Gynaecomastia is the medical name for an enlarged male chest area, commonly and often distressingly known as man boobs or moobs. It’s thought that up to 60% of men can be affected and it can have a huge impact on self-confidence, affecting what they can wear and do.
Male chest reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the amount of glandular tissue in the chest area. This produces a firmer, flatter contour to the chest, and can be combined with liposuction if there is also excess fatty tissue overlying the glandular tissue.
There are several approaches that can resolve this condition:
- a surgical skin removal approach
- a liposuction fat removal approach
- a skin tightening approach
- a combination approach
During your consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons, your condition will be assessed and you will advised on the appropriate option. The most minimal scarring is achieved with a liposuction-only approach, however in many cases skin excision is required for the most effective and aesthetic result.
What is gynaecomastia?
Both men and women have glandular tissue in the chest, but male breast tissue does not develop in the same way during puberty unless there is a hormonal imbalance. This is why in some young men, the glandular tissue becomes enlarged, creating a breast-like appearance, although this will typically resolve after puberty.
Older men are also susceptible as testosterone levels begin to drop as they age. Certain underlying medical conditions and medications like steroids can also cause the over-development of glandular tissue.
What is psuedogynaecomastia?
Psuedogynaecomastia is caused by excess fatty tissue and sagging skin that creates a similar appearance to true gynaecomastia. As these stubborn fat deposits are typically resistant to diet and exercise alone, liposuction is a highly effective solution. Your surgeon can advise you on the appropriate treatment and whether a liposuction based approach or a surgical approach is more suitable.
What about scarring?
Gynaecomastia scars are disguised primarily by placing incisions in areas where natural transitions in skin colour or texture can hide them. Surgeons use careful scar placement techniques to ensure scars are as inconspicuous as possible. For more severe cases of gynaecomastia requiring skin removal, incisions are often placed within the natural crease beneath the pectoral muscle. This “border zone” hides the scar in a shadow and a natural anatomical line. While scars are initially red or pink (peaking at 4–8 weeks), they typically flatten and fade to a thin, faint line over 6 to 12 months. Chest hair can also be helpful in disguising any residual scars.
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