What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue — and for many men, it’s more than just a physical concern. It can affect your confidence, your posture, and how you feel in your own skin. You may avoid fitted shirts, locker rooms, or even warm weather — not because you don’t care about your body, but because something doesn’t feel right.
The condition can appear on one or both sides, sometimes unevenly. It often begins during puberty but can also affect adults later in life.
Struggling with male breast enlargement can be frustrating — but you're not alone, and it's treatable. Find a trusted doctor near you who understands gynecomastia and offers safe, proven solutions.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia happens when the balance of hormones — particularly testosterone and estrogen — is disrupted. Although everyone produces both hormones, testosterone typically dominates in men. When estrogen rises or testosterone drops (even slightly), breast tissue can grow.
Several things may contribute:
- Puberty-related hormonal shifts (very common)
- Aging (testosterone naturally declines with age)
- Medications, including antidepressants, anti-androgens, heart drugs, or anabolic steroids
- Health conditions, such as:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Thyroid or testicular disorders
- Pituitary or adrenal tumors
- Substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and certain drugs
- Obesity (increases estrogen production in fat tissue)
- Unknown causes (idiopathic gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia is not fat. It’s often a firm or rubbery mass behind the nipple — not soft like body fat. When caused by fat alone, the term is pseudogynecomastia and is treated differently.
Is Gynecomastia Dangerous?
Most cases are benign — meaning they’re not linked to cancer or serious illness. But your doctor may recommend tests (such as hormone panels, imaging, or biopsy) to rule out other issues.
Gynecomastia is not the same as male breast cancer, which is rare. If you notice rapid growth, significant pain, or nipple discharge, you should consult your doctor promptly.
Can It Go Away On Its Own?
In teenagers, yes — in many cases. Gynecomastia during puberty usually fades within 6 months to 2 years without treatment.
In adults, gynecomastia rarely resolves on its own unless the cause (like medication or substance use) is removed. If it persists beyond 12 months or becomes emotionally or physically uncomfortable, treatment may be recommended.
Surgical Treatment: Male Breast Reduction
When gynecomastia doesn’t go away — or deeply affects your confidence — surgery can offer lasting relief. Male breast reduction is a procedure designed to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and sometimes skin, creating a flatter, firmer chest.
It’s one of the most effective and satisfying cosmetic surgeries for men, with high rates of long-term confidence and satisfaction.
Surgical Techniques
- Liposuction: For cases caused mainly by excess fat (pseudogynecomastia)
- Excision: For dense glandular tissue or skin redundancy
- Combination: Often used for the best contour and long-term result
Incisions are usually discreet, often around the areola or in the chest fold. Scars typically fade well over time.
Not sure if surgery is right for you?A consultation with a qualified specialist can help clarify your options — from lifestyle changes to male breast reduction. Explore experienced gynecomastia surgeons in Belgium.
Recovery and Results
- Surgery time: 1–2 hours
- Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general
- Back to work: 3–7 days for desk jobs
- Full activity: 3–6 weeks depending on healing
- Compression garment: Worn for 2–4 weeks to reduce swelling
- Visible improvement: Immediate, with continued refinement as swelling fades
Pain is typically mild and well-managed with prescribed medications. Bruising and swelling are common but temporary.
Are You a Candidate?
You may benefit from gynecomastia surgery if you:
- Have had stable breast enlargement for 12+ months
- Tried to address the cause (weight loss, medications, etc.) with no success
- Are physically healthy and near a stable weight
- Don’t smoke or are willing to stop during recovery
- Are bothered by your appearance or feel limited in your clothing choices or self-esteem
Teenagers may be eligible in some cases, but surgery is usually deferred until breast development stabilizes — unless symptoms are severe or emotionally distressing.
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost in Belgium?
The cost of gynecomastia surgery in Belgium typically ranges from €2,500 to €4,500, depending on the clinic, surgeon’s experience, and whether liposuction alone or gland excision is required.
In certain cases — especially when the condition causes physical discomfort or is linked to hormonal disorders — partial reimbursement may be available through the Belgian mutualité/mutualiteit. A formal diagnosis and pre-approval are usually required. Your surgeon or GP can guide you through the process if you may qualify for this coverage.
Final Thoughts
Living with gynecomastia isn’t just about appearance. It can quietly impact how you carry yourself, your relationships, and how you show up in the world.
If you’ve done everything right — diet, training, lifestyle changes — and your chest still doesn’t reflect how you feel inside, it’s okay to want more. Male breast reduction isn’t about vanity. It’s about getting your confidence back.
You don’t have to live with discomfort or self-consciousness.Thousands of men have regained confidence after gynecomastia treatment. Start your journey — connect with a trusted provider today.
