Male breast reduction with an individual approach

An enlarged male chest can affect how comfortable you feel in clothing, during exercise or in everyday life. At Brits Medical and Cosmetic Service (BMACS), a consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, understand your options and explore whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Male breast reduction surgery aims to reduce excess chest tissue and create a flatter chest contour. Treatment depends on your anatomy, health and expectations.

Book a consultation to discuss your options with BMACS.

Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of glandular breast tissue in men. It can affect one or both sides of the chest and may cause tenderness or prominence around the nipples.

It can be associated with hormonal changes, certain medicines, anabolic steroid use or underlying health conditions. Chest fullness caused mainly by excess fat is sometimes called pseudogynaecomastia. Some men have a combination of excess fat and glandular tissue.

Understanding the cause is an important first step. You may need investigations or medical treatment before cosmetic surgery is considered.

Not everyone needs surgery. Depending on the cause, managing an underlying condition, reviewing medication with your prescriber or achieving a stable, healthy weight may help.

For suitable patients with persistent enlargement, surgical options may include:

• Liposuction: removes excess fat to improve the chest contour.
• Gland removal: removes firmer breast tissue that liposuction alone may not adequately address.
• Combined treatment: uses liposuction and gland removal where both are needed.
• Skin removal: may be considered when there is significant loose or excess skin.

Your surgeon will explain which approach, if any, is suitable and where scars are likely to be.

Surgery may be considered if your chest enlargement is persistent, your weight is stable and you have realistic expectations about the outcome.

During your assessment, discuss your medical history, medication, supplements, smoking and any hormone or anabolic steroid use openly. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from your prescriber.

Surgery is not a weight-loss treatment, and no particular chest shape or degree of symmetry can be guaranteed.

Your consultation is an opportunity to understand the benefits, limitations and risks before making a decision. The assessment should cover:

• The likely cause of your chest enlargement.
• Whether investigations or specialist advice are needed.
• Surgical and non-surgical alternatives, including no treatment.
• The proposed procedure, anaesthetic and treatment setting.
• Scarring, recovery, aftercare and possible complications.
• A personalised quotation explaining what is included.

You should have time to consider the information and ask questions without pressure to proceed.

Bruising, swelling and discomfort are expected after surgery. You may be advised to wear a compression garment and temporarily avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.

Time away from work depends on the procedure and how physical your job is. Your surgical team will give you individual instructions for wound care, activity and follow-up appointments.

The chest contour settles gradually as swelling reduces. Final results can take several months to become apparent.

Possible complications include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, delayed wound healing, visible scarring, altered nipple sensation, uneven contours and asymmetry. Less common complications include damage to the skin or nipple blood supply, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.

Further surgery may sometimes be needed. Results vary, and breast enlargement can return if contributing factors persist or develop again.

Make an informed decision about male breast reduction with advice tailored to your circumstances.

Visit bmacs.org.uk to request a consultation.

Treatment is subject to clinical assessment and suitability. All surgery carries risks, and results vary between individuals.