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Gynaecomastia | Male Breast Reduction

Gynaecomastia — the enlargement of the male breast — is more common than most men who experience it realise, and more addressable than many assume.

The condition develops when breast tissue grows disproportionately to the rest of the torso, through hormonal changes during puberty, weight fluctuation, medication effects, or without any identifiable cause. For many men it causes significant self-consciousness, affects how they dress, and limits the activities they feel comfortable participating in.

Mr Matthew Potter’s first step is always to investigate for medical causes that could be treated without surgery. Where surgery is the right approach, he tailors the technique to each patient’s anatomy — using liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both — with incisions placed to minimise visible scarring.
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Why Mr Potter

16 years performing breast surgery

0% return to theatre

100% nipple survival

100% areolar survival

0% long-term nipple or areolar sensation loss

0% return to theatre for corrections

Average post-operative stay: 1 night

PHIN patient satisfaction score: 99%

PHIN is an independent government audit of consultant patient outcomes, randomly sampling post-operative patients. A 99% satisfaction score places Mr Potter among the highest-rated plastic surgeons in the country.

Our Approach

Before recommending surgery, Mr Potter examines and investigates to rule out medical causes of breast enlargement — hormonal imbalances or medication effects, for example — that could be addressed without an operation.

Surgery is recommended only where a medical cause has been excluded or where non-surgical treatment has not resolved the issue.

Investigation first

The surgical approach depends on the composition of the enlarged breast. Excess fat responds well to liposuction. Excess glandular tissue requires direct surgical excision, through an incision placed at the junction of the areola and surrounding skin where it is barely visible. Most cases involve a combination of both techniques.

Mr Potter errs toward under-resection rather than over-resection — if underdone, correction is far more straightforward than addressing an over-resected result. Compression garments are used occasionally where significant tissue has been removed.

Tailored technique

Your Recovery

What to Expect

Recovery from gynaecomastia surgery is generally well tolerated. Swelling and bruising in the first week is normal and expected. Wound tapes will begin to peel off after a few days and can be trimmed at home.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1 – Drains removed if used; dressings removed; wounds examined; shower with tape in place

Days 1–2 – Oral pain relief as needed — most patients need it for two days only

Days 3–5 – Wound tapes begin to peel; trim at home as needed

7 days – Wound review; tapes removed at original hospital

1 month – Wound edges fully flat; scar maturing

Ongoing – Regular reviews with Mr Potter until fully settled

Do's & Don'ts

  • Shower with tape in place daily from day one; wash thoroughly and allow to air dry
  • Sleep on your back during the initial post-operative period
  • Take oral pain relief for the first two days as needed
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks
  • Avoid lifting heavy weights for 6 weeks
  • Do not drive until you can safely perform an emergency manoeuvre
  • Return to normal activities at 8 weeks

The Procedure

What Happens on the Day

You will be admitted on the day of your procedure and seen by the anaesthetist and Mr Potter before going to theatre. Your chest will be marked and you will have the opportunity to ask any final questions before surgery begins.

The procedure takes approximately two hours and is performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on the volume of tissue to be addressed. Mr Potter will confirm the anaesthetic approach during consultation.

All wounds are dressed with skin-coloured surgical tape, which can be showered daily from day one. Raised wound edges from internal sutures flatten at around one month, producing the optimal long-term scar. All sutures dissolve internally. Drains may be placed where significant tissue is removed, and are typically removed the following day. On the first day following the procedure your dressings will be removed and the wounds examined.
Most patients stay one night in hospital, though some cases are undertaken as a day case.
Mr Potter will discuss all risks in detail during your consultations.
Risks associated with gynaecomastia surgery include:
  • Swelling and bruising — expected; settles over the first few weeks
  • Scarring — incisions placed at the areolar border to minimise visibility; raised wound edges flatten at approximately one month; abnormal lumpy or raised scarring is rare
  • Infection or wound breakdown — uncommon; wounds are dressed and monitored from day one
  • Changes in nipple or areolar sensation — 0% long-term loss in Mr Potter’s data; some temporary change is possible
  • Loss of the nipple or areolar complex — exceptionally rare
  • Fat necrosis — rare; loss of fat volume after the procedure that may cause lumps or an oily discharge; managed with dressings or massage
  • Contour irregularity — rare; Mr Potter tailors the technique and errs toward under-resection to avoid this; where irregularities occur they can be addressed with further fat removal or transfer
  • Asymmetry — pre-existing asymmetry is common in gynaecomastia and may persist to some degree after surgery
  • Haematoma or seroma — drains used where significant tissue is removed to minimise this risk
  • DVT / pulmonary embolus — where general anaesthetic is used; specialist stockings and blood-thinning injections are provided during your stay
  • Further procedures — where any adjustments are needed, Mr Potter and his hospital teams are happy to facilitate further surgery to ensure you are happy with your result

What Patients Say

I saw Mr.Potter with regard to gynaecomastia surgery in 2016/17. He explained the condition and treatment very clearly at every stage. He also has a very personable manner and addressed any concerns that I had throughout. I felt very well informed and prepared ahead of my surgery. Mr.Potter uses surgical techniques which minimise scarring and after only a few weeks post-surgery, my scars were almost invisible. In addition, he excised only the tissue which was necessary and proportionate in order to give a result consistent with body fat distribution. The appearance therefore appears natural and overall I am very pleased with the result. The care and follow up procedures were also excellent at the hospital. I would highly recommend Mr.Potter if you are considering this surgery.
Just a couple of lines to say thanks again for all that you did for me. I am a lucky guy to have been treated by you.
I would just like to send a few words of admiration and grateful thanks for all the help and kindness you gave to my partner Mr EW in the past few weeks. Thanks to you and your great team his operation has gone splendidly and the result you gave us on our last visit was fantastic. We are so thrilled to be so lucky and our gratitude will stay with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast, caused by excess glandular tissue, excess fat, or a combination of both. It is a common condition, most often developing during puberty or through hormonal changes, and is surgically correctable in most cases.

Yes — always. Mr Potter examines and investigates before recommending any surgical intervention. Where a treatable medical cause is found, that is addressed first.

The technique depends on the composition of the enlarged breast. Fat excess is treated with liposuction; glandular excess requires excision through an incision at the areolar border. Most cases involve a combination of both. Mr Potter will explain his recommended approach during consultation.

Scarring is minimal. Excision incisions are placed at the junction of the areola and surrounding skin, where they are barely visible. Liposuction access points are small. Raised wound edges from internal sutures flatten at around one month.

Most patients need oral pain relief for two days only. The wound tapes can be showered daily from day one. Avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. Mr Potter reviews you at seven days and at regular intervals until the result has fully settled.

At the Manor Hospital in Oxford, Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, Stratum Clinic in Wootton Oxfordshire, ProDerm in Cheltenham, and Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Book a Consultation

Contact us if you have any health concerns or are looking to get a consultation. You can contact Matthew Potter by using the form below or contact him through one of the available telephone numbers or email addresses listed on this page.

Private Secretary & All Correspondence

T. 07917 965717

Swindon - Ridgeway Hospital

T. 01793 814848

Cheltenham - ProDerm, Festival House

T. 0800 0489230

Oxfordshire - Stratum Clinic,
Wootton Business Park

T. 01865 320790

Wiltshire - Interface Business Park, Royal Wootton Bassett

T: 0808 2803560

Oxford - The Manor Hospital

T. 01865 307777

Contact Lissie on 07917 965717 or use the form below.