Gynecomastia
Surgical Correction of Male Breast Enlargement

Gynecomastia—enlarged male breasts—affects an estimated 30 to 50 percent of all men at some point in their lives. Very few talk about it. Many have been wearing loose-fitting clothing for years, avoid swimming pools and saunas, and suffer in silence from a condition that cannot be resolved through exercise or diet.

I am Dr. Juliane Bodo, a board-certified specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin-Charlottenburg. I have been treating gynecomastia for many years—in my own licensed private clinic, in an environment that many of my male patients find particularly discreet and comfortable. The result is a flat, naturally contoured chest—with long-lasting results and no visible scars.

Enlarged male breasts—medically known as gynecomastia—affect more men than many people realize: According to estimates, about 30 to 50 percent of all men experience visible breast enlargement at some point in their lives. The causes range from hormonal fluctuations and side effects of medications to being overweight or simply a genetic predisposition.

What many people affected by this have in common is that they avoid situations where they have to expose their upper body—at the pool, in the sauna, or while playing sports. They wear loose-fitting clothing to conceal their chest. And they suffer in silence because the topic is considered a social taboo.

At my private clinic in Berlin-Charlottenburg, I have been treating gynecomastia for many years—discreetly, professionally, and with long-lasting results. The treatment takes place in a private setting, and the result is a flat, masculine-contoured chest that will restore your self-confidence.

Common Causes

• Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, in older age, or due to low testosterone levels
• Medications—such as certain blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anabolic steroids, or finasteride (a hair growth treatment)
• Excess weight with fat deposits in the chest area
• Chronic alcohol or cannabis use
• Genetic predisposition
• Less common: liver, kidney, or thyroid disorders

An important note about pubertal gynecomastia: In adolescents, gynecomastia often resolves on its own within one to two years. In adult men, this is rarely the case—especially if there is hardened glandular tissue present.

Who is a good candidate for this surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is suitable for men who:

• suffer from visible breast enlargement—on one side or both sides
• Experiencing tenderness or hypersensitivity in the breast area
• whose quality of life is impaired by the disease
• who have not achieved sufficient improvement through exercise and diet
• be in good overall health

Important: Before the surgery, I recommend undergoing hormonal testing with your primary care physician, urologist, or endocrinologist. If there is an underlying condition that requires treatment, or if you are taking medications that cause gynecomastia, this must be addressed first.

Procedure and Methods

The treatment depends on the type and extent of the breast augmentation. At my clinic, I perform two proven methods—either individually or in combination, depending on the findings.

Liposuction (Fat Removal)

In cases of pseudogynecomastia or when fat tissue is the predominant component, I remove the excess fat using water-jet or vibration-assisted liposuction. The tissue is gently suctioned out through small incisions of about 3–5 mm. Once healed, the incision sites are virtually invisible.

Surgical Removal of a Gland

In cases of true gynecomastia with hardened glandular tissue, surgical removal is necessary. The incision runs along the lower edge of the areola—the scar is barely visible once it has healed. The glandular tissue is precisely removed, and the nipple is fully preserved.

Combination of Both Methods

In most cases, I combine liposuction with gland removal: the fatty tissue is suctioned out, and the glandular tissue is surgically removed. The result is a flat, naturally contoured chest. In cases of very pronounced gynecomastia with significant excess skin—such as after significant weight loss—a skin tightening procedure may also be necessary.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or twilight sedation and takes about 1–2 hours. It can be performed on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay at my private clinic.

Preparation for the procedure

• Hormonal evaluation by a family doctor, urologist, or endocrinologist before surgery
• Blood test and, if necessary, an ultrasound as part of the preparation
• Stop blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) at least ten days in advance
• Discontinue anabolic steroids or other triggering medications in a timely manner—after consulting with your treating physician
• Avoid nicotine and alcohol for at least two weeks before the procedure
• Schedule an escort for the trip home

Aftercare & Recovery

• Compression vest: Wear consistently for 4–6 weeks—day and night
• Physical rest: No heavy lifting, no sports for 4–6 weeks
• Fit for work: For sedentary jobs, usually after 1–2 weeks
• Thread pull: After about 10–14 days at my clinic
• Final result: Fully visible after 3–6 months, once all swelling has subsided

Risks & Potential Complications

Gynecomastia surgery is a low-risk procedure—however, the general risks associated with surgery still apply:

• Swelling and bruising: Normal after the procedure, subside within a few weeks
• Mild pain: Responds well to pain medication
• Numbness in the chest area: Temporary; usually resolves on its own after 3–6 months
• Wound-healing disorders: Rare—minimized through careful surgical technique
• Post-operative bleeding: Possible in rare cases
• Contour irregularities: With combined technology, it minimizes
• Thrombosis, reactions to anesthesia: General surgical risks – these are discussed in detail during the preoperative consultation

Cost of gynecomastia surgery in Berlin.

• Starting at €4,800 for outpatient treatment, plus anesthesia costs
• Costs may increase if additional glands are removed or a combined technique is used
• The treatment is billed as a private service—statutory health insurance plans generally do not cover the costs

During a personal consultation, I will develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation, complete with a clear breakdown of costs.