The goal of male breast reduction surgery is to reduce the size of enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) without removing any tissue. This can be accomplished by excising excess fat and glandular tissue, whether it’s isolated to one or both breasts or located throughout the breast.
The procedure typically takes about an hour and a half and is performed under local anesthesia. You’ll need stitches in your nipples that will dissolve on their own, and you may have drains in place for a few days after surgery to help remove any excess fluid from your breasts. You’ll need to wear a compression vest for about two weeks after surgery to help heal your wounds properly. Your results will be visible within a month of surgery, but most patients are satisfied with their results at six months post-op.
Read on to learn more ABOUT Best Male Breast Reduction Surgeons UK, Best Medicine For Male Breast Reduction and Choosing a Qualified Cosmetic Surgeon
Best Male Breast Reduction Surgeons UK
Male chest reduction surgery is commonly requested by men who feel their chest, nipples or areolas are too large or puffy. This is most often a result of a condition known as Gynaecomastia which causes men’s breasts to swell and become larger than normal. Gynaecomastia is a result of a hormone imbalance or testosterone and oestrogen which can be caused by a number of factors such as age, weight, medication and other health conditions.
In most cases, diet and exercise is not enough to reduce the appearance of Gynaecomastia and many need a surgical procedure to reduce the fat and often remove the glandular tissue from behind the nipple too.
At The Private Clinic we have a team of specialist male breast reduction surgeons who are very experienced in getting the best results from gynaecomastia surgery.
William Van Nierkerk, MB ChB, MSc, MRCS, FCMI, FRCS(Plast.), RAF(qs), GMC Number: 4362791
Mr William Van Nierkerk is an Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 20 years of medical experience. Correction of gynecomastia in men is a subspecialty of Mr Van Nierkerk and he is very qualified in helping patients reach their desired goals from cosmetic surgery.
Mr William Van Nierkerk is available at our clinic in London Harley Street.
Mr Navid Jallali, BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast.), GMC Number: 4404969
Mr Navid Jallali is a leading UK plastic surgeon with expert knowledge in Gynecomastia surgery.
Mr Navid Jallali is available for consultations at our London Harley Street clinic.
Mr Dario Rochira, BS, MD, GMC Number: 6130664
Mr Dario Rochira is a respected consultant plastic surgeon in the UK. Male breast reduction surgery, or Gynaecomastia correction surgery, is a common procedure that Mr Rochira performs for patients who wish to remove any excess, hard-to-shift and unwanted chest fat.
Mr Dario Rochira is available for consultations in London Harley Street.
Mr Adel Fattah, MB BChir, Bsc, FRCS (Plastic Surgery), PhD, GMC Number: 4764599
Mr Adel Fattah is a Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon who has undertaken a range of extensive training in plastic surgery. Male Chest Reduction is an area of speciality for Mr Fattah and is one of his most commonly performed procedures.
Mr Adel Fattah is available for consultations at our clinic in Manchester.
Mr Maisam Fazel, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MSEd, FRCS, GMC Number: 4767420
Mr Maisam Fazel is a Consultant Oncoplastic, Breast Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon who specialises in a wide range of aesthetic procedures including male chest reduction.
Mr Fazel offers male breast reduction through a variety of techniques and will determine which technique is best for you based on the patient’s goal from surgery.
Mr Maisam Fazel is available for consultations in Northampton, Birmingham and London Harley Street.
Male Chest Reduction at The Private Clinic
We are the UK’s leading non-invasive cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced gynecomastia surgeons in the country working with us. For over 35 years we have successfully treated thousands of patients.
By coming to us for your male chest reduction procedure, we will look after you to make your journey an exciting one.
- Consultation with expert specialist surgeons who are very experienced in male chest reduction and gynecomastia.
- 24 hour patient helpline meaning we are only ever a phone call away should you feel the need to contact us.
- As many post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon, doctor and nursing team as required.
- One year cover for all surgical, hospital and nursing care, in case of any medical issue giving you peace of mind
- Outstanding hospital and clinic facilities.
- Competitively priced for our expertise and experience.
- Comprehensive patient information, every step of the way.
- Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
- See our gallery of male chest reduction before and after photos here.
Best Medicine For Male Breast Reduction
Many people who have gynecomastia wish to resolve the condition without having surgery. For some people, it is possible to treat gynecomastia by addressing the cause at the right time. However, for other people, it is not that simple.
While looking for gynecomastia treatment over the internet, many people come across pills or tablets that claim to be effective. These pills can be primarily divided into two categories- the first is strong prescription-based pharmacological drugs that are available only by prescription and the other one are supplements made of compounds close to the pharmacological agents.
Today, you will learn more about these gynecomastia treatment pills and find out how effective they are. We will also discuss the legitimacy of these pills to determine if they are safe for use.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
This class of drugs is generally prescribed for treating breast cancer in women. There are mainly two types of pharmaceutical drugs that can regulate estrogen production in the body.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Older men are unable to synthesize testosterone. Hence, they are more prone to develop saggy and droopy breasts. People who are unable to produce testosterone naturally can simply replace it with TRT. The hormone is administered artificially through oral pills, skin patches, gels, injections, or implants. People with confirmed low testosterone levels should consider TRT.
Danazol
This drug is produced synthetically. The medicine decreases the enlargement of man boobs by preventing estrogen synthesis by the testes. Moreover, it also inhibits the production of other hormones that instruct the sex organs to produce estrogen- Leutinizing Hormones and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone from the pituitary gland. It is available in the strength of 50 mg, 100mg, 200 mg.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
This class of drugs curbs the synthesize of the estrogen process in the body. Ideally, estrogen attaches to the cells in the breast resulting in enlargement. After taking SERMs, the estrogen is unable to attach to the cell thereby, preventing the cells to receive estrogen’s signals to grow and multiply.
Clomiphene
Commonly prescribed by doctors to treat male infertility, this drug works by increasing the production of testosterone-stimulating hormones- LH and FSH. The Luteinizing Hormone encourages male hormone production hence, this reduces estrogen production. Therefore, the puffiness around the nipples is also reduced. However, there is no specific evidence that can show the effectiveness, dosage, and length of the course to follow for this medicine.
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is one medicine that can reduce gynecomastia effectively. People suffering from painful or severe gynecomastia can benefit from this medicine. However, it cannot reduce excessive tissue growth around the breast. The medicine has not been approved by the United States of Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) due to which its safety is still questionable. Also, doctors recommend this medicine to patients with early-stage breast cancer after surgery. This is available in two forms- pill as well as liquid.
Natural Supplements That Can Treat Gynecomastia
The supplements for treating gynecomastia work similarly to SERMs. Either they try to retain back the original balance of sex hormones in the body or burn out the chest fat. As the majority of gynecomastia cases are a result of increased breast tissue and chest fat. The core ingredients used to make these supplements include-
- Scalreolides
This compound is found in plants such as Salvia sclarea, Salvia yosgadensis, etc. This naturally occurring product reduces adipose tissue by increasing fat synthesis. In addition to this, it also improves insulin metabolism.
- Guggulsterone
This is processed from the gum of the Commiphora Mukul tree. The ingredient signals the thyroid to function properly that increases the burning of fat. It also encourages several steroid receptors.
- Theobromine Cacao
Rich in anti-carcinogenic properties, it affects the moods and attention power of an individual. This is also anti-inflammatory in nature. Furthermore, it can also curb the production of bad cholesterol.
Side effects of Taking Selection Estrogen Receptor Modulator
People should take SERMs only after proper consultation with the doctor. This is so because there can be some side effects after taking this class of drugs that can become fatal.
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the face, arm, or leg
- Severe headache
- Osteoporosis in which the bone density reduces
- Pain in the chest
- Swelling and tenderness of the legs
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic region
- Difficulty breathing
- Problems in the vision
How To Prevent Gynecomastia?
A large percentage of gynecomastia cases develop due to certain medicines and reactions to certain chemicals. Hence, restricting the usage of such medicines and chemicals (present in marijuana, alcohol) can reduce the chances of gynecomastia. However, enlargement of male breasts that occur due to hormonal fluctuations because of age is inevitable.
Are pills effective for treating gynecomastia?
There are no drugs approved by the USFDA that can cure gynecomastia. Moreover, the effectiveness of these medicines is still unclear as these work as nutritional supplements and not a therapeutic agents. The results also take some time to fully become evident. People experience results by the end of the first or second month when they take these medicines regularly. Hence, one can try other options such as exercise along with a diet regime. Proper exercise and eating the right foods can enhance the effects of these drugs.
What To Do In Case Pills Do not Treat Gynecomastia?
In case the gynecomastia has reached severe stages, people should consider surgical options. Doctors mainly recommend two types of surgery for curing gynecomastia-
- Liposuction- In liposuction, the surgeons remove the extra fat around the abdomen, chest, hip, thighs, arms. First, they make small incisions in the body part. Then, they break the stubborn fat cells with the help of heat from radiofrequency or laser. After this, through these incisions, they take out the burned fat with the help of a tube. The skin loosens up which needs to be toned and tightened.
- Gland excision surgery- When there is excessive tissue growth in and around the nipples, the doctors remove it in this surgery. By marking the muscles around the breasts, they decide the extent of muscles that need to be removed for an enhanced body contour.
Choosing a Qualified Cosmetic Surgeon
Male breast reduction is one of the more straightforward cosmetic surgery procedures, but excellent results require a skilled approach that can only come from specialized training and experience. You need to vet potential doctors carefully to find a cosmetic surgeon who can perform the procedure safely and achieve the results you desire. Pay attention to 3 key factors when choosing a cosmetic surgeon for your male breast reduction procedure:
- Skill & Experience: make sure your cosmetic surgeon regularly performs male breast reduction as part of his or her practice. Ask how many procedures he or she has done, ask to see pictures of prior patients, and make sure you like what you see—this indicates that a cosmetic surgeon’s aesthetic style aligns well with yours.
- Board Certification in Cosmetic Surgery: ABCS board certified cosmetic surgeons are fellowship trained in all areas of cosmetic surgery, including liposuction and chest contouring, which may not be covered in plastic surgery or other surgical residencies. Also, by choosing a board certified cosmetic surgeon, you can take comfort in knowing your procedure will be performed in an accredited surgery center.
- Your Rapport with a Cosmetic Surgeon: you need to feel comfortable being candid with a cosmetic surgeon about your concerns and your medical history.
Treating Gynecomastia with Liposuction
Today, cosmetic surgeons are able to treat a growing number of gynecomastia patients using liposuction. This is due in part to advances in liposuction technology, which have resulted in a wider selection of less invasive techniques. However, surgeon skill plays an important role too, and it is important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who is trained in liposuction and has specific experience performing male breast reduction using liposuction. Learn more about liposuction surgery & techniques.
The procedure for treating gynecomastia with liposuction is typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, and involves a small incision on each side of the chest. Depending on your needs and your cosmetic surgeon’s preferred technique, incisions may be located along a portion of the edge of the areola or within the armpit. Through these incisions, your cosmetic surgeon will remove excess fat and/or glandular tissue, at the same time sculpting a new chest contour that looks natural to your body.
This patient had liposuction to treat gynecomastia and reduce lovehandles.
The recovery process following liposuction is typically quite tolerable. Patients are often given a compression garment to wear for the first few weeks after surgery; this helps to minimize swelling and offers support to the healing tissues. While vigorous exercise is typically off-limits for about 3 weeks, many men return to work or school within several days after their procedures. However, it is important to understand that everyone heals at a unique pace; your cosmetic surgeon will give you individualized instructions for recovery.
Male Breast Reduction with Tissue Excision
More severe cases of gynecomastia may require surgical tissue excision to achieve optimal results. Additionally, patients who have stretched, sagging skin around the breasts will usually require this approach. Tissue excisions allows a cosmetic surgeon to remove a greater amount of glandular tissue and/or skin that cannot be successfully treated with liposuction alone.
The location and length of the incisions depends on the extent of surgery needed, but are typically located around the edge of the areola (peri-areolar incision) or within the natural creases of the chest. A trained, qualified cosmetic surgeon will take care to place incisions so that the resulting scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Male breast reduction with tissue excision is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The recovery process is similar to that for liposuction; however, it is common for patients to experience soreness and some swelling. Typically, patients feel ready to return to work within 1 week of surgery, and a gradual return to exercise is usually permitted after the first couple of weeks.