If there is a significant amount of loose skin, it may not fully tighten after surgery. Skin response varies from person to person and will be discussed during your consultation.
Gynecomastia
If enlarged male breasts are impacting your confidence, you’re not alone—gynecomastia affects up to 50% of men at some point. At Merchant City Medical Group, our expert surgeons specialize in advanced gynecomastia surgery and male breast reduction procedures, helping men achieve a firmer, more masculine chest. Whether you’re self-conscious at the beach or limited in your clothing choices, we offer safe, effective treatments tailored to your needs to restore your confidence and chest contour.
Procedure overview
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General
LENGTH OF SURGERY
1-2 Hours
HOSPITAL STAY
Day Surgery
RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Procedure types
At Merchant City Medical Group, we provide personalised treatment options for gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), tailored to your individual anatomy, concerns, and desired outcome. Our experienced clinicians will assess your condition carefully and recommend the most appropriate approach to achieve a natural-looking result.
Treatment options may include:
Treatment options may include:
- Liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue
- Surgical excision of firm glandular breast tissue
- Removal of excess or loose skin where required
- A combination of techniques for more complex cases
Our Approach
At Merchant City Medical Group, we support you through every stage of gynecomastia treatment, from consultation to aftercare, ensuring you feel informed and reassured throughout. We carefully assess your concerns, check for any reversible causes, and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your individual needs. Our approach focuses on achieving natural-looking results while minimising visible scarring, using liposuction in most cases and removing firm glandular tissue through a small, discreet incision when necessary. In cases of significant loose skin, more extensive surgery may be required, which will always be discussed in detail beforehand.
Benefits
Potential Benefits of Gynaecomastia Surgery
Gynaecomastia surgery can offer both physical and psychological benefits. Many men experience improved self-confidence and body image, feeling more comfortable in social situations and everyday activities. The procedure can also relieve physical symptoms such as chest discomfort, tenderness, or chafing caused by excess breast tissue. In addition, correcting the chest contour may help improve posture and overall appearance, reducing the tendency to hunch forward to conceal the chest. Together, these changes can have a positive impact on comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
What are the risks?
Gynaecomastia surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, although smaller procedures may be performed under local anaesthetic. General anaesthetic carries a small risk of complications such as blood clots or chest infection; however, these are rare and precautions are taken to reduce risk. Serious complications from planned anaesthesia are very uncommon.
Bleeding is uncommon, particularly when liposuction is used. In rare cases, a collection of blood (haematoma) can form and may require further treatment or a return to theatre.
Infection is uncommon and is usually mild. Most cases respond well to antibiotic treatment.
A seroma is a build-up of fluid under the skin. If it occurs, it may need to be drained in clinic and typically resolves over time.
All surgery results in some scarring. Scars vary between individuals and may occasionally become thickened or more noticeable.
Removing too little or too much tissue can affect the final chest contour. Over-correction may result in an indentation or uneven appearance.
It is common for the chest to feel firm or lumpy during healing, and minor unevenness can occur. These changes often improve over several months.
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the chest or nipple area is common and usually improves with time.
Occasionally, further surgery may be required to address complications or refine the cosmetic outcome.
Commonly Asked Questions
Male breast enlargement, known medically as gynaecomastia, is caused by an increase in glandular breast tissue, often combined with excess fatty tissue in the chest.
Gynaecomastia can range from a small amount of tissue beneath the nipple to more noticeable breast enlargement. It may affect one or both sides, most commonly both. Some men experience tenderness or discomfort, although this is not always present.
Most cases are related to hormonal changes, but there are several possible causes:
Hormone imbalance
An imbalance between testosterone and oestrogen can lead to breast tissue growth. While weight loss and exercise are important for general health, they do not always resolve gynaecomastia as the condition is not purely due to fat.
Puberty
Temporary breast enlargement is common during adolescence and usually resolves as hormone levels stabilise.
Older age
As men age, testosterone levels fall and body fat may increase, leading to higher oestrogen levels and breast tissue growth.
Rarer causes
Less commonly, gynaecomastia may be linked to medical conditions or certain medications. In some cases, examination and blood tests are required.
Gynaecomastia can affect confidence and body image. Some men feel self-conscious about their chest and may avoid certain clothing or social situations, including swimming or going topless.
During puberty, gynaecomastia often improves naturally over time
Weight loss may help if excess fat is contributing
Medications or substances that affect hormones should be reviewed
Surgery may be considered if reversible causes have been excluded and the condition persists
Surgery is not offered to patients under 18 years of age.
Surgical management may include:
Liposuction
Removal of firm glandular tissue
Removal of excess skin
These techniques are often combined, depending on individual needs.
Liposuction works best when skin quality is good and the underlying tissue is soft. If firm glandular tissue is present beneath the nipple, liposuction alone may not be sufficient.
When firm glandular tissue remains after liposuction, it can be removed through a small incision along the lower edge of the nipple. This allows precise removal while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
Skin excision may be required in cases of significant enlargement with loose or stretched skin, often following major weight loss. While effective, this approach results in more noticeable scarring, which will be discussed fully beforehand.
At Merchant City Medical Group, we provide careful assessment, clear advice, and personalised treatment plans for patients with gynaecomastia. Our focus is on patient safety, informed decision-making, and achieving natural-looking results using appropriate, evidence-based techniques.
What to Expect & Gynaecomastia Aftercare
Some discomfort is normal in the first few days after surgery. You may notice soreness, tightness, swelling, or temporary numbness around the nipples and incision sites. Sensitivity in the chest area is common and usually improves over the following weeks.
Swelling and bruising are expected and may increase initially before gradually improving. Bruising can move downward across the chest this is normal. If extensive liposuction has been performed, swelling may feel firm and can take several weeks to settle fully.
Areas of hardness or lumpiness are common during healing and may take several months to soften as the tissues recover.
Most swelling and skin discolouration improves within 4–6 weeks. Scars may appear red or raised for several months but typically soften and fade over time.
Excellence Record
Merchant City Medical Group is proud to be one of the leading providers of Hair Transplant Surgeries and Medical Aesthetics within the UK and Europe. With our extensive team of expert surgeons, nurse practitioners and consultants, you will be met with the utmost dedication and compassion throughout your journey with us.
- 30+ Years of combined experience
- 10 + Experts
- 1000 + Satisfied Patients
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