Gynaecomastia is enlargement of breast tissue in men and boys, usually caused by an imbalance between testosterone and oestrogen. Gynaecomastia surgery removes the excess fat and glandular tissue, using liposuction and gland excision through small, discreet incisions, to give a flatter, more masculine chest. It suits healthy men with stable weight and settled breast development.
- AnaesthesiaUsually general anaesthesia
- DurationTypically 1-2 hours
- Hospital stayUsually day care
- Back to routineUsually 3-7 days for desk work
What is gynaecomastia surgery?
Gynaecomastia is a common condition in which male breasts swell and grow larger than normal. It may involve one or both sides and range from a small amount of tissue around the nipple to prominent breasts, sometimes tender or painful. It can cause embarrassment, emotional distress and loss of confidence.
The usual cause is an imbalance between testosterone and oestrogen. It is common in newborns (from maternal oestrogen), at puberty and in older age, and is linked with obesity and heredity. Less common causes include certain medicines, anabolic steroids or drugs, heavy alcohol use, liver or kidney disease, Klinefelter syndrome and testicular lumps or infection, so an assessment and sometimes hormone tests are done first.
Physiological gynaecomastia often needs no treatment, and pubertal gynaecomastia frequently settles on its own within months to a few years. Once the tissue has been present for a long time and become fibrous, medicines are unlikely to help, and surgery is the effective option. Surgery combines liposuction with removal of glandular tissue, and occasionally skin reduction and repositioning of the areola; Dr. Jithendran uses a trans-nipple approach to keep scars minimal.
Who is gynaecomastia surgery for?
- Men with persistent breast enlargement that has not settled with time
- Generally healthy, non-smoking men at a relatively stable weight
- Those whose breast development has stabilised
- Adolescents in selected cases, understanding that further surgery may be needed later
- Men with realistic goals for chest contour
How is it done?
- Consultation covering goals, medical history, medicines, alcohol and drug use, and previous surgery
- Examination, measurements and photographs; hormone tests if indicated
- Liposuction removes excess fatty tissue
- Firm glandular tissue is excised through a small incision at the edge of the areola (trans-nipple approach)
- Skin reduction and areola repositioning are added only when there is significant excess skin
What is recovery like?
- A pressure (compression) garment is usually worn for about 3 weeks
- Absorbable stitches are used and drains are typically not needed
- An improvement in chest shape is visible straight away
- Final results typically appear over 3-6 months as swelling settles
- Avoiding causative drugs and keeping a stable weight helps maintain the result
What are the risks?
- Bleeding, haematoma or infection
- Fluid collection (seroma) under the skin
- Scars, usually placed in natural contours and fading over time
- Contour irregularity or asymmetry, occasionally needing revision
- Recurrence, which is less likely after surgery but not impossible
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
Will gynaecomastia go away on its own?
Gynaecomastia in newborns and at puberty often settles by itself within months to a few years. If it persists into adulthood, or the tissue has become firm and fibrous, it is unlikely to disappear on its own and medicines rarely help. Surgery is then the most effective treatment.
Is gynaecomastia just fat? Will exercise fix it?
Not always. True gynaecomastia involves firm glandular tissue behind the nipple, which does not respond to diet or exercise. Some men have mostly fat (pseudogynaecomastia), which may improve with weight loss. Many have both, which is why surgery usually combines liposuction with removal of glandular tissue.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are small and placed in natural contours, such as at the edge of the areola, and liposuction uses tiny entry points. Scars are permanent but typically fade and become difficult to see over time. Larger skin excisions are needed only when there is significant loose skin.
How long is recovery after gynaecomastia surgery?
Most men return to desk work within about a week. A compression garment is usually worn for around three weeks, and strenuous exercise and gym workouts are resumed gradually after that as advised. Results are visible immediately, with the final contour settling over three to six months.
Can gynaecomastia come back after surgery?
Surgery lowers the chance of recurrence because glandular tissue is removed, but it cannot eliminate it. Weight gain, anabolic steroids, certain medicines and some medical conditions can cause new breast tissue to develop. Keeping a stable weight and avoiding triggering drugs help preserve results.
