Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Enlargement)

A Surgeon’s Insight, Made Simple for You
Gynecomastia is a condition where men develop enlarged breast tissue—not fat, but actual glandular tissue. This can cause the chest to appear more feminine and is different from regular fat gain or weight-related chest fullness.
At Rattinan Clinic, we understand how sensitive this issue can be. That’s why we offer expert-led, discreet care from highly experienced surgeons who specialize in male breast reduction. Our goal? Smooth, natural-looking results with minimal scarring and complete aftercare.

It’s a question many men silently struggle with. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself this—but didn’t know where to turn—you’re not alone. Millions of men around the world face gynecomastia, and many aren’t even aware of it.
This condition can:

• Make you feel embarrassed taking your shirt off
• Lower your self-esteem
• Create anxiety around your appearance

But here’s the good news: it’s treatable—and we can help.

“Puffy Chest” in Men—More Than Just Fat
If you’re dealing with a puffy or enlarged chest as a man, you might be facing a condition called gynecomastia (pronounced guy-nuh-co-MAS-tee-uh). This isn’t just fat—it’s the abnormal growth of glandular breast tissue that causes your chest to appear swollen, pointed, or even feminine.

• You put on a T-shirt and suddenly feel self-conscious
• You’ve been teased for having a “chest like a woman”
• You’ve tried working out and dieting, but your chest doesn’t shrink

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and it may be more than just fat.

It’s important to know whether your condition is caused by fat or breast tissue—because the treatment is completely different.

• Pseudo-Gynecomastia
  This is caused by fat buildup, often from weight gain. It can be improved with:
  • Diet and exercise
  • Liposuction (in some cases)
• True Gynecomastia
  This involves enlarged breast tissue, not just fat. It won’t go away with workouts alone—surgical removal of the gland is usually needed for lasting results.

Yes—gynecomastia is treatable, and you don’t have to live with it. There are several approaches available, and choosing the right one depends on what’s causing your chest enlargement.
Let’s break it down.

Liposuction is a common, minimally invasive treatment to remove excess fat from the chest area.
Best for:

• Pseudo-Gynecomastia (caused by fat)
• Men with stubborn fat in the chest but no glandular tissue

Limitations:

• Does not remove glandular breast tissue
• Not effective for true gynecomastia
• In some cases, surgery must be combined with liposuction for optimal results

This is the most effective solution for true gynecomastia. It involves surgically removing the overgrown glandular tissue under the nipple.
Best for:

• True Gynecomastia
• Men who haven’t seen results from other treatments
• Those seeking permanent, fast, and visible results

The procedure is typically done with minimal incisions and can be paired with liposuction for a smoother contour. Most patients report a significant boost in confidence post-surgery.

Here’s How to Check for Yourself
Gynecomastia can be subtle—or it can seriously impact your confidence. If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with normal fat or something more, ask yourself these questions:

• Self-Check: Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
  • Does your chest look unusually large or pointy—especially around the nipples?
  • Have you tried to lose weight, but your chest stays the same?
    Do you feel uncomfortable wearing a t-shirt or going shirtless in front of others?
  • Have you ever been teased for having a “chest like a woman”?
  • Have you worked out and built muscle, but your chest still looks puffy or cone-shaped?

If you answered “Yes” to two or more, there’s a good chance you may be dealing with gynecomastia—and you deserve to get it checked by a specialist.

1. Feel Around the Chest
   If you feel a firm lump under the nipple, it may be true gynecomastia (glandular tissue).
   If the area feels soft and fatty, it may be pseudo-gynecomastia (fat buildup).
2. Look in the Mirror
   Is your chest pointing outward?
   Do the nipples seem swollen or puffy compared to the rest of the chest?
   These may be signs of gynecomastia.
3. Review Your Health & Lifestyle
   Has your weight increased, but your chest grew more than expected?
   Have you taken hormone-related supplements, steroids, or medications?
   Do you have conditions like low testosterone or hormone imbalance?

Why Some Men Develop Enlarged or Pointed Chests
Gynecomastia—also known as male breast enlargement—is most commonly caused by a hormonal imbalance between testosterone (male hormone) and estrogen (female hormone). But hormones aren’t the only factor.

Here are the most common causes of gynecomastia:

Under normal conditions, men produce more testosterone than estrogen. But when testosterone levels drop—or estrogen levels rise—glandular breast tissue can start to grow, leading to a chest that appears swollen or pointy.

Who’s at Risk?

• Teenage boys (12–18) – Hormones fluctuate during puberty, which can temporarily cause breast growth
• Men over 40 – Testosterone naturally declines with age, increasing the risk of gynecomastia
• Those with hormone-related conditions – Like low testosterone, thyroid disorders, or liver disease

Some medications and supplements can disrupt the balance between testosterone and estrogen, triggering breast tissue growth.
Common Drug Triggers:
Anabolic steroids – Often used for muscle building, but can increase estrogen levels
Heart or blood pressure meds – Such as spironolactone
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds – Like diazepam or SSRIs
Prostate cancer treatments – Designed to reduce male hormone levels
If you’re on any of these and notice changes in your chest, talk to your doctor right away.

While hormones play the biggest role, genetic disorders and chronic health conditions can also cause gynecomastia.
Examples Include:
Klinefelter Syndrome – A genetic condition where men have an extra X chromosome, raising estrogen levels
Liver or kidney disease – These organs help regulate hormones, and dysfunction may cause imbalance
Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid can lead to excessive estrogen production

Many assume that enlarged male breasts are just fat from weight gain, but there’s more to the story.
In men with obesity:

Excess fat can convert testosterone into estrogen
This hormonal shift may lead to glandular tissue growth, not just fat accumulation

So yes, being overweight can contribute—but it often triggers true gynecomastia, not just fat buildup.

Is It Gynecomastia or Just Fat?
Here’s How to Tell the Difference
Not all chest fullness in men is the same. Understanding what’s really happening can help you find the right solution.

You might not realize how much this affects your everyday life—until you stop to think about it.

Common Struggles We Hear from Patients:

“I avoid taking my shirt off at the beach or gym because I feel embarrassed.”
“Some shirts make my nipples show—or make my chest look out of proportion.”
“Friends make jokes, but it actually hurts.”
“I don’t feel like myself anymore. This isn’t the body I want.”
“No matter how hard I train, my chest still looks puffy.”

Do You Have to Live With This Forever?
Absolutely not.
Gynecomastia might not be dangerous, but it deeply affects your confidence and self-image—and you deserve to feel good in your body.
Today’s medical advancements offer safe, effective treatments to remove the glandular tissue and reshape the chest with natural-looking results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gynecomastia Surgery

Will I lose nipple sensation after gynecomastia surgery?

At Rattinan Clinic, our surgeons avoid damaging critical nerves during surgery. However, it’s normal to experience temporary numbness or reduced sensation due to minor blood vessel disturbance. Most patients recover sensation as the area heals over time.

Where will the scar be? Will it be visible?

• For liposuction-only cases:
  Small incisions are made under the armpit and can be easily hidden.
• For gland removal surgery:
  Incisions are carefully placed around the edge of the areola.
  This helps hide the scar along the natural contour and protects the nerve endings as much as possible. Over time, scars fade and become less noticeable.

How long does it take for the chest to settle post-surgery?

Initial swelling may make it hard to see the final result.
Most patients begin to see clear, visible results after about 1 month.

Gynecomastia Surgery Before and After at Rattinan Clinic

Will the gynecomastia come back after surgery?

In most cases, no—but here’s the truth:
Surgeons don’t remove 100% of the gland tissue to preserve nipple shape and appearance. If hormone imbalances remain unaddressed (e.g., high estrogen), tissue could gradually regrow over many years.

That’s why follow-up and hormone management are essential.

Can fat-freezing treatments like CoolSculpting fix gynecomastia?

Not effectively.
Most cases of gynecomastia are True Gynecomastia—caused by glandular tissue, not just fat. Machines like CoolSculpting target fat cells only, so they won’t resolve the root cause.

Can I just get liposuction to treat pointed chest?

It depends.
You’ll need a doctor’s evaluation to determine the cause.
If your chest issue is due to fat only (Pseudo-Gynecomastia), liposuction may be enough.
If it’s due to gland tissue (True Gynecomastia), you’ll need gland removal surgery, sometimes combined with liposuction for best results.

How do I know if my enlarged chest is fat or gland?

You’ll need a medical consultation and physical exam to confirm.
Our doctors will assess whether you’re dealing with fat accumulation or enlarged glandular tissue so we can offer the most effective solution.

Will gynecomastia go away on its own?

If it’s related to puberty or weight gain, it may improve naturally.
But True Gynecomastia caused by gland growth will not go away without medical treatment—typically surgery.

Is gynecomastia common or something to worry about?

Gynecomastia is surprisingly common and can result from hormonal changes, medication, genetics, or weight gain.
While it’s usually not harmful to your physical health, it can deeply affect your self-esteem and body confidence.

Why is it important to choose an experienced surgeon?

A skilled and experienced surgeon ensures:

• Minimal scarring
• Safer outcomes
• Balanced, natural-looking results
• Faster recovery

This makes all the difference in how you feel afterward—physically and emotionally.

Do herbal creams or cold patches really reduce chest size?

Not reliably—and they may be risky.
Most of these remedies offer slow or no results, and some can even lead to complications like skin damage or infections. Surgery remains the most targeted and effective solution when gland tissue is involved.