Yes. Some cases settle or improve when an underlying cause is addressed. Weight management may help where excess fat contributes, but the cause should be assessed before choosing treatment. Your clinician can discuss whether observation, treatment of another condition or surgery is appropriate.
Treatments - Cosmetic
Male Breast Reduction in Birmingham
Male breast reduction, also called gynaecomastia surgery, removes excess breast tissue to reshape the chest. At Birmingham Breast Group, your consultation explores the cause of the enlargement, how it affects you and whether surgery is appropriate. We discuss the available options, likely scars, recovery and risks so you can make an informed decision.
At a Glance
Treatment time:
60-90 minutes
Anaesthetic:
General Anaesthetic
Return to work:
1-2 weeks
Duration:
Long Term Results
Final results:
Improved Chest Contours
Gynaecomastia surgery in Birmingham
An enlarged chest can affect comfort, clothing choices and confidence. Male breast reduction aims to reduce excess tissue and improve chest shape, but surgery is not necessary for everyone. Assessment comes first: the best approach depends on the cause, your health and the changes you would like to achieve.
What is gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia (also spelt gynecomastia) is enlargement of breast gland tissue in men. It can affect one or both sides. Chest fullness may also involve fatty tissue, so an examination is needed to understand what is causing the change.
Hormonal changes, some medicines, anabolic steroids and certain health conditions can contribute. Sometimes no treatment is needed. Addressing an underlying cause may help; do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. Read more in the NHS guidance on gynaecomastia.
Who may benefit from male breast reduction?
Surgery may be an option when persistent enlargement causes discomfort or concerns about appearance and other appropriate measures have not helped. Your surgeon will assess your general health, weight stability and expectations. Male breast reduction is not a weight-loss treatment.
A new breast lump, nipple discharge or skin change should be assessed rather than assumed to be gynaecomastia.
Your consultation at Birmingham Breast Group
Your surgeon will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medicines and goals, and examine your chest. Further investigation may be recommended before deciding on treatment. The consultation is also an opportunity to discuss alternatives, possible scars and what surgery can realistically achieve.
You can meet our breast care team and view our Birmingham and surrounding hospital locations before arranging an appointment. Ask which surgeon and hospital would be involved in your care.
How does male breast reduction surgery work?
The operation may combine liposuction to remove fatty tissue with surgical removal of glandular tissue. Your surgeon chooses the approach according to your anatomy and the amount of tissue present. Incisions may be placed around the areola; more extensive reductions may need additional incisions.
BBG’s treatment summary lists general anaesthetic and an indicative operating time of 60–90 minutes. Your surgeon will confirm the expected duration and whether you can go home the same day or need a hospital stay.
Recovery after gynaecomastia surgery
BBG’s indicative return-to-work period is one to two weeks. Your recovery may take longer depending on the operation and whether your work involves lifting or physical activity. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected initially, and a compression garment may be recommended.
Follow your surgical team’s instructions on wound care, garment use, driving and returning to the gym. Returning to work does not mean that healing is complete. Arrange help at home and discuss your work and exercise plans before surgery.
Results, scars and risks
The aim is a flatter chest contour. Results develop as swelling settles over the following months and vary between individuals. Scars are permanent, although they usually fade. Surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance or improvement in confidence.
Risks include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, uneven contours and changes or loss of nipple sensation. Some changes may be lasting. Your surgeon will explain your individual risks and what happens if further treatment is needed.
Arrange a male breast reduction consultation
Contact Birmingham Breast Group to discuss an appointment. Bring your questions about suitability, recovery, costs and aftercare so these can be addressed before you decide.
Planning your male breast reduction appointment
For location details and travel information, visit our pages for The Priory Hospital in Edgbaston and Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull. When booking, our team can confirm the appropriate hospital for your consultation and treatment.
Male breast reduction: frequently asked questions
The choice depends on your chest anatomy. Liposuction removes fat, while glandular tissue may need surgical excision. Some operations use both techniques. Your surgeon will explain the proposed approach and incision positions at your consultation.
Surgery leaves scars, often around the areola, with additional scars possible for a larger reduction. Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, uneven contours and altered nipple sensation, which can be permanent. Ask your surgeon about your individual risks and the arrangements for follow-up care.
BBG gives an indicative return-to-work period of one to two weeks, depending on your procedure and job. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise need a longer break. Your surgical team will advise when you can drive and resume exercise safely; do not use your return-to-work date as a guide to full recovery.
How much does male breast reduction surgery cost in Birmingham?
The cost depends on the planned procedure and your individual care needs. Contact BBG for the current consultation fee and arrange an assessment. Before deciding, ask for a written quote explaining the surgeon, anaesthetic, hospital and follow-up fees, and whether any further treatment would cost extra.
Initial consultation
please enquire
All consultations are conducted in strict privacy and all information is confidential.
Surgery costs from
based on consultation
Each procedure has its own personalised treatment plan that is meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
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Our Specialist Team
Meet the dedicated professionals at Birmingham Breast Group – committed to excellence, compassion, and personalised care for every patient.
BSc, MBBS, MSc, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (Eng), MD, FEBS
Naren Basu
Lead Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
BSc, BM, MRCP, FRCR, MD
Daniel Henderson
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
MBChB, PhD, FRCS (Eng)
Ms Salena Bains
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Consultant Clinical oncologist
Dr James Good
PhD, FRCR
BSc, PhD, FRCP
Professor Daniel Rea
Professor of Medical Oncology
MRCP, FRCR
Dr Sara Meade
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
BSc, MBBS, MRCS, FRCR
Dr Faisal Majid
Consultant Radiologist
MSc, PhD, FRCPath
Dr Abeer Shaaban
Path Consultant Pathologist
Bsc, MBBS, MD (Pathology) FRCPath
Dr Rachna Awasthi
Path Consultant Pathologist
Dawn Larkin
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
Ruth Tracey
Macmillan Breast Health Care Assistant
Qualifications Here
Gill Farrington
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
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