Chest: fat or gland
A soft chest that shrinks a little with weight loss is usually fat. A firm disc under the nipple is gland tissue and needs removing through a small cut at the edge of the areola. Fat-only work sits at the lower end of €3,300 to €6,500. See your GP first if the swelling is new, painful or on one side.
Flanks and stomach
Fat on the flanks often stays even at a healthy weight. One area costs €2,200 to €4,500, two €3,000 to €7,000. Visible six-pack definition is HD liposuction, which needs a lean, trained start.
Not for you if
- you use anabolic steroids, which can bring the chest back
- your weight is still going up or down
- the real problem is loose skin, not fat
- you smoke and can't stop before surgery
- you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy soon
Back to the gym
A compression vest for several weeks. Gentle cardio at three to four weeks; chest and heavy upper-body work only when your surgeon agrees, usually not before ten to twelve weeks.
Risks
Bruising, swelling for up to six months, numbness for six to eight weeks and small scars are normal. Less often: uneven or lumpy results, a collection of blood or fluid, infection, skin colour changes, or a reaction to the anaesthetic. Rarely: a blood clot that travels to the lungs, fluid on the lungs, or injury to an internal organ. After chest surgery: an uneven or sunken look under the nipple if too much is taken.
Ask the surgeon
- Is my chest fat, gland tissue, or both? Will you remove gland or skin?
- Will you treat my love handles and stomach together so my waist looks balanced?
Questions
Is gynaecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Usually not when it's cosmetic. Check your own policy; your GP can advise if there's a medical cause.
Can it come back?
Removed gland doesn't regrow, but weight gain, some medicines and steroids can cause new swelling.