Safe and professional
Felt I was in very safe and professional hands from my first consultation with Bo. ESPECIALLY on the day of the operation itself, when I was very n…
Thomas Hansen
About the treatment
Gynaecomastia, also known as male breast development, is a condition in which increased breast tissue develops in men, which can affect both body image and self-confidence. Surgery can create a flatter, more defined and masculine chest with better balance in the body's proportions.
At Caolín, we meet you with professional expertise, discretion and a focus on finding the solution that suits you.
At a glance
- Price
- From DKK 25,000
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Duration
- Approx. 1–2 hours depending on the extent
- Hospital stay
- 1-3 hours
- Downtime
- Approx. 1 week
- Final result
- Fully visible after 3–6 months
What is gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is the medical term for a benign enlargement of the glandular tissue in the male breast. In most cases the condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance, and the result can be a swollen, rounder appearance in the chest area, which is experienced as at odds with a masculine chest. Gynaecomastia can occur on one or both sides and can vary in extent from slight swelling around the nipple to something resembling a small female breast.
Gynaecomastia can occur in two different types:
True gynaecomastia (glandular tissue)
This type is caused by a genuine enlargement of the glandular tissue in the breast. The tissue typically feels firmer and can be felt as a lump or disc behind the nipple. This form of gynaecomastia rarely disappears on its own and may therefore require a surgical solution in which the glandular tissue is removed.
Pseudogynaecomastia or lipomastia (fat accumulation)
Here, the enlarged chest area is caused not by glandular tissue but by an accumulation of fat, which is often seen in connection with being overweight. The tissue is typically softer and more evenly distributed than with true gynaecomastia. In some cases this type can be reduced through weight loss, but if the fat is localised and does not disappear after weight loss, liposuction can be an effective solution.
In many cases a combination of the two types is seen, that is, both glandular tissue and localised fatty tissue, and the type determines which form of treatment gives the best result.
At the consultation, the surgeon assesses which type you have and tailors the treatment accordingly. This is decisive for the choice of technique and the expected result.
Causes of gynaecomastia
Gynaecomastia typically arises as a result of an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone and can have many causes:
It is a good idea to talk to your own doctor about possible medical causes before seeking surgical treatment – particularly if the condition has developed quickly or is accompanied by pain.
Hormonal changes
During puberty, up to half of all young men experience a temporary growth of breast glandular tissue, which most often resolves on its own. In adult and older men, on the other hand, it is seen as a result of natural hormonal changes.
Medication and substances
Certain medicines, such as anabolic steroids, testosterone treatment, some blood pressure medicines and antidepressants, can trigger or worsen the condition. The same applies to the use of cannabis.
Being overweight
Fatty tissue converts testosterone into oestrogen, which can stimulate glandular growth and lead to a mixed type of gynaecomastia.
Idiopathic
In many cases no specific cause is found. The condition has arisen without a known trigger.
How is gynaecomastia treated?
The treatment is tailored to your specific situation and can consist of one or more techniques:
Liposuction
Suitable for pseudogynaecomastia (lipomastia) or a mixed type with a significant fat content. Using fine cannulas, the fatty tissue is removed from the chest area with great precision. It leaves very discreet scars and gives a smooth, natural contour. In many cases liposuction alone is sufficient.
Surgical removal of breast glandular tissue (glandulectomy)
With true gynaecomastia, where there is firm glandular tissue behind the nipple, surgical removal is necessary. A small, discreet incision is made along the lower edge of the pigmented area of skin around the nipple (the areola), and the glandular tissue is removed. The scar usually heals almost invisibly.
A combination of liposuction and surgical removal
The most common approach with the mixed type. Liposuction deals with the surrounding fatty tissue and gives a smooth contour, while the glandulectomy removes the firm glandular tissue behind the nipple. Together, the two techniques give the best and most harmonious result.
Skin excision
With pronounced gynaecomastia and a marked excess of skin, for example after major weight loss, it may be necessary to remove excess skin in order to achieve a firm, well-shaped chest. This is a more extensive procedure and is always planned individually.
Before and after
Gynaecomastia
Removal of glandular tissue, with the scar at the lower edge of the nipple.
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What our patients say
Good to know
Questions and answers
Here you'll find the whole process step by step — from your consultation to the first weeks at home. If there's anything you can't find an answer to, bring it along to your consultation.
Treatment of gynaecomastia is a well-documented and safe procedure. The most relevant complications are bleeding, infection, altered sensation in the nipple, irregular skin and, in rare cases, unsightly scarring. It is also important to know that there is always a risk that the gynaecomastia can come back. All risks are discussed thoroughly at your consultation.
Every treatment journey begins with a thorough, no-obligation consultation, where we listen, assess and advise. At Caolín we meet every patient with expertise, discretion and full respect for the decision you have made.
You are welcome to bring someone with you, and you can always contact us with questions while you are making up your mind.
Gynaecomastia is an enlargement of the breast gland itself beneath the nipple. It is recognised by a firm or slightly hard feeling behind the nipple. Pseudogynaecomastia is an accumulation of fat without enlargement of the glandular tissue and is often seen in people who are overweight. The two conditions are treated with different techniques.
During puberty, yes, but in adult men spontaneous regression is rare, particularly if the glandular tissue is firm. In such cases, surgical treatment is the only effective solution.
No, true gynaecomastia is glandular tissue and does not respond to training. Training can reduce the surrounding fatty tissue, but does not remove the glandular tissue itself. Pseudogynaecomastia / lipomastia with a purely fatty content can be affected to some extent by weight loss, but not always sufficiently.
With liposuction, the entry points are very small and leave almost no visible trace. With surgical removal of the gland (glandulectomy), the incision is placed discreetly along the lower edge of the pigmented area of skin around the nipple, where it is naturally camouflaged. The scar is usually almost invisible once healed.
The glandular tissue and fat that have been removed do not grow back. But if the underlying cause, for example medication use or hormonal changes, is still present, new growth can occur.
Strenuous physical training should be paused 1–2 weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Light activity is allowed. We go through all the preparatory advice thoroughly once your surgery date has been set.
Light activity such as walks is allowed from day 1 and is recommended. Strenuous sport, lifting and exercises that activate the chest and shoulder muscles are not advised for 4-6 weeks. After that, activity is resumed gradually.
Yes – gynaecomastia treatment is often combined with, for example, liposuction of the flanks or abdomen for a more harmonious overall result.
The process
What to expect at Caolín
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Consultation
The process begins with a thorough consultation, where you meet your plastic surgeon in calm, reassuring surroundings. Here we take the time to understand your wishes, your experience and the changes you would like to achieve.
Together we assess the composition of the chest area, the quality of the skin and the body's proportions in order to find the treatment that suits you best. We also go through whether the treatment should consist of liposuction, removal of glandular tissue or a combination of the two. We also discuss any medical causes and advise you if an assessment by your own doctor could be relevant before the surgery.
It is important to us that you feel reassured, well informed and met with both expertise and understanding before you make your decision.
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Before the surgery
Once your treatment plan is in place, we guide you thoroughly through all the preparations leading up to the day of surgery. You will receive information about fasting, medication, supplements and smoking, among other things, as these factors can affect safety, wound healing and the final result. We also recommend that you prepare for your first days at home in advance, so you can give your body the rest it needs to recover after the surgery. On the day of surgery, you arrive having fasted and wearing comfortable clothes, and our team makes sure you feel reassured and well prepared before the treatment begins.
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During the surgery
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the extent of the treatment. During the surgery, the chest area is shaped with great precision. Depending on your particular situation, the treatment can consist of liposuction, removal of breast glandular tissue or, in some cases, removal of excess skin as well, in order to create the most harmonious contour. When the surgery is complete, the wounds are carefully closed with fine, dissolvable sutures, and you are fitted with a compression garment that supports healing and helps the tissue settle naturally into place.
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After the surgery
After the surgery, you are monitored by our staff in calm surroundings until you are ready to go home. In the days that follow, the chest area will often feel tight, swollen or tender, and bruising may also occur. This is a natural part of the healing process. You need to wear your compression garment in the first period to support healing and reduce swelling.
We follow you closely throughout the process and are always available if you have questions along the way.
Book a free consultation at Caolín
Your journey begins with a personal consultation. Here we go through your wishes and options, so that together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
The specialists
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen is a consultant in plastic surgery and one of the Nordic region's leading specialists in cosmetic breast surgery and advanced facial surgery, and one of the few surgeons to master endoscopic facelift without visible scars. He holds a PhD in breast reconstruction using stem-cell-enriched fat grafting and is internationally recognised for his work and research in the field.
Frederik Kølle, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Frederik Kølle is a certified and internationally recognised plastic surgeon specialising in facial and cosmetic surgery as well as advanced fat grafting and body contouring. He is among the Nordic region's leading experts and masters the full spectrum of facial and breast surgery.
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Financing your treatment
We offer financing, so you can split the payment. If you have any questions about financing, you are always welcome to contact us – or ask at your consultation.
The calculation is for guidance only. Credit assessment and terms are set by Resurs Bank.