Gynecomastia is the excess growth of breast tissue in men, often caused by hormonal imbalances, weight gain, medication use, or genetic factors. It can affect one or both sides of the chest and may cause physical discomfort or emotional distress. Fortunately, it can be treated effectively through male breast reduction surgery.
The procedure is done under general or local anesthesia and takes around 1–2 hours. Depending on the severity, your surgeon may:
Remove excess fat with liposuction
Excise glandular breast tissue through a small incision around the areola
In more severe cases, remove stretched skin to restore natural contour
The result is a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest appearance.
Common reasons include:
Feelings of self-consciousness in tight clothing or at the beach
Avoiding physical activities like swimming or gym workouts
Discomfort or pain due to enlarged breast tissue
No success with exercise or weight loss alone
Desire for a firmer, more defined chest
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
Are physically healthy and at a stable weight
Have enlarged or sagging chest tissue that doesn’t improve with diet or exercise
Are emotionally affected by your chest appearance
Have realistic expectations
Are a non-smoker or can stop smoking temporarily for healing
The procedure can be performed after puberty, usually from age 18 and older. For teenagers with persistent gynecomastia that hasn’t resolved naturally, surgery may be considered after medical evaluation.
Surgical technique depends on the type and severity of gynecomastia:
Liposuction only: For soft fatty tissue with good skin elasticity
Excision (tissue removal): For dense glandular tissue or sagging
Combination of both: Most common and comprehensive approach
Skin tightening: In cases of extreme sagging or weight loss-related gynecomastia
The incisions are small and usually placed discreetly around the areola.
Surgery Duration: 1–2 hours
Hospital Stay: Often same-day or 1 night
Initial Recovery: 4–7 days for light activity
Full Recovery: 4–6 weeks for swelling to resolve and results to settle
Patients typically wear a compression garment for several weeks to support healing.
Before your surgery:
Stop smoking and alcohol 1–2 weeks prior
Avoid blood-thinning medications unless instructed otherwise
Maintain a stable, healthy weight
Get a medical evaluation to confirm the cause of gynecomastia
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is crucial to align expectations and choose the right surgical approach.
After the operation:
Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal
A compression vest helps reduce swelling and improve contour
Avoid upper body workouts or heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks
Final results become visible as swelling subsides
Scars are minimal and fade over time
The emotional benefit is often just as powerful as the physical transformation.
One
Local anesthesia
Immediately
7 days
None
* For informational purposes only, be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, the removed tissue does not grow back. However, maintaining a stable weight and avoiding hormone-altering drugs or steroids is important to prevent recurrence.
Scars are usually small and placed around the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. With proper care, they fade significantly and are often barely noticeable.
Not always. If the enlargement is due to glandular tissue (not just fat), no amount of exercise can fully eliminate it. Surgery is the most effective solution in such cases.
Most patients return to desk jobs within 3–5 days. For physical work or exercise, you may need to wait 3–4 weeks, depending on your recovery.
Temporary changes in sensation are possible, but permanent loss is rare. Most patients regain normal sensitivity within a few months.
Not at all. Men of all ages and body types seek gynecomastia surgery—it's about comfort, confidence, and quality of life, not appearance alone.
Medipol University Hospital, being the justifiably proud of Medipol Education and Health Group in Turkey and in the world, resulting in this spirit, is a health complex having JCI standards accepting patients from all over the world.
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