will consider your concerns and their medical assessment to determine whether you are suitable for Gynaecomastia Surgery. However, all surgeons approach consultation and assessment differently and may reach slightly different decisions.

Before your Gynaecomastia Surgery can proceed, there may be other criteria and policies which need to be fulfilled:

• A second surgeon may be asked to assess and sign off your surgical plan to ensure that your concerns have been thoroughly considered
• You may need to provide a letter from your GP or a medical professional who has previously assessed your Gynaecomastia concerns to ensure that Male Breast Reduction is the best treatment option for you
• If you will be under the age of 18 when your Gynaecomastia Surgery is carried out, you will need written parental permission

In some cases, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon may be able to see you for a consultation before you turn 18, but then perform the surgery once you have turned 18, as long as you meet all other requirements.

The Gyno Surgery age criteria in the UK are in place to protect patient safety and ensure their best interests are fully considered at all stages of the process.

What is the Best Age for Gynaecomastia Surgery?

Although in most cases the minimum age for Gynaecomastia Surgery is 18, patients of all ages undergo this popular procedure.

Due to the hormonal nature of Gynaecomastia, it most commonly occurs either during adolescence or over the age of 50, life stages where natural hormonal fluctuations take place. However, the American Society of Plastic Surgery reports that the age distribution of Gynaecomastia Surgery doesn’t necessarily correlate with the ages at which symptoms are most likely to arise.

Ages 20-39 are the most common for patients undergoing Gynaecomastia Surgery, although Gynaecomastia is most prevalent in patients under the age of 18 and over the age of 50.

There may be several reasons for this:

• Patients aged 20-39 are most likely wishing to address Gynaecomastia which initially developed during adolescence and didn’t resolve on its own
• While some patients may choose to undergo surgery in their late teens or early twenties, others may wish to try other treatments before opting for surgery
• Although up to 65% of men aged over 50 may be affected by Gynaecomastia, surgery is a much less popular option; this may be due to fewer aesthetic pressures impacting confidence, or other personal and health factors

For patients over the age of 18, age is unlikely to play a central role in determining whether they are suitable for Gynaecomastia Surgery. However, there are other factors which will influence your surgeon’s decision:

• Your concerns: During your Gynaecomastia Surgery consultation, your surgeon will discuss your concerns to get a full understanding of the issues you are hoping to address
• Your desired results: Your surgeon will discuss the results you are hoping to achieve from Gynaecomastia Surgery, and will ensure that your expectations are realistic
• Your medical history: To ensure you are fit and well for a general anaesthetic surgery, and the recovery period afterwards, your surgeon will require your overall medical history, including any underlying conditions, and previous Gynaecomastia treatments you have undergone

When considering Gynaecomastia Surgery, it is important to understand the various criteria your surgeon will use to determine whether you are suitable, in addition to age.

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