Surgery For Men

Gynaecomastia Surgery

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. 

Get in touch Download Factsheet

Award Winning Specialist Clinic

We've won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.

Industry Leading Consultants

We've invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.

Care Quality Commission

Our Leadership has been rated Outstanding by the independent regulator of health and social care in England

GMC Registered Surgeons

All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.

Medically Reviewed 19 February 2024, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is Gynaecomastia Surgery?

London Gynaecomastia Surgery, also known as Male Breast Reduction or shortened to gyno surgery, is a procedure designed to tackle excess breast development in men. Gynaecomastia is a common condition and causes embarrassment and impacts the clothes men choose to wear. This is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for men.

The overall result is a more sculpted, aesthetically pleasing breast and chest area, firmer to the touch and with tightened, smooth overlying skin.

Excessive breast development, or gynaecomastia, in men can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, weight gain, medical conditions and steroid use. Your surgeon will take the cause of your Gynaecomastia into account when examining you as part of your consultation.

Get in touch

Male Breast Reduction At a glance

Surgery Time

Up to 1 hour

Time off work

1 week

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

After 1 week

Reasonable Mobility

1 day

Exercise

4 weeks

Sexual Activity

After 4 weeks

Sleeping on back

1 week

Full Recovery

6 weeks

Driving

1 week


Why do people have Gynaecomastia Surgery?

Gynaecomastia is often caused by excess fat deposits resulting from weight gain, hormonal imbalances or as a side effect of taking certain medications such as steroids. It can also develop among teenagers leading to self-consciousness and a loss in body confidence. For most young men, it naturally resolves as they grow out of puberty. However, there are also cases where it does not resolve, and the excess breast tissue remains. In some instances, the excess breast tissue naturally reduces, however the nipple remains enlarged, a condition known as Puffy Nipple.

This condition is also very common among older men. As men age, they naturally produce less testosterone, at the same time many older men tend to have more body fat which causes the body to begin producing more oestrogen. This imbalance of hormones can cause tissue growth in the breasts. Losing weight may help in some cases, however, the breast tissue may not improve through this alone. Because it can be resistant to lifestyle, dietary, and exercise changes, male chest reduction is a perfectly viable and reasonable option for our patients.

Who is suitable for gynaecomastia surgery London?

During your one-to-one consultation at Cadogan Clinic our expert consultant surgeon will meet you for a consultation to decide whether you are suitable for male breast reduction London. 

Your surgeon will examine your chest to assess the extent of your excess breast tissue. They will discuss the results that are possible for you, as well as the technique that will work best to address your concerns. They will perform a general health assessment to make sure you are suitable for a general anaesthetic procedure, this may include your weight, and any medical and mental conditions you have. You must be over 18 to have this procedure.


Words from our clients:


The cost of a Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

To get more information on pricing for Gynaecomastia Surgery, please contact our dedicated Surgical Patient Advisors on 0207 901 8500 or complete the online form opposite.

We offer a range of payment options, including finance packages starting at 0% interest.

Cadogan Clinic has collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer a variety of payment choices for our patients including:
12 months 0% Interest-free - APR
24 - 60 months at 12.9% APR
Flexible Finance

Get in touch now for a London gyno surgery cost estimate and consultation

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


What is involved in Gynaecomastia surgery?

Gynaecomastia surgery typically involves two steps - Liposuction and Excision. Depending on the extent of your concerns, you may only require one of these techniques to complete your surgery. Liposuction is used to remove the excess fat cells in the breast area, resulting in a flatter chest.

In patients who also have glandular breast tissue, there may be a need for excision of the breast tissue, which is done alongside Liposuction. This specific surgery is called Webster's Procedure. The incision is made around the edge of the areola, the area surrounding the nipple and it is very discreet.

Male Breast Reduction takes around 1 - 2 hours to complete and is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you are completely asleep during your procedure. Your surgeon and our dedicated specialist cosmetic nurses will provide you with advice on how to minimise any scarring for the best results.

Benefits of Gynaecomastia Surgery

There are numerous benefits of Gynaecomastia Surgery, both physical and psychological: 

Firmer, flatter chest area: Men suffering with gynaecomastia can feel that the condition impacts their masculinity. By removing the excess fat, the male chest is left looking leaner and firmer, as Gynaecomastia surgery eliminates the ‘wobbly’ appearance associated with the condition. Male Breast Reduction Surgery leaves the patient with a more defined and ‘masculine-looking’ chest.

Ability to wear tighter cut clothes/t-shirts: Depending on the amount of fat and tissue removed, Gynaecomastia Surgery can help patients to feel more comfortable in tighter fitting clothing. 

Makes physical activity easier: Excess male breast tissue can be very uncomfortable when exercising, causing rubbing on clothing or moving around. The procedure addresses this concern, making exercise and sport more comfortable.

Improved sense of emotional wellbeing: Men who have Gynaecomastia can find that the condition has a negative impact on their self-esteem. They may find themselves embarrassed or ashamed of their chest, taking steps to draw attention away from the area. Men with Gynaecomastia may avoid going swimming, sunbathing, or using communal changing areas. The condition can also impact the ability to form or maintain intimate romantic relationships. Male chest reduction can help to restore confidence and self-esteem, which in turn will have a positive impact on all areas of a person’s life, including socially, romantically and professionally.


Gynaecomastia Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.


Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure

If you choose to proceed with Gynaecomastia Surgery at Cadogan Clinic, this is what you can expect from your journey.

You will meet your dedicated consultant surgeon for up to two consultations at our award-winning Chelsea based clinic to discuss Gynaecomastia Surgery and your desired results. Consultations are up to 60 minutes long, and your surgeon will explain the best approach for you and the results you can expect.

For the best consultation experience, we suggest writing down any questions you have for your surgeon before your consultation. This will allow you to prepare and get the most from your consultation.

During your consultation, your surgeon will also conduct a general health and wellness check, take your measurements and take before photos for your medical records.

Your surgeon will then send your surgical plan through to your patient advisor. If they have decided you are suitable for Gynaecomastia Surgery, your advisor will contact you to explain the plan, pricing and offer available dates to you. They will then give you a two-week cooling off period to allow you to consider whether you wish to proceed with your Gynaecomastia Surgery.

 If you decide to go ahead with your Gynaecomastia Surgery, your surgeon will ask you to prepare in the following way:

  • You will need to complete your pre-operative paperwork to allow your surgical team (surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses) to review all of your medical notes and make sure you are ready for surgery.
  • If you smoke or vape, your surgeon will ask you to stop for at least six weeks before surgery can take place. This is vital to ensure your recovery is smooth and you heal fully and properly.
  • You must avoid drinking alcohol for 48 hours before your surgery
  • In the week before your procedure, stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, along with any herbal supplements as these can increase the risk of bleeding
  • You will need to organise a chaperone to come and collect you after your Gynaecomastia Surgery. This should be a family member or friend who can either drive you or accompany you in a taxi and stay with you for the first night
  • In the 6 hours before you arrive at the clinic, you cannot eat any solid food or consume any juice or milk (including tea or coffee). You can have sips of clear liquids (water, or black tea and coffee) up to 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic

You will be asked to arrive at the clinic on your procedure day, an hour before your surgery time. You will speak with your surgeon, anaesthetist and the nurses to ask any final questions, and to be prepared for surgery with any marking the surgeon may need to do.

You will then be taken into the operating theatre, and your anaesthetist will administer your general anaesthetic. All procedures at Cadogan Clinic are carried out with TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) which minimises post-operative sickness and nausea and allows for a faster initial recovery.

Your surgeon will then carry out the procedure. After the procedure is finished, you will wake up on our recovery ward, where a nurse will monitor your vital health signs. Once you are awake and comfortable, you will be taken into our ambulatory ward where you will have something to eat and drink. When you are ready, the nurses will explain any medication you need to take as part of your recovery before asking your chaperone to come and collect you so you can be discharged.

The first few days following surgery may be slightly uncomfortable and you may experience some pain. You should be up and moving within a couple of days and able to bathe normally in three days.

You will be asked to wear a compression vest for the first 6-8 weeks, day and night following your surgery. This will assist with healing, reduce any swelling and protect your incisions. You must keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.

One week after your surgery you will have an in-person appointment with our nurses. They will assess your incisions and make sure you are healing well. They will also explain how to look after your dressings and answer any questions you have.

Six weeks after your procedure you will meet with your surgeon. They will discuss your recovery and results and take some more photos for your medical records. If you have any concerns after this point, you will still be able to contact our dedicated nursing team 24 hours a day.

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Gynaecomastia is swelling of the breast tissue in boys and men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. Gynaecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.

Baby boys are often born with gynaecomastia, caused by high levels of their mother's circulating oestrogen, but it settles in weeks.

The next peak is in teenagers (1in 4) when it is tender and firm and very embarrassing. Fortunately, it usually settles within a couple of years. A minority come to surgery where the tissue is excised via a semi circular incision around the areola (the pink skin around the nipple)

In adult life, there are a variety of causes from medical conditions such as testicular disease and cirrhosis, various medications and street drugs. Bodybuilders taking anabolic steroids are at great risk of developing gynaecomastia.

Middle-aged men (1 in 3), as they put on weight, develop a soft fatty version. This can be of feminine proportions.

These fatty breasts respond well to liposuction. The breast disc below the nipple tends to contain a higher proportion of glandular tissue and may need to be directly excised.

Male Breast Reduction surgery is a surgical procedure designed to remove a surplus of fat deposits in the male breast region, and restore a proportionate contour and firmer, more masculine chest.

The choice of procedure depends on the exact condition but will primarily involve liposuction and tissue excision techniques.

The procedure is carried out as a day case procedure under General Anaesthesia, and takes between 1 - 2 hours.

There is typically bruising for up to 3 weeks with end results visible at about 3 months. Scars are usually insignificant and managed by our Scar Management programme.

The primary symptom of gynaecomastia is simply enlargement of the male breasts. Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of glandular tissue rather than fatty tissue.

It is typically symmetrical in location with regard to the nipple, however, the enlargement may be greater on one side even if both sides are involved.

Tenderness and sensitivity may be present, although there is typically no severe pain. The areola may have a rubbery or firm feel.

One of our highly trained, elite plastic surgeons will perform your Male Breast Reduction.

All our Male Breast Reduction surgeons are liposuction specialists have been hand picked by Mr Bryan Mayou, our founder, and the pioneer of liposuction in the UK.

Your consultation is designed to be perfect opportunity to ask all the pressing questions that you have to your consultant, ahead of making a decision on surgery. It is vital that you are fully informed before making your final decision, and the consultation is therefore a key part of the education and decision making process.

Some good examples of questions to ask, include:

  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
  • Do you think my goals are realistic given my existing anatomy?
  • Will I require a single surgery or multiple surgeries?
  • Can I see some before & after pictures of Male Breast Reductionprocedures you have done previously?
  • How long will my recovery take?
  • Is it true that Cadogan offers 24/7 on call nursing service?
  • What can I expect in terms of bruising, swelling and scarring?
  • What are my options if I am unhappy with my results?

No special preparation is required although it is generally advisable to do the following before any surgery

  • Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
  • Avoid certain medications and blood thinners. You'll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
  • Arrange for help during recovery. Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.

Male Breast Reduction surgery should take between one and two hours.

You should start to see results in the days following surgery. These will fully start to appear from around the six week mark and improvements will be ongoing for the first 12 or so months.

Your results will be long lasting so long as you maintain your body weight following surgery.

Recurrence can happen, but occurs only when a hormonal imbalance persists beyond surgery. The recurrence levels are also typically materially less than the pre-surgery levels.

Your results will be long lasting so long as you maintain your body weight following surgery.

Recurrence can happen, but occurs only when a hormonal imbalance persists beyond surgery. The recurrence levels are also typically materially less than the pre-surgery levels.

You will not feel any pain during the procedure as you will be under the influence of anaesthetic.

Immediately following surgery, you may experience discomfort but any pain should be tolerable. Your surgeon can provide painkillers for this and the majority of patients no longer need them a few days after breast surgery.

Male Breast Reduction surgery is straightforward, safe surgery although you should be aware of all the risks and complications before going ahead with surgery. Your surgeon at your will go through these at length and in full at your consultation, but the main risks include

  • Scars - It is perfectly possible for the expert surgeon to hide his scars. There should be no liposuction scars acting as a giveaway on the front of the chest and even when in the Webster's operation it is necessary to carry out a direct excision of tissue. This scar is well disguised around the edge of the areolar. There should be no scars on the chest itself. Some patients make poor scars and Cadogan post-operative scar treatment is important.
  • Bleeding – bleeding is a risk of a peri-areolar subcutaneous mastectomy (Webster's operation) but is reduced by including liposuction with the procedure. Occasionally patients will bleed postoperatively and will require an early return to the operating theatre. Your surgeon will discuss any medicines which increase your risk of bleeding and it is important to control high blood pressure
  • Recurrence – any hormone imbalance may persist following surgery, so that any remaining breast tissue can also increase in size. The problem would never be as great if a reduction had not been done, but some recurrence is possible.
  • Swelling, bruising and pain - The bruising after liposuction of the breasts is often greater than in other areas and will persist for longer. Patience is necessary.
  • Seroma – This is a problem only associated with Ultrasound (Vaser) Liposuction, which we avoid.
    Increased and reduced sensation after surgery – most patients will get some alteration in the sensation of their breasts, most commonly numbness around the nipple, but in most cases this is temporary.
  • Asymmetry – it is sometimes easier to remove tissue from one breast more than the other, in which case there may be some asymmetry, when all has settled down. Lumpiness of the breast is with irregularity of removal of tissue is a complication of surgical excision (Webster's or other subcutaneous mastectomy) or Vaser liposuction. This is common when there is an inexperienced surgeon, but minor degrees can occur with a good technique.
  • Unsatisfactory results – Sometimes patients are not satisfied with the result of their gynaecomastia because there expectations and requirements are not in line with technical possibilities. It is important to have a careful discussion with your surgeon to avoid disappointment.

Recovery time for this procedure will depend on the individual patient but is fairly minimal.

We usually advise that you take around a week off work following surgery as there will be bruising and swelling which may take a few days to subside. We also recommend you do not resume strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.

You will feel a little bruised and stiff for a few days but there is no restriction on movement. Any dressings can be removed in a couple of days or when they come loose, and stitches removed in a week. In the weeks after surgery, smoother skin will emerge on the chest and scars will start to heal.

Our expertise in scarring techniques along with our highly-experienced surgeons ensure a great result.

Yоu may соntіnuе tо experience ѕоmе mіld, реrіоdіс dіѕсоmfоrt and ѕwеllіng durіng your recovery, but ѕuсh fееlіngѕ аrе nоrmаl. Effective pain relief can be provided by your aftercare team should you required it. Sеvеrе pain, bleeding or swelling should bе reported tо your surgeon.

You will receive more detailed advice from your surgeon ahead of surgery.

You should expect minimal gynaecomastia surgery scars after male chest reduction surgery.

This is because male chest reduction surgery requires a very small incision that results in a very small gynaecomastia surgery scar. You should expect the gynaecomastia surgery scar to be red and slightly raised in the weeks and months after your procedure, before fading completely.

Skilled surgeons are also able to minimize gynaecomastia surgery scars and place them expertly in locations where they are not visible to the eye. Gynaecomastia surgery scar visibility can be further reduced by proper aftercare management and by regular moisturisation and massage techniques, all of which our dedicated team will advise our patients in the days following your procedure.

Please review our Scar Management programme for an idea of the options available to you at Cadogan Clinic.

Surgery is undoubtedly the most effective treatment but does need to be done by an experienced surgeon. We have in the past seen very poor results.

There will be some who wish to avoid surgery at all costs and they might consider the following.

Exercise and diet

  • The first place to start by changing your exercise and diet. It's completely free and might help reverse the body's metabolism. Since gynaecomastia is a least partially due to the build up of fatty tissue in the breast area, it only makes sense that you would want to minimize the amount of fat in your diet
  • When the body is unable to convert fat into energy, it must store it. That leads to fatty deposits and more fatty tissue. Thus, you may want to start thinking about methods to scale back your daily caloric intake or, at the very least, changing what and even how you eat on a daily basis.
  • Remember however you are only reducing the fatty element and not the more important glandular tissue
    In terms of exercise, there are several ways to target the chest area that can help to tighten up the muscle in the area. As the muscle mass becomes more defined, it helps to reduce some of the "flabby" look of the chest area.
  • This extra muscle does accentuate the breasts by pushing them outwards. This is a problem for weightlifters even if they are not taking anabolic steroids.

Medications

  • If you suspect that your gynaecomastia is due to medical reasons rather than a hormonal imbalance, you can ask your doctor to experiment with different medications. Some men, for example, have experimented with getting testosterone replacement.
  • Other popular medications to try include anti-oestrogens, Danazol, Tamoxifen and Clomiphene.
  • These are all prescription medications and are not approved by the FDA.

Herbal creams

  • We do not know of any reputable studies to show that topical herbal creams help with this condition
  • There are several herbal creams on the market such as Gynexin
  • These non-surgical alternatives for gynaecomastia treatment are not recommended by Cadogan Clinic

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

Welcome to Sloane Street

Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

Get in Touch

What are the risks?

Your surgeon will discuss any potential complications and risks of Gynaecomastia during your consultation. It is important that you understand how these risks and complications may impact your surgery and results. Your surgeon may also ask you to follow certain steps to minimise your personal risk of complications arising.

  • Hematoma - This is the build-up of blood beneath the skin and will require treatment from your surgeon
  • Poor wound healing - Healing complications or infection can affect the incision sites
  • Asymmetry - Occasionally, one side of your chest may appear larger than the other
  • Seroma - This is the formation of a lump under the skin caused by build up of fluid around the incision sites. This will require treatment from your surgeon.
  • Excessive bleeding 
  • Allergic reaction to general anaesthetic
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)

In the event of an unforeseen complication, a secondary surgery may be required. The need for a revision surgery can arise due to factors beyond the surgeon’s control. Our skilled consultant surgeons are qualified professionals who have performed Gynaecomastia numerous times, and a complication is not an indication of their skill or qualifications.


Surgery For Men

Related Treatments

We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.



Trustpilot

Laurel Wreath for Awards

2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2020

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2019

My Face My Body

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2017

Aesthetics Awards

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards

0207 901 8500

Get in touch