Gynecomastia surgery

Gynecomastia is a plastic surgery procedure for men, essentially equivalent to breast reduction for women. More than 35% of men face the issue of localized fat deposits or an increase in breast tissue. Enlarged breasts can cause physical and psychological discomfort, with clients reporting fear of going to the gym, the beach, or saunas, a decline in the quality of their intimate life, and the need to wear compression garments under clothing. Through a minor plastic surgery procedure, one can eliminate enlarged breasts, regain confidence, and feel satisfied with their body.

Gynecomastia comes in three types: true, false, and mixed. In true gynecomastia, breast areas are enlarged due to hypertrophic breast glands. Liposuction alone is insufficient here; excess glandular tissue needs to be removed through areolar access (an incision around the areola, up to 2 centimeters long). In false gynecomastia, there is no growth of breast glands; excess fat tissue is responsible for breast fullness, which can be easily removed through liposuction (in over 60% of cases). Mixed gynecomastia involves both glandular tissue and fatty cellulite, requiring a comprehensive procedure.

Gynecomastia surgery can involve skin tightening and altering the shape and position of the areola. Typically, these types of surgeries are recommended for patients with advanced cases, so surgeons advise not to wait for the condition to worsen and opt for correction at an early stage.

The surgery lasts from 1 to 2 hours and is performed under sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the type of condition. If the surgery is performed without excess skin removal, the incision is placed along the areolar line and becomes inconspicuous within a few months.

For videos on gynecomastia, you can look YouTube.

Brief information about the surgery:

  • Surgery Time: 2 hours

  • Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia

  • Hospitalization: 3-4 hours

  • Return to Normal Life: 5-7 days

  • Clinic Visits: 3-4 times

  • Stitches Removal: Day 14

Why do men consider gynecomastia surgery?

Men may consider gynecomastia correction, which involves an increase in breast tissue, for several reasons. The main reason is the desire to improve their appearance and well-being, as gynecomastia can cause embarrassment and reduced self-esteem.

Additionally, gynecomastia can cause physical discomfort or painful sensations. Men may also seek help if gynecomastia does not reduce on its own or with lifestyle changes such as weight loss or discontinuation of certain medications.

Who is a suitable candidate for the surgery?

The gynecomastia correction procedure is suitable for men suffering from breast enlargement. Candidates should be physically healthy, have stable weight, and have realistic expectations of the surgery’s results. The surgery is particularly effective for men for whom lifestyle changes and medication have not yielded the desired results.

South Korea is known for its thriving cosmetic surgery industry, where a significant number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries are performed annually. Local doctors in South Korea are considered some of the most educated and competitive in the world, as only a small percentage, approximately 0.01%, of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons. The country also boasts top-notch medical equipment and facilities, rivaling the quality found in the United States and Germany, placing it among the top three countries with the best-equipped medical clinics.

All surgeries in South Korea are carried out in accredited clinics, authorized to treat foreign patients, and staffed with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons who perform procedures on patients typically have between 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in operations related to breast augmentation and soft tissue surgeries. They limit themselves to performing no more than two surgeries a day to ensure high-quality care.

Here are some steps to prepare for gynecomastia surgery in South Korea

  • Fasting and shower: Refrain from consuming food and water for 12 hours before the procedure. Take a shower before the surgery.

  • Medication restrictions: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for two weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only for three days before the operation.

  • Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. Some surgeons may recommend quitting smoking before the surgery due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers or in designated smoking areas in public places.

  • Medical history: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Do not withhold this information from your surgeon and coordinators.

  • Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for an examination. The doctor will assess the proposed surgical area, including the position of the nipples/areolas.

  • Mammography results: If possible, bring or send your mammography results. If not, the necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.

  • Transportation: Arrange for someone to take you to the clinic and assist you after the surgery. Driving on the day of breast augmentation is strictly prohibited.

  • Prepare for recovery: Place essential items near your bed that you may need during your recovery, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.

Surgery process

Before the surgery begins, during the final consultation, the surgeon sketches the surgical design and discusses it with the patient. They answer any questions that may have arisen for the patient during the sleepless night before the surgery. Then, the patient is asked to visit the restroom, and the timing of their last intake of water and food is confirmed before escorting them to the operating room.

A catheter is inserted into the arm, through which pre-anesthesia medications are introduced into the bloodstream. The surgical area is sterilized, and the patient’s arms and legs are secured with straps to minimize the possibility of movement during sleep. Blood pressure is monitored, an anesthesiologist attaches a mask to the patient’s face and checks vital signs, after which anesthesia is administered into the bloodstream.

Once the medication takes effect and the patient falls asleep, the surgeon begins the operation. A incision is made on the chest skin using a scalpel to gain access to the fatty tissue and breast glands. Depending on the design, the condition of the breast, and the surgical plan, excess tissue is removed, and at the end of the operation, the shape, size, and position of the nipple are altered, and stitches are applied layer by layer, with stitches or medical glue used on the outer skin layer (depending on the surgical technique and the surgeon’s method).

After the surgery is completed, the breast is dried, and a bandage is applied on top to protect it from external influences and to secure the position of the stitches. The patient is awakened and assisted in moving to a room for further rest and recovery.

What to expect after breast reduction surgery

After the surgery, a translator or nurses wake you up and help you move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed – that’s how anesthesia works. In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills; this will quickly pass, and there is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is almost no pain on the first day; it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel the breast or even the abdomen swelling – this is normal because the body begins to regenerate.

The biggest discomfort comes from the bandage; it may make it difficult to breathe deeply or squeeze in some places. If you feel this, do not hesitate to ask the coordinator if it is possible to slightly loosen the bandage in your case.

You stay in the clinic for a few hours after the surgery; you have a catheter in your arm, and medications are administered into the bloodstream. After the end of the drip and the removal of the catheter, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, pick up medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.

By evening, the pain may intensify; be sure to place several pillows around your body to prevent chest trauma during sleep and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. If you experience a dull ache or feel swelling in the breast area, it is normal; your main task at this stage is to be patient and wait for a few days.

In the following three days, the swelling will increase; do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. After the drain is removed (depending on the patient’s case, this occurs on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd day), you can start taking walks; the more you walk, the faster the swelling will subside, and your body will recover. Try to spend at least 30 minutes outside every day.

By the end of the week, the swelling will begin to decrease, and you will feel much better, able to return to your normal life.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Recovery process

Immediately after the procedure: After gynecomastia surgery, your chest area will be covered with gauze and a surgical support bandage. You can typically leave the clinic 1-2 hours after the surgery, provided you feel well.

Days 1-2: If drainage tubes were used, they will be removed during this period. You may experience discomfort in the chest area. Wearing a bandage is essential to protect the incisions from infection and reduce pain. Bruising and swelling may occur. Sleeping on your back with an elevated head position is recommended.

Days 3-7: Swelling starts to subside. Avoid sports activities, and taking a full shower is not allowed. You will have follow-up appointments at the clinic for post-operative procedures like laser treatments for swelling and wound care.

Days 7-14: Swelling continues to decrease, and any bruising may fade. You can gradually return to work and normal life. Regular long walks are recommended for faster recovery. If stitches were used, they may be removed during this period.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Intense workouts and physical exercises should still be avoided. You can take showers without restrictions but limit them to 15 minutes. Sleeping on your back is still advised.

Days 21-30: Swelling continues to diminish. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises. You can start sleeping on your side, taking baths, and applying healing ointments to scars.

Days 31-60: Most of the swelling subsides, revealing 80-90% of the final results. Scars gradually lighten.

Days 60-90: You can begin engaging in physical exercises, sleep on your side, and take baths. Daily application of scar-healing creams and silicone patches is recommended.

Days 90-180: Swelling completely subsides, and your body takes its final shape. You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and consume alcohol without restrictions. Continue daily skincare routines for scar maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost varies depending on the clinic and the type of correction needed. Generally, it ranges from 3,000,000 to 10,000,000 Korean Won. It includes anesthesia, post-operative garments, hospital stay, medications, and even VAT, which can be refunded as tax-free for foreign patients.

Before & After

Patient results may vary. Please remember that to provide you with detailed information about treatment and your trip, you need to fill out a QUESTIONNAIRE, describe your desired results in detail, and attach your photos. The information provided on the website does not guarantee that this procedure is suitable for you.