Gynecomastia surgery in Frankfurt: Your path to a masculine silhouette
A defined upper body with a flat chest or one that is slightly raised by the muscles is generally considered the ideal of beauty for men. A clearly bulging or even feminine-looking breast, as occurs in so-called gynecomastia, does not fit in with this idea. This can be caused by fat deposits (pseudogynecomastia) or an enlargement of the mammary gland (true gynecomastia).
For affected men, an enlarged breast is often a major burden for both aesthetic and psychological reasons. They cannot identify with the female breast shape when looking in the mirror, deliberately avoid situations in which they have to show their upper body exposed (e.g. swimming pool, sauna) and avoid body-hugging clothing.
Gynecomastia surgery can help men who have already tried in vain to get rid of their female breasts by adjusting their diet and exercising. Depending on the extent and cause of the problem, Dr. Nichlos will suction out excess fat deposits or remove the enlarged mammary gland as part of the breast correction procedure. The specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery has many years of experience in the treatment of gynecomastia in Frankfurt and will be happy to accompany you on the way to a more defined and masculine breast shape. Arrange a consultation now!
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
Gynecomastia:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia (colloquially known as “man boobs”) refers to a significant enlargement of the mammary gland tissue with a protruding nipple in men. This true gynecomastia must be distinguished from so-called pseudogynecomastia (lipomastia), in which the male breast occurs as a result of severe obesity and consists mainly of fatty tissue.
What causes gynecomastia?
While pseudogynecomastia is the result of severe obesity, the causes of true gynecomastia are not yet fully understood. What is known is that there are various factors that promote “man boobs”. These include an imbalance of certain hormones, which can be attributed to age-related changes in the hormone balance.
For example, gynecomastia is relatively common in boys during puberty (pubertal gynecomastia). It affects almost half of all male adolescents, but is generally only temporary and usually disappears by itself after puberty at the latest, when the hormones are back in balance.
Enlargement of the male breast can also occur as a side effect of certain medications. Theoretically, gynecomastia can also indicate a disease (e.g. thyroid, kidney or testicular disease, breast cancer), but this is very rarely the case. Nevertheless, careful diagnosis is of great importance for targeted treatment.
In practice, however, it is often the case that the causes of gynecomastia cannot be clearly identified despite extensive diagnostics. This is referred to as idiopathic gynecomastia.
Methods
What treatment methods are available for gynecomastia?
In the case of pseudogynecomastia, weight loss usually helps to make the “man boobs” disappear or at least significantly reduce them. If the breasts are still too large even at close to normal weight, liposuction can remove the excess fat cells. However, this does not replace prior weight loss.
Breast surgery is required for true gynecomastia, as the excess breast tissue must be surgically removed. Dr. Nichlos performs the breast correction through an incision in the nipple area. This can often also be reduced during the operation in order to restore the proportions between the breast and nipple.
In some patients, the operation is combined with liposuction, which also removes the surrounding fatty tissue. If the gynecomastia is extremely pronounced, additional incisions and subsequent tightening of the skin may be necessary.
Preparation
What should be considered before treating gynecomastia?
The first thing to clarify is whether it is a genuine or pseudogynecomastia and whether its causes can be identified. This requires various examinations and a detailed medical history beforehand. Dr. Nichlos will then inform you in a personal consultation about suitable treatment options and which anaesthetic (local or general) will be used.
If the examination reveals that you are suffering from genuine gynecomastia and that surgical removal of the excess breast tissue is advisable, you will receive comprehensive information about the surgical procedure. During the consultation, Dr. Nichlos will also inform you about the possible risks and complications of gynecomastia surgery and explain to you what your realistic expectations of the operation are.
You will also receive information on what you need to bear in mind before and after the procedure, such as avoiding alcohol and nicotine if possible and not taking any blood-thinning medication for at least 14 days beforehand.
Please note: If you suffer from allergies or other chronic illnesses and/or regularly take medication, please let us know in good time.
Procedure
How does the treatment of gynecomastia work?
Depending on the extent of the operation, it is performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis in the modern operating theaters at the Berger Klinik in Frankfurt. Local anesthesia is possible in individual cases, but the procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.
The incision can also vary during breast correction and can be made on the nipples, along the underbust crease or in the armpits. Dr. Nichlos carefully removes the enlarged mammary gland tissue on each side through these incision(s). If necessary, excess fat is removed by suction. If there is too much excess skin remaining that cannot regress on its own, this must also be removed and the remaining skin sutured. Drainage facilitates the drainage of wound fluid.
A compression bandage is then applied to support the new breast shape and its healing. The procedure to correct gynecomastia in Frankfurt usually takes around 60-90 minutes.
Please follow our instructions for aftercare and be sure to attend the follow-up appointments so that Dr. Nichlos can monitor the healing process. In rare cases, correction or follow-up treatment may be necessary to achieve the desired shape.
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Aftercare
What happens after gynecomastia surgery?
The drains are usually removed the next day or two after the operation. However, the compression bandage must be worn for at least 4-6 weeks longer so that swelling caused by the operation can subside more easily and the new breast shape can stabilize.
Avoid physical exertion during this time. You should only exercise after a few weeks and in consultation with Dr. Nichlos. In any case, you should start with light exercises that place little strain on the upper body and do not cause pain. Protect the scars from direct sunlight over the next few months to avoid hyperpigmentation. We will be happy to give you tips on proper scar care as part of your aftercare.
Risks
What are the risks associated with the treatment of gynecomastia?
Complications are very rare with a professionally performed gynecomastia operation. However, like any surgical procedure, gynecomastia surgery is associated with certain general risks, including bleeding, wound healing disorders and infections. These can be minimized by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Nichlos and strict hygiene standards.
Normal reactions to the procedure may include swelling, bruising, a feeling of pressure or pain in the surgical area. These can be treated with cooling and commercially available painkillers until they subside on their own within a few days.
Consultation appointment
Specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery Dr. med. Nichlos: Your contact for the treatment of gynecomastia in Frankfurt
Do you suffer from a man’s chest and want a flat and masculine silhouette that better suits your self-image? As a specialist in plastic surgery, Dr. Nichlos will be happy to assist you with all his expertise. Make an appointment for a consultation at our practice in Frankfurt and lay the foundation for your new self-confidence!
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions
about gynecomastia:
- What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the male mammary gland tissue. It is characterized by a conspicuous breast shape and must be distinguished from so-called pseudogynecomastia, in which excess fat – not glandular tissue – is responsible for the breast volume.
- What can cause gynecomastia?
Possible causes are hormonal changes, medication, severe obesity or – in rare cases – diseases. Often, however, the exact cause cannot be clearly determined (idiopathic gynecomastia).
- What types of gynecomastia are there?
There are basically two types of gynecomastia. The “man’s breast” looks similar in both cases, but has different causes. In so-called true gynecomastia, the glandular tissue in the breast is enlarged. It can usually only be corrected surgically. However, pseudogynecomastia also has a similar appearance. However, this type of “male breast” is the result of fatty tissue under the mammary gland, which occurs with severe obesity. It usually disappears after significant weight loss.
- Are the results of gynecomastia surgery permanent?
The removed glandular tissue does not usually grow back. However, renewed enlargement can occur due to hormonal changes, certain medications or weight gain. A healthy lifestyle helps to maintain the result in the long term.
- How does a gynecomastia operation in Frankfurt work?
Depending on the findings, excess glandular tissue is removed and liposuction is performed if necessary. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay in the clinic. After the operation, a compression bandage supports the healing process.
- How long does it take to heal after the procedure?
It is important to rest and take it easy for the first few days after the operation. Swelling and slight pain are normal. After 4 to 6 weeks, most patients are fully able to bear weight again. Regular check-ups support the healing process.
- Will there be visible scars after the operation?
The incisions are made as inconspicuously as possible at the edge of the areola. The scars usually fade over time and are barely visible later on.
- What are the risks associated with gynecomastia surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks, including infection, post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders and changes in sensitivity. However, these can be minimized through careful planning and execution.
- Can gynecomastia recur after surgery?
A recurrence of true gynecomastia after the surgical removal of glands from the breast is generally not to be expected. However, it can recur if the breast enlargement was due to hormonal problems that were not recognized. In this case, a different treatment is recommended. However, unwanted breast growth can also occur as a side effect of certain medications or anabolic steroids.
Regardless of this, a large increase in weight can always lead to an enlargement of the breast due to fatty tissue. For this reason, men should take care to maintain their weight and therefore their shape after a breast reduction.
- Can gynecomastia be reversed by exercise or diet?
This depends on whether it is true or pseudogynecomastia. Only the latter can be reduced through weight loss and training. Endurance training and weight training are particularly suitable for this. They help to reduce the fatty tissue in the breast and strengthen the chest muscles. Excessively large glands or glandular tissue cannot be reduced by training alone, however, which is why it does not lead to the desired changes in the case of genuine gynecomastia. Only gynecomastia surgery can help here.
- What anesthesia is used for breast reduction for men?
In most cases, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is only considered for very minor corrections.
- When can I return to sport after gynecomastia surgery?
Sports activities should be resumed after 4 to 6 weeks at the earliest – in consultation with Dr. Nichlos. Activities that put a lot of strain on the chest area should be started with particular care.
- Can the operation be combined with a nipple correction?
Yes, if necessary, a reduction of the areola can also be performed during the operation to improve the overall aesthetic appearance.
- Does health insurance cover the costs of gynecomastia surgery?
Since gynecomastia surgery in Dr. Nichlos’ practice is a private medical service, it is not possible to bill the statutory health insurance company. The costs must therefore be borne by the patient in all cases. For privately insured patients, partial or full coverage of costs may be possible in individual cases – please clarify this with your insurance company in advance.
- How much does a gynecomastia operation cost in Frankfurt?
The costs start from 4,500 euros and vary depending on the extent of the procedure. There are also costs for anesthesia, hospital, compression bolero and, if necessary, an overnight stay. After a personal examination, you will receive an individual cost estimate.