The Operation

Male breast reduction is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, though local anaesthetic with sedation is sometimes used instead. The operation involves making a cut around the nipple, removing excess fatty tissue either surgically or using liposuction (sometimes a combination of both), and repositioning the nipples if a significant amount of tissue needs removing. The operation takes around 1.5 hours, and most people stay in hospital overnight.

What to Expect

Full recovery can take several weeks, and you may need a few days off work. Your chest is likely to feel sore, swollen and bruised for a few weeks, and you'll need to wear an elasticated compression garment day and night for 1 to 2 weeks to support healing. Stitches usually dissolve or are removed after 1 to 2 weeks, and it's best to avoid stretching, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting for around 3 weeks, with a full return to normal activities generally possible after about 6 weeks. You can drive again once wearing a seatbelt is no longer painful, which may take several weeks — and it can take up to 6 months to see the full result.

Scarring

Most men are left with just a scar around the nipple, though a larger reduction may also involve a vertical scar and a horizontal scar along the breast crease. Scars can take several months to fade.

Possible Complications

Male breast reduction can occasionally result in thick, obvious scarring, unevenly shaped breasts or nipples, wound healing problems, loss of nipple sensation, bleeding inside the breast tissue (usually within the first 24 hours), or lumps, bruising and swelling. As with any operation, there's also a small general risk of excessive bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction to anaesthetic, or a blood clot.

Choosing a Surgeon

In England, check the clinic or hospital is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and be cautious of clinics that pay for prominent search placement. Your surgeon should be registered as a specialist with the General Medical Council (GMC), with a current licence to practise, and is likely to belong to a professional body such as BAPRAS or BAAPS. Always meet your surgeon before the procedure, and ask about their qualifications, experience, how many similar operations they've performed, how many led to complications, follow-up arrangements, and patient satisfaction rates.

If Something Goes Wrong

Contact your clinic promptly if you have severe pain or unexpected symptoms, such as burning, unusual swelling, or changes in skin colour. If you're unhappy with your results, speak to your surgeon first, and contact the CQC with concerns about your care, or raise a concern with the GMC if necessary.