An enlarged breast in men is common and can be very distressing – during sport, at the swimming pool, when choosing clothes. Whether glandular tissue, fat or both are behind it determines the treatment. That is why the cause is investigated first.
1–2hours for the procedure, depending on the extent
outpatientor with one to two nights in the clinic
2–6weeks in a compression vest, depending on the clinic
4–6weeks until sport, once your doctor approves
Typical figures from the clinics. Your personal plan is discussed at the preliminary consultation.
Gynaecomastia
Gland, fat or both.
Doctors speak of gynaecomastia when the mammary gland in a man is enlarged – on one side or both. It also occurs in slim and athletic men. If the enlargement consists only of fatty tissue, for instance after weight gain, it is called pseudogynaecomastia. A mixed form is common.
The causes are varied: hormonal changes during puberty or in later life, too many female or too few male hormones, liver or kidney disease, side effects of medication, anabolic steroids or heavy drinking. Very rarely, breast cancer is behind it. Gynaecomastia is therefore often a sign rather than a disease in its own right.
During puberty, an enlarged breast often regresses on its own; in that case, the first step is to wait. If it persists, exercise and diet usually only help with the fatty component – true glandular tissue does not disappear as a result.
The methods
What the correction can achieve.
Suction
If the enlargement consists mainly of fat, liposuction using the tumescent technique is often sufficient. The incisions for this are about half a centimetre long.
Removal
True glandular tissue is removed through an incision along the lower edge of the areola, usually together with liposuction for smooth transitions. The nipple and areola are preserved.
Tightening
If a lot of skin is left over after significant weight loss, additional tightening may be needed – sometimes in a second procedure.
An operation corrects the shape, not the cause. That is why the cause is investigated first.
Investigating the cause
Medication, anabolic steroids, alcohol and pre-existing conditions are discussed, supplemented by hormone levels in the blood and imaging, depending on the findings. A treatable cause is treated first; a medication is only changed in consultation with the prescribing doctor.
Preliminary consultation
A specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery establishes whether it is mainly gland, fat or excess skin that determines the shape, and plans the method accordingly.
Preparation
If you are significantly overweight, it makes sense to lose weight first. Good general health and realistic expectations are important.
Procedure
Depending on the extent, under local anaesthesia, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, usually lasting one to two hours. It can often be done as an outpatient procedure, otherwise with one to two nights in the clinic.
Aftercare
A compression vest for two to six weeks, a break from sport and heavy lifting, sun protection for the scars. Everyday life and office work are often possible again after a few days.
Result
Swelling subsides over several weeks, and the skin needs time to settle. The result can be judged well after about three months, and definitively after around a year.
Health insurance or self-pay
Who covers the costs.
Medically necessary
Covered by insurance only in individual cases.
German statutory health insurance only covers correction of the male breast if it is medically necessary. Whether this applies is assessed case by case; a correction justified mainly on aesthetic grounds does not qualify.
If the operation is covered by statutory health insurance, it takes place at the Bürgerspital Wertheim. The preliminary consultation and aftercare are also possible close to home at the other locations in Germany.
Self-pay patients
According to findings and method.
If the procedure is mainly for aesthetic reasons, patients bear the costs themselves. These depend on the diagnosis and method – liposuction alone is less complex than removing glandular tissue combined with tightening.
You will receive a quote after the preliminary consultation; several clinics also offer financing in instalments.
Specialists
Your surgeons at a glance.
Operations are performed by specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Under each name you will find the locations where they treat patients with gynaecomastia.
Dr. med. Karina BaierSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Katharina Dette-OltmannSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Frank GrunerSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDüsseldorf · Waalre
Dr. med. Uwe HerrboldtSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund
Dr. med. Stephan KlarnerSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. J. Philipp NeisSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Martin ReifenrathSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryWertheim
Dr. med. Cornelius SchubertSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Maria SimidjiiskaSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Wertheim
Dr. med. univ. Nura ZamaniSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund
Locations
Where treatment takes place.
Each clinic shows on its own website how the treatment works there.
Germany
Dortmund
Specialist clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery at the group’s headquarters; if covered by statutory health insurance: pre- and aftercare here, the operation in Wertheim.
Specialist clinic on Rothenbaumchaussee, procedure often as an outpatient; if covered by statutory health insurance: pre- and aftercare here, the operation in Wertheim.
Specialist clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery at Seestern; if covered by statutory health insurance: pre- and aftercare here, the operation in Wertheim.
The Bürgerspital and the Main-Tauber-Klinik under one roof: operations covered by statutory health insurance take place here, and for self-pay patients at the Main-Tauber-Klinik.
A medical examination provides certainty, supplemented if necessary by blood tests and imaging. True gynaecomastia also occurs in slim, athletic men; a pure increase in fat usually follows body weight.
Does exercise help against an enlarged breast?
Losing weight can help against fat, but not against enlarged glandular tissue. If the breast remains enlarged despite a stable, healthy weight, the gland is often involved.
How is the cause investigated?
The consultation covers medication, anabolic steroids, alcohol and pre-existing conditions. Depending on the findings, hormone levels in the blood and imaging follow. A treatable cause is treated first, before an operation is considered.
Will there be scars?
They are small: a few millimetres with liposuction, and with removal of glandular tissue a scar along the lower edge of the areola, where the change in colour conceals it. Longer scars only occur if skin needs to be tightened.
Can the breast enlarge again?
Glandular tissue that has been removed does not usually grow back. But if the cause persists – such as a medication, anabolic steroids or weight gain – the breast can enlarge again.
What are the risks?
Bruising and post-operative bleeding, infection, altered sensitivity of the nipple, unevenness or differences between the two sides, and visible scars. Deeper structures are rarely injured. Following the advice on preparation and aftercare can reduce some of the risks.
When can I train again?
Light everyday activities usually after a few days; sport, chest and strength training once your doctor approves, generally after four to six weeks. The compression vest is worn for two to six weeks, depending on the clinic.
Online booking
Book an appointment.
Choose a location, pick your preferred date. You confirm with a code sent by text message or e-mail; the appointment is booked directly in the clinic's calendar.
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This was the best decision I have ever taken for myself. The whole experience has changed my life for the better. From the first consultation I felt welcomed and treated very well. I did not feel alone during the journey because the team were just a WhatsApp away and they made regular check-ups on me. Thank you for everyone at the hospital from the staff to the doctors, you are all amazing.
Weight Doctors South Africa
MMaria
Wow, was für ein erster Eindruck! Dr. Frank Gruner, dessen Professionalität von jahrelanger Erfahrung zeugt, war äußerst verständlich und menschlich (was mir sehr wichtig war). Er verstand meine Bedürfnisse, und seine Erklärungen und Anweisungen entsprachen genau meinen Vorstellungen. Die Patientenberaterin Jennifer war mit ihrem Charme ebenfalls eine große Hilfe und erklärte mir alles Notwendige und den weiteren Ablauf. Auch die Mitarbeiter am Empfang waren sehr höflich und freundlich. Ich melde mich nach der Operation mit meinen Eindrücken zurück. Vielen Dank an alle!
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
AAnonym
Ich habe eine Unterlidstraffung machen lassen und bin mit dem Ergebnis sehr zufrieden. Mein Dank geht vor allem an Frau Dr. Simidjiiska für ihre Fürsorge, Kompetenz und Empathie. Aber auch das gesamte Team der Klinik macht einen hervorragenden Job!
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
AAnonym
Ich bin rundum begeistert von meiner Erfahrung in dieser Haartransplantationsklinik. Von der ersten Kontaktaufnahme bis zur Nachsorge war alles hervorragend organisiert und professionell. Das gesamte Team war unglaublich freundlich, hilfsbereit und zuvorkommend. Man hat sich jederzeit gut aufgehoben und ernst genommen gefühlt. Besonders positiv fand ich, dass sich alle Mitarbeiter ausreichend Zeit genommen haben, um meine Fragen zu beantworten und jeden Schritt verständlich zu erklären. Auch der Service war erstklassig. Die Organisation, die Betreuung vor und nach dem Eingriff sowie die Kommunikation waren wirklich hervorragend. Das gesamte Team hat einen sehr kompetenten und gleichzeitig menschlichen Eindruck gemacht. Die Klinik selbst ist modern, sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Während der Behandlung wurde äußerst sorgfältig und professionell gearbeitet, und ich hatte zu jedem Zeitpunkt das Gefühl, in guten Händen zu sein. Ein großes Dankeschön an das gesamte Team für die tolle Betreuung und den freundlichen Umgang! Ich kann die Klinik absolut weiterempfehlen und bin mit meiner bisherigen Erfahrung sehr zufrieden. Wer Wert auf Professionalität, Qualität und einen hervorragenden Service legt, ist hier meiner Meinung nach bestens aufgehoben.
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
AWAndre W.
Bisher war es nur ein Beratungsgespräch aber es war sehr gut.
Weight Doctors Group · Original in German
DCDavid C.
Ich fand, dass der Arzt gut und verständlich erklärt hat. Ich habe diese Woche noch einen Termin in einer anderen Klinik, da ich mich gründlich informieren möchte; auch der Preis wird dabei eine Rolle spielen – darüber bin ich ganz offen.
QUOLE Medisch Centrum · Original in German
MMomo
Hervorragende Behandlung. Von der ersten Beratung bis zur Nachsorge hat mir Dr. Koch stets ein sehr gutes Gefühl vermittelt. Ich litt jahrelang unter einer echten Gynäkomastie, nach der OP kann sich das Ergebnis sehen lassen, mein Selbstbewusstsein ist endlich zurückgekehrt. Ich kann die Alster Klinik jedem empfehlen, der schon lange mit dem Gedanken spielt sich operieren zu lassen.
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in German
AAnonym
Dr. Schubert gab mir das Gefühl, in genau der richtigen Praxis zu sein für mein Anliegen. Ich habe mich beim Beratungsgespräch sehr wohl gefühlt und verstanden gefühlt.
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in German
LSLieselotte S.
Über die ehrliche Einschätzung
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in German
HGHannelore G.
Ich habe mich sehr wohl geführt, das Gespräch war sehr gut, die Ärztin hat mir sehr ausführlich alles erklärt und bin mit einem sehr guten Gefühl nach Hause gegangen.
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
CKCarmen K.
Ich bin eine sehr ängstliche Person. Bei Herrn Dr. Neis habe ich mich sofort wohlgefühlt. Behandlungsgespräche, Umgang, Freundlichkeit – es passt alles. Ich kann ihn ohne Bedenken und Einschränkung nur weiter empfehlen. Dankeschön Herr Dr. Neis für die tolle Arbeit.
CGCE Group · Original in German
MLMichaela L.
Dr. Klarner ist sehr nett, hat mich sehr gut beraten und aufgeklärt. Ich hab mich gut aufgehoben gefühlt, vielen Dank!
Dr. med. Karina Baier
Dr. med. Katharina Dette-Oltmann
Dr. med. Frank Gruner
Dr. med. Uwe Herrboldt
Dr. med. Stephan Klarner
Dr. med. J. Philipp Neis
Dr. med. Martin Reifenrath
Dr. med. Cornelius Schubert
Dr. med. Maria Simidjiiska
Dr. med. univ. Nura Zamani
