Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in a blue suit and striped tie outside a stone building.

Male chest reduction

Reduces excess fat and breast tissue in men with gynaecomastia.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

Gynaecomastia is a medical term meaning male breast enlargement. It is very common and surgery to reduce the size of male breasts is one of the most common procedures performed. Men often feel very self-conscious about the appearance of their chest and reduction surgery can have a positive impact on their self-esteem.

Treatment for gynaecomastia varies depending on the amount of excess breast tissue and whether there is excess skin too. In minor cases, liposuction alone may be sufficient. This can be done via 2 to 3 small scars on each side of the chest. In moderate cases additional surgery might be required to remove breast tissue behind the nipple via additional scars around the nipple. In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to remove excess skin in addition to breast tissue and to relocate the nipple to a better position. All of this will be discussed with you at your consultation with Mr West.

In theatre
1 hour or more
Anaesthetic
General or deep sedation
Downtime
2 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Suited to
Men with excess chest tissue.
How it works
Fat, breast tissue and sometimes skin are reduced.
The result
Improvements in the shape and contour of the chest.
The operating lights above the theatre table.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West will draw markings on your chest to plan the incisions. Once in theatre and asleep, Mr West will begin to remove the excess tissue using the methods described at your consultation. Mr West does not use drains in the majority of cases. A support garment is put on to provide comfort and support as the wounds heal.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What causes gynaecomastia?

In the majority of cases there is no underlying cause. However, in rare circumstances there can be important medical conditions to exclude. It is important therefore to see your GP to discuss any necessary investigations before surgery. Cannabis and some medications, such as steroids and heartburn medication, can also cause gynaecomastia.

Will the breast tissue come back?

If your weight remains stable and any other risk factors have stopped, then breast tissue should not return.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

The initial review and wound check is usually 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 weeks and it is important to keep your shoulders moving. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks, depending on the type of surgery you have had. Mr West and his team will advise you about this.

When can I shower?

Your dressings are showerproof and therefore it is fine to shower the day after surgery. Mr West recommends dabbing your dressings dry with a towel after your shower. Baths should be avoided until the dressings have been removed.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.