Gynecomastia surgery in the UK: who it helps, how it’s done, and why many men choose private care

Summary

Considering gynaecomastia (gynecomastia) surgery in the East Midlands? The London Road Clinic in Newark-on-Trent supports men from Nottingham, Lincoln, Grantham, Mansfield and Southwell with private, clinician-led care. Consultations take place at our Newark clinic on London Road, and surgery is performed by Aesthetic & Plastic Surgeon Dr Shahe Boghossian at his theatre in St Albans. If training hasn’t shifted chest fullness, this guide covers candidacy, procedure options and recovery—and how to book a calm, confidential consultation close to home.

What is Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue. It can present as a rounded or fuller chest that feels out of step with the rest of your physique. Causes include hormonal shifts (puberty, ageing), weight change, certain medications, genetics, or no clear cause at all. If it persists, surgery can remove excess gland and/or fat to create a flatter, better-balanced chest.

Who might be a good candidate

You may be a candidate if:

• Chest fullness persists despite stable weight and training.

• You can feel a firm disc behind the nipple (gland) or see a stubborn fatty mound.

• Clothing choices, swimming, or sport are limited by self-consciousness.

A good pathway starts with assessment. We review history, medications, and examine the chest to distinguish gland from fat and rule out reversible causes. Suitability markers include stable weight, realistic goals, no untreated endocrine issue or suspicious breast lump, and willingness to follow pre-/post-op guidance. Non-smokers tend to heal more predictably; we’ll advise on stop-smoking timelines if needed.

NHS access: why many men go private for Gynecomastia Surgery

Access to male breast reduction on the NHS is limited and criteria are strict. Local policies often prioritise severe cases with documented functional or psychological impact, which can mean long waits or ineligibility for many. If persistent symptoms affect day-to-day life, a private route offers clearer timelines, named-surgeon continuity, and tailored planning.

Dr Shahe’s approach

We partner with Dr Shahe Boghossian, an Aesthetic & Plastic Surgeon known for proportion-led chest reshaping. His method is conservative where possible and precise where required: liposuction to contour fat, direct excision for firm gland, and a combination when both tissues are present. The aim is a natural, athletic contour—not an over-flattened look.

Your pathway: consultations happen in the comfort of our Newark clinic. If surgery is appropriate, procedures are carried out with Dr Shahe at his theatre in St Albans. This gives you local access for planning and review, with a dedicated surgical setting for the operation.

What to expect from surgery and recovery

The operation

Most cases are day-case. Technique depends on your tissue pattern:

• Liposuction removes fat through small, discreet incisions.

• Excision removes firm gland directly, often at the areolar edge.

• Combination achieves the smoothest contour for mixed cases.

We’ll discuss anaesthesia, scars, and whether drains are likely based on your examination.

Recovery

• Compression garment: typically worn for 3–6 weeks to reduce swelling and help the new shape settle.

• Early days: bruising, swelling, and tightness are common. Simple analgesia usually suffices.

• Back to work: many return to desk roles in about a week; manual work takes longer.

• Training: gradual re-introduction over weeks, avoiding chest loading until cleared.

• Results: early flattening is visible within weeks; definition refines across 3–6 months as tissues settle.

Risks to discuss

Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness or sensitivity change, contour irregularity, asymmetry, delayed healing, and rare infection or bleeding. A personalised consent discussion sets expectations and answers questions specific to your health and goals.

Mental wellbeing matters too

For some, the most significant change isn’t just physical. Men often describe relief when wearing fitted shirts again or feeling comfortable at the pool. If chest appearance has been a source of avoidance or low mood, we’ll talk openly about expectations and timing so the plan supports both confidence and recovery.

Costs and timing

You’ll receive a clear, written quote after consultation, including surgeon, anaesthesia, facility, aftercare, and garment. We’ll map a realistic timeframe around your diary—work, travel, and training—so recovery is paced and predictable.

Your next step with LRC

If you’re considering gynecomastia surgery, start with a calm consultation in Newark. We’ll examine, explain options, and design a plan. When surgery is right, your procedure is scheduled with Dr Shahe in St Albans. Most men want a chest that looks like the rest of them—proportionate, flatter, and easier to live with. That’s our focus, one step at a time.