Male Breast Reduction Surgery in Bristol

Also known as gynecomastia or gyno removal surgery, male breast reduction surgery is the correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, often referred to as ‘man boobs’. 

Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the gland tissue of the male breast, whilst most teenage boys experience some degree of breast enlargement affecting one or both breasts, by early adulthood less than 10% of males feel they have a problem. This also rises with age reaching approximately 30% in older men. In both cases, male breast reduction surgery can offer a life changing option to increase confidence and self esteem. 

Female patients should visit the breast reduction page.

Why you might need male breast reduction surgery

Enlarged breasts in men i.e. ‘man boobs’ or ‘moobs’ can cause a great deal of embarrassment. Whilst all men have breast tissue, some have an excessive amount and this can lead to the breasts resembling more of a female figure. Men can be fit and healthy and still have gynecomastia, and in most cases excessive amounts of exercise will not solve the problem.

You may be considering gyno removal or ‘man boobs surgery’ if you experience any of the following:

  • You are a male who feels your breasts are too large, and it’s causing you anxiety or embarrassment
  • You are in good shape and aren’t overweight, but your breasts are large in comparison to the rest of your body
  • Despite regular physical exercise, your breasts remain oversized

In all of these cases, gyno removal surgery could be a suitable option, and Mr Sherif Wilson would be happy to speak to you about the type of results you could achieve

For females who want to reduce the size of their breasts, a breast reduction procedure would be recommended. Females may also be interested in breast lift and breast augmentation.

Male breast reduction quick links

What does ‘man boob’ surgery involve?

Mr Wilson is a vastly experienced plastic surgeon, and is the lead clinician for breast reconstruction at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Following your consultation he will advise you on the best approach for your gynecomastia surgery.

The male breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from individual to individual and in gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both.

If there is predominantly a diffuse fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction (closed surgery) is the usual treatment. This involves sucking out the tissue through a small tube inserted via a 3-4mm incision.

If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised (removed) with a scalpel (open surgery). This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars.
Most operations take about 90 minutes to complete and are performed under general anaesthesia. Patients are normally able to return home the same day although may be required to stay in hospital for one or two nights.

Male breast reduction before and after

Mr Wilson has performed many male breast reduction procedures for patients in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Newport. Please see this gallery for before and after ‘man boob’ removal pictures. Mr Wilson will always be happy to talk to you about your desired outcome and what results you should expect for your individual body.

Please see the testimonials page to read Mr Wilson’s 5* gynecomastia reviews.

Preparing for Male Breast Reduction

If you decide you want to go ahead with gynecomastia surgery, you will have a consultation with Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plastic Surgery) beforehand so he can talk you through exactly how the surgery works and what you can expect post gyno removal surgery.

Gyno removal surgery recovery

Following gynecomastia surgery the chest is swollen and bruised. To help reduce swelling, patients are often instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for at least 6 weeks post-surgery. You will be reviewed at 6 weeks and then be advised whether you can stop wearing it, or if it would be recommended to wear it for an extra week or two depending on the healing process.

It is advisable to refrain from exercise for about two weeks and, in general, it takes about six weeks before one can return to completely normal activities. It is advised to take at least one week off work following the surgery and to also avoid driving for the week immediately following male breast reduction surgery.

What are the risks gynecomastia surgery?

The potential complications of gynecomastia are relatively rare. They include inadequate removal of breast tissue, an uneven contour to the chest and reduced nipple sensation. If an excision has been performed, rather than liposuction, then a blood clot can form that may need to be drained at a second operation.

Gynecomastia Surgery Reviews

Sherif invites his clients to leave a review about the cosmetic surgery he provided on Google (Bristol and Gloucester), as well as Doctify, RealSelf and I Want Great Care.

Please visit the Testimonials page for the very latest plastic surgery reviews, or click on the links directly below this contact form.

How much does Gynecomastia surgery cost?

These are guide prices for Gynecomastia surgery in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Newport and are subject to change following an initial consultation with Mr Wilson, where a bespoke quote will be provided, specific to each patient.

At Nuffield Bristol Hospital
From £8,000 (combination of open surgery and liposuction)

At Spire Bristol Hospital
From £7,500 (combination of open surgery and liposuction)

At BMI Bath Clinic
From £7,700 (combination of open surgery and liposuction)

At Winfield Hospital (Gloucester)
From £7,000 (combination of open surgery and liposuction)

At St Josephs Newport
From £6,100 (combination of open surgery and liposuction)

There are finance options available which you can find information about on the Spire, Nuffield, Circle Health Group and Winfield hospital websites respectively.

Male Breast Reduction FAQs

If you are considering a male breast reduction procedure, it’s likely you’ll have many questions in mind before making your final decision. Mr Sherif Wilson is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons and is a leading consultant for plastic breast reconstruction for North Bristol NHS. He will be happy to answer any of your questions if you wish to meet him for a consultation, or please read his list of frequently asked questions about gynecomastia surgery.

Suitable candidates for male breast reduction surgery (Gynecomastia) are men who have excessive breast tissue, often due to hormonal imbalances, genetics, weight gain, or certain medical conditions. Candidates should be in good overall health with a BMI of less than 35, and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. Deciding to undertake any kind of Cosmetic Surgery is always down to the individual. Mr Wilson will be able to talk you through what you should expect or any concerns in your consultation.  

During the gynecomastia, your surgeon will remove excess fatty or glandular tissue. This may be removed with a scalpel, by use liposuction, or a combination of both techniques. The chest will be left in a more desirable shape, but the specific approach will depend on the individual’s body and the desired outcome. 

Mr Wilson has to leave 1cm of breast tissue underneath the areola to avoid the risk of a soap dish appearance. After surgery, your chest will be flatter than previously, however it may not be completely flat. Initially you will have swelling, and this will reduce over the coming weeks. You will be required to wear a compression vest for 6 weeks to help with the swelling, and to prevent seroma build up. 

Yes, the before and after images photos on our website are photos from surgery performed by Mr Wilson. He can also show you additional photos in your consultation and use them to try and help explain the kind of results you should expect from your own surgery. We also share regular Instagram posts of recent surgeries. 

Recovery after male breast reduction surgery may involve some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. Patients are advised to wear a compression garment to support the healing process and minimise swelling. Most people can return to work and light activities within a week or two, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks. Baths or Swimming are not recommended in the early stages of recovery from Gynecomastia as submerging incisions in water can increase the risk of infection.

Gynecomastia will leave small scars that will fade over time. The extent of scarring will depend on the surgical technique used and the individual’s healing process. Sherif Wilson is a highly skilled Cosmetic Surgeon and will always strive to minimise scarring by placing incisions in discreet locations, such as around the edge of the areola or in the natural folds of the skin. Please take a look at the male breast reduction before and after gallery for surgery performed by Mr Wilson, which show very minimal scarring. 

The results of male breast reduction surgery are typically fairly permanent due to the reduction in excess breast tissue. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary based on factors such as ageing, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and overall lifestyle habits. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle after surgery can help preserve the results over the long term.

Choosing Sherif Wilson for your gynecomastia surgery ensures you’ll receive expert care from a highly-skilled, experienced and well-regarded plastic surgeon.

Mr Wilson takes a personalised approach to gynecomastia surgery, tailoring the plan to meet your unique needs and cosmetic goals. You’ll receive thorough consultations to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations for male breast reduction surgery. During this process, Mr Wilson will answer any questions you may have, explain the procedure in detail, and provide realistic expectations for the outcome.

Mr Wilson has excellent 5-star reviews from his clients, which you can read here. If you choose Sherif Wilson for your male breast reduction surgery, you will be in the hands of one of the most well-respected and experienced plastic surgeons in the UK.

Enquire About Male Breast Reduction Surgery with Mr Wilson

Jen MooreJen Moore
10:12 01 Jun 23
I recently underwent a surgical procedure at Spire Clinic on 21st March 2023, under the expert care of Mr Wilson, and I am delighted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. From the moment I walked through the doors of the clinic until my complete recovery, the service I received was nothing short of exceptional.First and foremost, I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr Wilson. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach were evident from our very first meeting. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, addressing all my concerns and ensuring I had a complete understanding of what to expect. His calm and reassuring demeanor put me at ease, instilling confidence in his abilities as a surgeon.The facilities at Spire Clinic were outstanding. The clinic's clean and welcoming environment helped alleviate any pre-operative anxieties I had. The staff members were friendly, approachable, and always ready to assist me with any questions or requests. From the receptionists to the nurses and support staff, everyone demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism.Throughout my stay, the nursing team provided attentive care, ensuring my comfort and well-being at all times. They were highly knowledgeable, offering post-operative support and guidance that played a crucial role in my smooth recovery process. Their commitment to patient care was evident in their prompt response to any concerns or discomforts I experienced, making me feel valued and reassured.The post-operative follow-up care I received was exceptional. Mr Wilson regularly checked in on my progress and provided detailed explanations about the healing process. His willingness to address any post-surgery concerns, no matter how minor, further underscored his dedication to ensuring my complete recovery and satisfaction.The administrative staff at Spire Clinic also deserve commendation. They efficiently handled all aspects of my stay, including scheduling appointments, coordinating with my insurance provider, and addressing any billing inquiries. Their professionalism and attention to detail contributed to a seamless and hassle-free experience.In summary, my experience at Spire Clinic, under the care of Mr. Wilson, was exemplary. The clinic's commitment to excellence, paired with Mr. Wilson's expertise and compassionate care, made a significant impact on my overall satisfaction with the service I received. I would highly recommend Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson to anyone in need of surgical care, confident that they will provide the same exceptional level of service that I was fortunate enough to experience.Thank you, Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson, for your unwavering commitment to patient well-being and for exceeding my expectations at every step of my journey!!
Millie TaylorMillie Taylor
09:06 17 May 23
There are so many options when considering surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming as it's such a huge decision. Sherif was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, who talked very highly of him and his work. My first consultation with Sherif was informative and relaxed, there was no pressure to progress with the surgery and I felt I was in good hands. I was given time and space to make my decision, and felt comfortable asking any further questions. The surgery itself went smoothly, I felt safe and well looked after. My recovery went better than I'd imagined and I was comfortably back at work within 2 weeks. I'm now 11 weeks post op and I'm loving the results - it really is life changing, and I'm so glad I did it, and chose Sherif to do it. Huge thanks to him and his team.
lauren priestleylauren priestley
21:56 01 Aug 22
At my first consultation with Mr Wilson he made me feel comfortable and after explaining how specific I wanted my surgery to look, he took so much time explaining the procedure and answered all my questions and advised me on what my best option was.I am so pleased with the results.Him and all his lovely team were highly professional, helpful and very supportive during my surgery and during my post surgery follow up appointments.I cannot express enough how talented Mr Wilson is and I would highly recommend him.
Charmaine GriffinCharmaine Griffin
11:16 28 Jul 22
The service received from Mr Wilson and his secretary has been amazing. Kim has always been prompt and professional with all of our contact. At the initial consultation with Mr Wilson, he made me comfortable and at ease. Mr Wilson has always been so kind and considerate and made sure that he explained the options available to me and what each option would include. Mr Wilson was clear about what the results of each option would likely provide and the risks involved. On the day of my surgery Mr Wilson came to see me prior to the surgery to check that I was happy. The results of the surgery were better than I could ever have imagined. I got a small infection a couple of weeks after surgery and Mr Wilson got me in to see him the same day, provided me with antibiotics and it cleared up right away. I'm now 7 weeks post surgery and feeling right back to normal.
Ashleigh GoodwinAshleigh Goodwin
22:12 04 May 22
Wow, I honestly don’t even know where to start. I guess a MASSIVE thank you to Mr Wilson, he has quite frankly changed my life. From the moment I met him I knew that he was the surgeon for me, he listened to what I wanted, was very understanding and caring, he was honest with the outcome and explained everything perfectly. I knew that I had to have him as my surgeon for my Breast Reduction, the minute I left the consultation I booked my surgery, I only had 7 weeks to wait, I was beyond excited. About a week before the surgery I came to see Mr Wilson again just to settle my nerves, and he did just that. My surgery went incredibly well, I felt amazing and just so excited to see the results, I had no complications whatsoever and pain was minimal, the heeling process was so so smooth too. One year on and I am still on cloud nine, the scars are basically non existent and my new breasts are PERFECT. I’m not over exaggerating when I say Mr Wilson has changed my life, he really has done just that, and I will be forever grateful. Will recommend Mr Wilson over and over again to anyone wanting ANY surgery with him. He is incredible!
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