Gynaecomastia – the development of enlarged glandular breast tissue in men – is one of the most common chest concerns men experience, with studies suggesting up to half of all men are affected at some point in their lives. Yet it remains a condition many men feel uncomfortable discussing, often living with it for years before seeking help. At Harley Street Clinic Surrey, our gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is carried out at our CQC-registered Reigate theatres by experienced, qualified surgeons – with complete discretion and a focus on a natural, masculine result.
If you are considering treatment but would like to understand what it involves, who it suits, and what results to expect, this page explains everything – and you are welcome to book a free, no-pressure consultation to discuss your individual case.
Gynaecomastia (sometimes referred to informally as “man boobs”) is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, caused by an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone that leads to the growth of glandular tissue beneath the nipple. It is distinct from simply carrying excess weight on the chest.
Where the enlarged appearance is due to fat alone rather than glandular tissue, the condition is called pseudogynaecomastia (lipomastia). Many men present with a combination of both glandular tissue and excess fat – and the surgical approach is tailored to whichever is dominant. The treatment carried out depends on the extent (grade) of the condition, which we assess at consultation.
People choose to have this procedure to remove excess tissue and fat from their breasts. Gynaecomastia surgery can improve your self-image and confidence. Many people decide to have this procedure to enhance the way they look, either in clothing or when they aren’t wearing a shirt.
Men choose gynaecomastia surgery to remove excess glandular tissue, fat and – where needed – skin, restoring a flatter, firmer, more masculine chest. The benefits include:
Gynaecomastia surgery at Harley Street Clinic Surrey is tailored to the composition of the enlarged tissue – whether it is primarily glandular, primarily fatty, or a combination – and to the amount of excess skin present. The procedure usually involves a small incision around the lower edge of the areola, which conceals the scar at the natural border between the areola and surrounding skin.
Where firm glandular tissue is the main component, it is removed through the discreet areolar incision. This is the part of the procedure that diet and exercise cannot address, which is why surgery is the definitive treatment for true gynaecomastia.
Where excess fat contributes to the enlarged appearance, liposuction is used to remove it and refine the overall chest contour. In many patients, the best result comes from combining glandular excision with liposuction. Where skin tightening is also needed, we may incorporate BodyTite radiofrequency-assisted contouring to firm the overlying skin alongside fat removal.
In men with significant skin laxity – often after substantial weight loss or longstanding, severe gynaecomastia – some skin may need to be removed to achieve a flat, well-contoured result. Whether this is needed is discussed fully at consultation.
Your gynaecomastia surgery is performed by an experienced, GMC-registered consultant surgeon. The clinic is led by award-winning Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr Rohit Seth, who has over 20 years’ experience in cosmetic procedures including gynaecomastia, with thousands of procedures completed. You can read more about our surgical team and their qualifications before you book.
Our Reigate theatres are CQC-registered, our practitioners are hand-picked and highly qualified, and every product we use is high-grade and MHRA-approved. We understand the sensitivity and discretion this procedure requires, and every patient is treated with complete confidentiality and without judgement. To discuss your options, you can book a free consultation with one of our specialists, or call us on 01737 930400.
Yes. The glandular tissue that is surgically removed does not grow back. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve the result long term, since significant weight gain can still add fat to the chest.
Scars are placed at the lower border of the areola, where they sit at the natural transition in skin colour and become very difficult to see as they heal. In the majority of patients they are essentially imperceptible over time.
Most men return to desk-based work within 7-14 days and to exercise after four to six weeks. A compression vest is worn for four to six weeks, and the final contour is visible at three to six months.
True gynaecomastia involves firm glandular tissue beneath the nipple that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, whereas pseudogynaecomastia is excess fat. We assess this at consultation and tailor the surgical approach accordingly.
Gynaecomastia surgery at Harley Street Clinic Surrey starts from £3,500. Your exact price is confirmed at consultation, once the grade of the condition and the technique required are assessed.
