Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)
Surgical correction of enlarged male breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia. This procedure removes excess glandular tissue and/or fat to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of this condition.
Procedure Time
1-3 hours
Recovery Time
1 week for initial recovery, 3-6 weeks for full recovery and resuming strenuous activities
Cost
Starting from ₹95,000
What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is a procedure designed to reduce enlarged male breast tissue (gynecomastia) and create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. This condition affects approximately 40-60% of men to varying degrees, with causes ranging from hormonal imbalances to certain medications, health conditions, or genetics.
The procedure may involve liposuction, excision of glandular tissue, or a combination of both techniques, depending on the composition of the breast enlargement. For patients with primarily fatty tissue (pseudogynecomastia), liposuction alone may be sufficient. For true gynecomastia involving glandular tissue, surgical excision is typically necessary.
At Blume Health, our plastic surgeons have extensive experience in treating gynecomastia with personalized approaches that consider both physical and psychological aspects of the condition. We understand the significant impact gynecomastia can have on self-esteem and quality of life, and we're committed to helping our patients achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
Ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery include:
- Men with enlarged breast tissue that hasn't responded to non-surgical treatments
- Individuals who maintain a stable, healthy weight
- Men who are physically healthy with no serious medical conditions
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit before surgery
- Men with realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve
- Individuals experiencing psychological distress due to their chest appearance
- Patients whose breast development has stabilized
During your consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your specific condition, discuss your goals, and determine whether gynecomastia surgery is right for you. We'll also rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing your gynecomastia and should be addressed before considering surgery.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Before Surgery
- Comprehensive consultation and physical examination
- Medical evaluation to identify underlying causes
- Pre-operative instructions regarding medications, eating, and drinking
- Cessation of smoking and certain medications
- Laboratory tests to ensure you're fit for surgery
- Discussion of anesthesia options and risks
- Photo documentation for before-and-after comparison
During Surgery
- Administration of anesthesia (general or local with sedation)
- For liposuction: Small incisions and insertion of cannula to remove fat
- For excision: Incisions typically around the areola to remove glandular tissue
- For combined approach: Both techniques used as needed
- In severe cases: Removal of excess skin and nipple repositioning
- Closing of incisions with sutures and application of dressings
- Procedure time typically 1-3 hours depending on complexity
After Surgery
- Brief monitoring in recovery before returning home same day
- Wearing of compression garment to reduce swelling and support tissues
- Temporary drains may be placed to remove excess fluid
- Prescribed pain medication and care instructions
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Gradual return to normal activities over 1-2 weeks
- Full recovery with final results visible after swelling subsides (3-6 months)
Results and Benefits
Gynecomastia surgery offers both physical and psychological benefits that can significantly improve quality of life:
- Immediate improvement in chest contour, with further refinement as swelling subsides
- Long-lasting results, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle
- Enhanced self-confidence and body image
- Greater comfort in various social situations and activities
- Ability to wear fitted clothing without embarrassment
- Reduction in physical discomfort such as chafing or irritation
- Improvement in posture, as many men no longer hunch to hide their chest
- Decreased anxiety and social inhibition in situations requiring bare chest exposure
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, gynecomastia surgery carries some risks. At Blume Health, we prioritize patient safety and transparency about potential complications:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding or hematoma formation
- Infection
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (usually temporary)
- Breast contour or shape irregularities
- Breast asymmetry
- Poor scarring
- Need for revision surgery
- Possible recurrence of gynecomastia, particularly if caused by certain medications or conditions
Our surgeons will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation and explain how we work to minimize them through careful planning and meticulous surgical technique.
Psychological Impact and Support
At Blume Health, we recognize that gynecomastia often has significant psychological effects beyond its physical presentation. Many men experience embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, anxiety in social situations, and avoidance of activities requiring chest exposure.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Before Surgery
- Psychological assessment to understand the impact of gynecomastia on mental health
- Setting realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Counseling services to address body image concerns
- Resources for coping with anxiety about the procedure
After Surgery
- Support for adjusting to body changes and developing a positive body image
- Guidance for gradually reintroducing activities previously avoided
- Referrals to support groups of men with similar experiences
- Follow-up psychological care if needed
Research consistently shows significant psychological improvements following gynecomastia surgery, with high satisfaction rates and enhanced quality of life. Our goal is not just to change how your chest looks, but to support your overall well-being throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, if the condition causes significant pain or if there are concerns about breast cancer, some insurance plans may provide coverage. Our team can help you determine if you qualify for coverage and discuss financing options.
Will gynecomastia come back after surgery?
For most patients, results are permanent as long as weight is maintained and medications causing gynecomastia are avoided. However, significant weight gain, hormonal changes, or use of certain substances can potentially cause recurrence. We'll discuss strategies to maintain your results long-term.
What kind of scarring can I expect?
Scarring varies based on the technique used. Liposuction alone leaves minimal scars (typically 3-5mm). Excision of glandular tissue usually requires incisions around the areola, which heal well and fade over time. Our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring.
How painful is recovery from gynecomastia surgery?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. Prescribed pain medication is typically needed for only a few days, after which over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. Compression garments help reduce discomfort and swelling.
When can I return to exercise after surgery?
Light walking is encouraged within a day after surgery. Most patients can resume non-strenuous activities within a week. Upper body exercises and strenuous activities should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. Complete healing takes about 6 weeks, after which all activities can usually be resumed without restrictions.