Dr Axel De LangePlastic Surgeon
A consultation room at the clinic, with a treatment chair beside a curtained window

Gynaecomastia Surgery

Gynaecomastia Surgery in Brussels · Dr Axel De Lange

Correcting excess breast volume and redefining the contours of the chest, with a natural result and discreet scars.

Gynaecomastia surgery corrects the excessive development of the male breast, caused by an increase in breast glandular tissue, sometimes combined with excess fat.

The procedure involves removing the excess glandular tissue, usually through a small incision at the lower edge of the areola, combined if necessary with liposuction to harmonise the contours of the chest.

The surgical approach is tailored to each patient’s anatomy, the extent of the glandular and fatty components, the quality of the skin and the degree of skin laxity.

The goalto restore a flatter, firmer and naturally masculine chest, while preserving harmonious contours and keeping scarring to a minimum.

Gynaecomastia surgery is intended for men with excessive development of one or both breasts that causes aesthetic, physical or psychological discomfort.

It is particularly indicated when the breast volume persists despite a stable weight or the treatment of any medical cause, and when it causes discomfort in clothing, sporting activities or daily life.

The ideal patient is in good health, has a relatively stable weight and wishes to regain a flatter, firmer chest in proportion to his figure.

Medically reviewed by Dr Axel De Lange · Last reviewed

Your journey,
step by step.

The techniques

Glandular gynaecomastia

Surgical removal of the excess glandular tissue through a discreet incision at the edge of the areola.

The techniques

Adipomastia

When the increase in volume is mainly due to fat, liposuction alone may be sufficient.

The techniques

Mixed gynaecomastia

A combination of glandular excision and liposuction for a flatter, harmoniously defined chest.

The techniques

Gynaecomastia with excess skin

In cases of significant laxity, particularly after massive weight loss, additional skin removal may be necessary.

The techniques

Associated procedures

Liposuction of the sides of the chest and, in some cases, a more comprehensive reshaping of the torso.

Step 01

First consultation

At the first consultation, the surgeon takes the time to understand the patient’s expectations, assess the extent of the gynaecomastia and look for any possible causes.

A clinical examination makes it possible to distinguish the glandular component from the fatty component, assess the quality of the skin and look for any abnormalities requiring further investigation. Hormone tests or imaging may be suggested depending on the situation.

The surgeon explains the different possible techniques, the scars, the expected benefits and any risks.

to establish a precise diagnosis and propose personalised care, adapted to the anatomy and expectations of each patient.

Step 02

2nd consultation

The second consultation confirms the surgical plan and refines the objectives for the correction and reshaping of the chest.

It is an opportunity to answer any remaining questions, to confirm the surgical technique, with or without associated liposuction, and to explain the scars, the risks and the postoperative recovery. The results of any additional tests and the practical arrangements for the procedure are also discussed.

to allow the patient to approach his procedure with peace of mind, with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the desired result.

Step 03

The procedure

Anaesthesia: usually under general anaesthesia, sometimes under local anaesthesia with sedation for limited corrections.

Duration of the procedure: about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the gynaecomastia and the technique used.

Setting: performed in the operating theatre, in a safe hospital environment.

Hospital stay: usually as day surgery, with the possibility of an overnight stay depending on the extent of the procedure.

Going home: usually the same day, with personalised postoperative recommendations.

Step 04 · Follow-up

First days

Check of the dressings, the scars and the absence of complications, particularly haematoma.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 2 to 3 weeks

Assessment of healing and the gradual resolution of oedema.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 3 months

Check of tissue softening and the development of the chest contour.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 6 to 12 months

Assessment of the stabilised result and the maturation of the scars.

Common question

Can it come back after the procedure?

In exceptional cases, gynaecomastia can return after surgery, but the result is generally lasting once the excess glandular tissue has been removed.

Recurrence remains possible, particularly in the event of a hormonal imbalance, the use of certain medications or anabolic steroids, or significant weight gain. The latter may above all lead to a new build-up of fat in the chest area.

a flat, masculine and harmoniously defined chest with a lasting result, while identifying and controlling any factors that may encourage recurrence.

Common question

Is it covered by the health insurance fund?

Yes, in Belgium, gynaecomastia surgery can be covered by the health insurance fund (mutuelle), subject to certain medical conditions set by the INAMI-RIZIV.

Reimbursement mainly applies to true glandular gynaecomastia that meets the required medical criteria. On the other hand, a simple accumulation of fat in the chest area (adipomastia), without glandular enlargement, is generally not reimbursed.

During the consultation, the surgeon assesses the nature of the gynaecomastia and determines whether the conditions for coverage are met.

to offer each patient appropriate treatment, with clear information about the possibilities for reimbursement and any costs he may have to bear himself.

Common question

Will there be visible scars?

The scars from gynaecomastia surgery are generally discreet and carefully positioned to be as inconspicuous as possible.

When the procedure requires the removal of glandular tissue, the incision is usually located at the lower edge of the areola, at the junction between the pigmented skin and the skin of the chest. Liposuction incisions are very small. In cases of significant excess skin, longer scars may be necessary.

Initially pink or red, they fade gradually over the 12 to 18 months following the procedure, although they never disappear completely.

a flat, masculine and harmoniously defined chest once again, with scars that are as discreet as possible.

Common question

From what age is this procedure possible?

Gynaecomastia surgery is generally considered from the age of 17 to 18, once pubertal development is complete and the breast volume has stabilised.

In adolescents, gynaecomastia is common and resolves spontaneously in many cases. However, surgery may be considered earlier when it has persisted for more than 12 to 24 months and causes significant physical or psychological discomfort, after an appropriate medical assessment.

to operate at the most appropriate time, once the gynaecomastia has stabilised, in order to achieve a natural, harmonious and lasting result.

Consultation locations

Consultations are booked directly through each clinic's own platform. Appointments are not taken by phone.

See the locations

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