Gynaecomastia

What is gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to reduce the size of breast tissue in a person assigned male at birth. This surgery is also called male breast reduction and reduction mammaplasty. It helps people who have gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue).

People choose to have this procedure to remove excess tissue and fat from their breasts. Gynecomastia surgery can improve your self-image and confidence. Many people decide to have this procedure to enhance the way they look, either in clothing or when they aren’t wearing a shirt.

This procedure includes liposuction, surgery or both. Your provider will recommend the technique that’s right for you.

How common is gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction surgery)?

About 20,000 people get this surgery every year. Gynecomastia (the condition this surgery treats) is very common. It affects more than half of people assigned male at birth around the world.

Procedure Details

What happens before gynecomastia surgery?

Before surgery, your provider will discuss your options, goals and medical history. Your provider may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) or other tests to evaluate your health and determine what’s causing gynecomastia.

They will examine you, measure your breast tissue and screen you for male breast cancer. They may also take photographs of your breasts.

You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, prior to surgery. If you smoke, ask your provider about quitting smoking before your procedure. Tobacco use can slow the healing process. The day before surgery, your provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking. You should wear loose-fitting clothing when you arrive at the surgical center or hospital.

What happens during gynecomastia surgery?

In some cases, surgeons only use liposuction to remove breast tissue. They insert a suction hose through several small incisions (cuts) to remove fat.

If you have excess skin, fat, and tissue, your provider may recommend excision. This technique uses larger incisions to remove breast tissue. Your provider can also reposition your nipple and areola during an excision procedure. The incision patterns, lengths, and locations depend on the size of your breasts and your desired look.

You may need a combination of excision and liposuction. Your surgeon will recommend the technique that’s right for you. Before either technique, you’ll get general anesthesia through a vein in your arm. You’ll be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t feel pain during surgery.

What happens after gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you go home the same day. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. Your provider will tell you how to care for yourself and how to take care of your incisions when you go home.

You’ll have bandages and a supportive garment around your chest as you heal. The garment supports your chest and reduces swelling. Your provider will give you medications to relieve pain. These drugs also reduce swelling and lower the risk of infection.

Your provider may place thin tubes under your skin during surgery. The tubes drain fluid and blood during the healing process. The fluid collects at the bottom of the tube in a receptacle or bulb. Your provider will remove the tubes when you no longer need them.