Gynecomastia Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Gynecomastia Surgery?
A plastic surgeon, a doctor who does surgery to reshape the body, usually performs gynecomastia surgery. Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlargement of male breast tissue. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Gynecomastia is the name for extra breast tissue in males. Surgery to remove the extra tissue usually involves liposuction of extra fat. Surgeons may also remove extra breast tissue through a cut at the edge of the nipple area. In very large male breasts, extra skin may be removed too.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Enlarged male breasts are often harmless and may not need treatment. It can still lead some men to avoid certain clothing or to not want to be seen without a shirt. Surgery can reduce the size of the breasts if other treatments have not worked.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Your surgeon should do a physical exam to confirm the diagnosis and rule out male breast cancer.
- Stop smoking.
- Increase your nutrition to support healing and recovery after surgery.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines that raise the risk of bleeding you need to stop.
What happens during it
Most surgeons perform the operation under general anesthesia. It can also be done with oral sedation and local anesthesia. Many surgeons use drains after surgery. Drains reduce the chance of fluid collections.
Recovery
Compression vests and icing are common. They help control pain, swelling, and bruising. If you only need liposuction, you can typically return to exercise and work in less than one week. If extra breast tissue must be removed, healing enough for routine activities can take two to four weeks.
Risks and side effects
Common complications include the following.
- Bruising.
- Bleeding.
- Fluid collections.
- Contour irregularities.
- Loss of nipple skin.
- Visible scarring.
- Numbness of the nipples.
- Inverted nipples.
- Loose breast skin.
- Asymmetries.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting.
Who performs it
To talk about treatment, find a board-certified plastic surgeon near you.
Common questions
Does gynecomastia always need treatment?
No, it is often harmless and may not need treatment. If it bothers you, a doctor may recommend medicines that reduce or increase certain hormones, or weight loss if you are overweight. If a health condition causes it, treating that condition may help shrink the breasts. In newborn babies, or when puberty causes it, it usually goes away by itself over time.
What causes gynecomastia?
It is usually caused by an imbalance of estrogen (a female hormone) and testosterone (a male hormone). Common causes include puberty, weight gain, anabolic steroids, and marijuana use. A number of medicines can also cause male breast enlargement.
When should I see a doctor about enlarged breasts?
See your provider if you have recent swelling, pain, or enlargement in one or both breasts.
- Dark or bloody discharge from the nipples is another reason to call.
- A skin sore or ulcer over the breast is another reason to call.
- A breast lump that feels hard or firm is another reason to call.
If your son has breast growth but has not yet reached puberty, have him checked by a provider.
Can enlarged male breasts be a sign of cancer?
It can be, but breast cancer in men is rare. Men who have enlarged breasts may have an increased risk for breast cancer. Signs that may suggest breast cancer include one-sided breast growth, a hard breast lump, a skin sore over the breast, or bloody discharge from the nipple.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Breast enlargement in males
- NHS - Gynaecomastia
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - What men need to know before having gynecomastia surgery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
