Plastic Surgery

Gynecomastia Surgery

Surgery for male chest fullness after separating true gland tissue from fat and checking hormonal or medication causes.

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Procedure time
Usually 1–2 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Time in Istanbul
Typically 5–7 nights
Back to desk work
Often after about 1 week
Overview

About Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is enlargement of breast tissue in men. It can be caused by hormonal changes, certain medicines, some medical conditions, or have no clear cause. Fat in the chest area can look similar.

Surgery usually combines liposuction to remove fat with removal of firm gland tissue through a small incision at the edge of the areola. Where there is excess skin, more extensive surgery may be needed.

Suitability

Who it may be suitable for

  • Persistent chest fullness that has not improved over time
  • Medical causes and medication effects checked first
  • A stable weight
  • Good general health, a stable weight and no smoking, or willingness to stop

These are general points only. Whether an operation is suitable for you is decided by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination, your medical history and any tests they request.

The process

How it works

  1. Remote review

    You share photos and your medical history. The surgeon gives a first opinion on whether the operation is suitable and what it could realistically achieve.

  2. Consultation in Istanbul

    The surgeon examines you in person, confirms the plan, explains the risks and arranges pre-operative tests before you give consent.

  3. Surgery

    Under general anaesthesia, fat is removed by liposuction and gland tissue is excised through a small incision.

  4. Check before you fly

    The surgeon reviews healing before you travel home, and you receive written aftercare instructions and remote follow-up.

Aftercare

What to expect and aftercare

  1. First days

    You usually stay in hospital for at least one night. Pain is controlled with medication, you start walking early to protect against clots, and drains may be in place.

  2. Weeks 1–2

    Drains and stitches are removed as healing allows. You wear a compression garment and avoid lifting and strenuous activity.

  3. Weeks 4–6

    Most people return gradually to exercise with the surgeon’s approval. Swelling is still present and can vary from day to day.

  4. Months 3–12

    Swelling settles and scars slowly fade and flatten. The final shape is usually judged after several months.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Good to know

Risks and considerations

  • If the underlying cause continues, such as some medications or anabolic steroids, tissue can return.
  • Contour irregularities or a dip under the nipple can occur if too much tissue is removed.
  • All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.
  • Scars are permanent. Surgeons place them where they are easiest to hide, but how they mature varies from person to person.
  • Smoking and nicotine products significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems. Most surgeons ask you to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
FAQ

Common questions

Do I need tests before surgery?

The surgeon may recommend blood tests or a review of your medication to rule out an underlying cause.

Will it come back?

Once gland tissue is removed, recurrence is uncommon, unless the cause, such as certain medicines or steroids, continues.

How long should I stay in Istanbul after surgery?

It depends on the operation. Many are planned around one to two weeks so the surgeon can check you and remove stitches or drains before you fly. Flying soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so your surgeon confirms when it is safe to travel.

How is the cost decided?

The price depends on the operation the surgeon recommends after examining you, the hospital stay and any combined procedures. You receive a written, itemised quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.

Related treatments
Next step

Talk to a coordinator about Gynecomastia Surgery

Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.