Male Chest Reduction (Gynaecomastia)
Gynaecomastia is a medical term used to describe a common condition seen in men and adolescent males where chest tissue swells and enlarges, akin to the formation of breasts as seen in women.
As well as the medical form of gynaecomastia where breast tissue grows in the male breast, pseudo-gynaecomastia is also common in males and is a harmless accumulation of fatty tissue in the chest or pectoral area.
It commonly starts in the teenage years and can trouble men for many years before they seek a solution and help with what is often an embarrassing condition that can affect their self-esteem, intimate relationships, and social life. The condition is often referred to by other terms such as man boobs or moobs, affecting almost 70% of men.
Unlike more invasive surgical options, Dr Sherif Wakil uses modern liposuction techniques to remove the fatty breast tissue with ultrasound assisted VASER and radiofrequency assisted liposuction with BodyTite which reduce downtime and scarring.
Gynaecomastia comes from the Greek words for woman and breast and is the excessive development of breasts or breast (glandular) tissue in males, such that they resemble female breasts. It is said to affect around 30% of men at some point in their lives.
The cause, especially in younger men and youths is an imbalance in the sex hormones which leads to increased levels of oestrogen in their body causing glandular breast tissue to grow. Often the cause of the hormonal imbalance is unknown. Sometimes the growth resolves with time post-puberty and growing up, but the tissue can persist and remain, requiring later removal.
A growth in tissue in the chest can also be caused by certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices including alcohol, illegal drugs, and anabolic steroids.
Gynaecomastia can be a consequence of weight gain as it raises levels of oestrogen in the body. Similarly, older men tend to produce less testosterone, and with weight gain, so-called middle age spread, this can also lead to increased oestrogen and the growth of breast tissue.
Pseudo or fake gynaecomastia is similar but does not include the growth of breast tissue, but the equally embarrassing and bothersome accumulation of excess fat in and around the nipple area which can have a feminising effect and is not easily sculpted with diet and exercise.
Male chest reduction to reduce enlarged breasts can help restore a more natural chest and pectoral area to men who suffer from this condition. Although a surgical option is available which removes skin, fat, and glandular breast tissue to create a flatter, masculine chest, advancements in less invasive technologies mean that advanced liposuction techniques can be used to sculpt and reduce the area with much reduced scarring and downtime. Male breast reduction surgery is not available on the NHS as a treatment for gynaecomastia, hence private clinics are often the only choice for treatment, and liposuction has become a standard option.
Treatment cost
Price From* After consultation the doctor will confirm the cost.
Treatment Summary at a glance
Approx. 1 hour
One
Local (tumescent)
Swelling, bruising, feeling of tightness, pain and discomfort.
Reduction of enlarged breast tissue and fat in the male chest.
Permanent, dependent on lifestyle. Follow healthy diet and exercise.
Up to 1 week, depending on pain. Sensitive for up to 2 weeks.
Up to 2-3 weeks, compression garments may be required.
How does it work?
Liposuction to remove male breast tissue and fat can be performed through a simple manual action using a cannula and suction but works best with energy assistance such as ultrasound (VASER®) or radiofrequency waves (BodyTite®) to break down the fat cells prior to suction so they are easier to remove. Such systems offer treatment with minimal side effects and downtime, and without leaving large scars from reduction of the chest and removal of the tissue enlargements.
The procedure is performed using local anaesthesia referred to as tumescent anaesthesia or fluid anaesthesia. This is where a small amount of liquid containing the anaesthetic agent (lidocaine) is infused into the tissue to numb the area before the area is suctioned using the liposuction system. The energy waves from ultrasound or radiofrequency also tighten the underlying tissue and initiate a wound healing response to stimulate new collagen production, which will further tighten the overlying skin on the chest.
We offer interest FREE finance plans to patients. Please contact our experienced team to learn more.
FAQ's
Your suitability for male chest reduction for gynaecomastia will be determined during a consultation with our doctor. A full medical history will also be discussed.
A physical examination will be required to evaluate and diagnose the type and extent of your gynaecomastia during the consultation.
If you are in general good health, with an average body shape, and have realistic expectations from this procedure, you will be a good candidate for male chest reduction if you have enlarged breast tissue in your chest.
Liposculpture and removal of fat in the chest is performed under local anaesthesia to reduce any discomfort during the procedure by numbing the area. You may still feel a sensation of tugging from the cannula movement and suction during the procedure but should not feel any pain during the operation.
The procedure takes up to an hour to remove the excess tissue and shape the pectoral region.
Reduction of the male chest using VASER or BodyTite liposuction systems is designed to remove fat and tissue with minimal trauma; however, you should still expect swelling, bruising and discomfort in the days following the procedure., and to feel tight and sensitive for a little longer.
Most pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, such as paracetamol, although you may be prescribed additional pain management medication.
You will usually be required to wear a pressure garment for 24-72 hours after the procedure, to aid healing, reduce swelling and improve the contouring of the chest.
You will be able to return to your normal routine and work within 3-5 days of treatment. You are advised to start moving as soon as you can after this procedure as walking and keeping your circulatory system active can assist with healing and help to reduce swelling, but strenuous exercise, especially weightlifting, should be avoided for a month.
Results from male chest reduction are permanent as the breast tissue and fat cells are removed. However, weight gain can occur in any remaining fat cells which could augment the chest area in future years, so it is important that you continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime to maintain the results achieved from your procedure. The liposculpture technology we use includes ultrasound or radiofrequency which assists with both the breakdown of the fat cells but also helps to tighten the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen. Over time, the chest and pectoral area will tighten to a more masculine contour.
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