Gynecomastia is a fairly common condition, yet it is rarely discussed openly. Enlarged breast tissue in men can cause not only physical discomfort but also significantly affect self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life.
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Vilnius
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Kaunas
from 2 000,00 €
Gynecomastia surgery up to 2 hours
vilnius
kaunas
Vilnius
from 2 000,00 €
Kaunas
from 2 000,00 €
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of glandular breast tissue in men, resulting from an altered ratio of oestrogen to testosterone in the body. This is distinct from pseudogynecomastia, which involves only the accumulation of fatty tissue in the chest area without any glandular enlargement.
Gynecomastia can affect one or both sides of the chest. It frequently occurs during adolescence when hormonal changes take place, but it can also develop in older men for various reasons — including weight changes, the side effects of certain medications, or hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of gynecomastia
The main symptoms of gynecomastia include:
- Enlargement of the chest on one or both sides.
- Soft, elastic tissue beneath the nipple area.
- Possible tenderness or discomfort when touched.
- Asymmetry between the two sides of the chest.
- Psychological discomfort and reduced self-confidence.
During adolescence, gynecomastia often resolves on its own within 1–2 years as hormonal balance stabilises. In adult men, however, gynecomastia rarely disappears without intervention. If symptoms persist for more than two years or cause significant discomfort, a consultation with a doctor is worth considering.
When is gynecomastia surgery needed?
Gynecomastia surgery is considered when conservative approaches have not helped or when the condition causes significant physical or emotional discomfort. Surgical treatment is regarded as an effective option when:
- Gynecomastia has persisted for more than 2 years.
- Conservative treatment — such as addressing the underlying cause or weight management — has not produced results.
- The size of the chest causes psychological discomfort.
- Enlarged breast tissue interferes with daily activities or sport.
The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to remove excess glandular and fatty tissue, creating a smooth, masculine chest contour.
How gynecomastia surgery works
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The surgeon selects the most appropriate technique based on the type and amount of tissue involved.
Surgical approaches:
- Liposuction: used when excess fatty tissue is the primary concern. Excess fat is removed through small incisions.
- Glandular tissue excision: an incision is made around the edge of the nipple areola, through which the glandular tissue is removed.
- Combined approach: both methods are used when there is an excess of both glandular and fatty tissue.
After the procedure, a compression garment is applied to help reduce swelling and support the new contour. Most men are able to return to light activity within a few days, and to full exercise after 4–6 weeks.
Doctors providing the service
Is gynecomastia surgery risky?
Gynecomastia surgery is a safe procedure performed by experienced plastic surgeons. As with any surgical intervention, there are potential risks — such as bleeding or infection — but complications are rare, particularly when post-operative guidelines are followed.
Are there visible scars after surgery?
Scarring after gynecomastia surgery is generally minimal. Incisions are small — a few millimetres — or made around the edge of the nipple areola, where any scarring is less noticeable. The appearance of scars depends on the surgical method used and individual healing characteristics.
How long does gynecomastia surgery take?
The procedure takes approximately 1–2 hours, depending on the amount of tissue and the chosen method. It is most commonly performed as day surgery, allowing patients to return home the same day.
How should I prepare for surgery?
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon assesses overall health, physical changes in the chest area, and arranges any additional tests if needed.
Blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding. Before stopping any medication, a conversation with the doctor is advisable — they are typically discontinued around 2 weeks before surgery. Smoking can also slow the healing process, so stopping at least 2 weeks before the procedure is worth considering.
Can gynecomastia return after surgery?
If glandular tissue is completely removed during surgery, true gynecomastia (glandular enlargement) generally does not recur. However, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits remains important, as significant weight gain can lead to the accumulation of fatty tissue in the chest area (pseudogynecomastia) or, in rare cases, hormonal imbalances that could stimulate any remaining glandular tissue.
From what age can gynecomastia surgery be performed?
Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed on adult men, generally after puberty is complete and the hormonal system has stabilized, to ensure the condition is persistent. During adolescence, gynecomastia often resolves on its own within 1–2 years, so surgery is only considered when symptoms persist after puberty and cause significant discomfort.
