Summary

• Gynaecomastia Surgery addresses excess male breast growth in men
• The recovery time following Gynaecomastia Surgery is typically 6-8 weeks
• Good recovery practices following Gynaecomastia Surgery include wearing a compression garment and avoiding strenuous activities
• Cadogan Clinic includes comprehensive recovery and aftercare support in all Gynaecomastia Surgery packages, including 24-hour nursing support

What is Gynaecomastia Surgery?

Also known as Male Breast Reduction, Gynaecomastia Surgery is a surgical procedure which reduces excess male breast growth, a medical condition known as Gynaecomastia.

Gynaecomastia, sometimes spelt Gynecomastia, causes abnormal breast growth in up to 65-70% of men, most often during periods of hormonal fluctuation such as adolescence or older age (typically over 55). Gynaecomastia Surgery is a popular procedure, especially in men aged under 40, and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reports that in 2025, Gynaecomastia Surgery was in the top ten most popular procedures in the UK.

Cadogan Clinic’s team of UK-leading Consultant Plastic Surgeons are specialists in performing Gynaecomastia Surgery, providing the highest standards of patient care and results. 100% of Cadogan Clinic’s surgical patients would recommend the Clinic to their family and friends.

Excess male breast tissue can develop for a number of reasons:

• Natural hormonal fluctuations or imbalance
• Medical conditions and certain medications
• Unsupervised steroid use

It is important to understand the difference between Gynaecomastia and excess chest fat, known as Pseudogynaecomastia:

• Pseudogynaecomastia (Chest Fat): An accumulation of soft fatty tissue, which develops evenly across the chest, and changes with weight loss or gain
• Gynaecomastia: The development of glandular breast tissue directly behind the nipple, which has a firm feel, and may result in pain or sensitivity

Both Gynaecomastia and Pseudogynaecomastia are typically treated with Liposuction to extract the excess fat and tissue. However, Gynaecomastia patients may need additional gland removal surgery, known as Webster’s Procedure, to prevent the condition from recurring.

Gynaecomastia Surgery is a procedure to address excess male breast growth, known as Gynaecomastia, caused by hormonal imbalance, medical conditions or steroid use.

Gynaecomastia Surgery Recovery Tips

Ahead of your Gynaecomastia Surgery, your Consultant Plastic Surgeon will provide you with comprehensive recovery and aftercare instructions to ensure you know what to anticipate. It is essential that you follow your surgeon’s advice to prevent complications and achieve your desired results.

What You Should Do During Gynaecomastia Surgery Recovery

• Organise support: It is important to remember that you will be limited in some of the activities you are able to undertake during your Gynaecomastia Surgery recovery, and that rest is crucial. Asking for help from family and friends during your recovery is crucial to ensure you recover fully and without complications
• Wear your compression garment: Your compression garment will reduce swelling, aid healing and protect the surgical area.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will prevent water retention around the chest area, helping to accelerate the healing process.
• Eat a balanced diet: Prioritising nutritious foods high in protein and vitamins will aid your Gynaecomastia Surgery recovery

What You Shouldn’t Do During Gynaecomastia Surgery Recovery

• Strenuous activity: Undertaking strenuous activity or exercise too early in your Gynaecomastia Surgery recovery may place strain on your incisions, which can lead to complications or delayed healing
• Travel: Travelling too soon before you have recovered from Gynaecomastia Surgery may cause stress on your body, which may result in delayed healing
• Eat excessive salt and sugar: When eaten in large amounts, salt and sugar can cause dehydration, which may slow your rate of recovery.

There are a range of simple steps patients can take following Gynaecomastia Surgery to prevent complications and achieve the best results.

Is Gynaecomastia Surgery Painful?

The early stages of Gynaecomastia Surgery recovery may involve some discomfort, but this is usually manageable with standard pain relief medication, which will have been prescribed by your medical team when you were discharged. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, tightness and itching around the surgical site, but this should resolve within the first few weeks, and any pain is rarely severe.

During your Gynaecomastia Surgery recovery, you will have access to the Cadogan Clinic’s specialist surgical 24/7 nursing phone line to ensure you can access swift support and assistance, if it is required.

The recovery following Gynaecomastia Surgery may involve some discomfort, but it is rarely long-term, and your medical team at Cadogan Clinic will ensure you have the right tools to manage this.

What Gynaecomastia Surgery Recovery Support Does Cadogan Clinic Provide?

Cadogan Clinic provides comprehensive post-operative care with all Gynaecomastia Surgery packages. This is essential to ensure the highest standards of patient safety and care and to ensure that patients achieve their desired results.

Following your Gynaecomastia Surgery, you will be given the details of Cadogan Clinic’s dedicated recovery and aftercare phone line, staffed by our specialist surgical nurses, which is available 24 hours a day, and for up to 2 years after your procedure.

You will also have a series of follow-up appointments with our specialist nurses and your Consultant Plastic Surgeon to monitor your recovery and results. Having these post-operative appointments in person maximises communication between patients and their medical team, achieving the best results and improving surgical outcomes.

Cadogan Clinic places great emphasis on the importance of thorough recovery and aftercare support for all surgical patients to maintain high safety standards and achieve the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions