Gynecomastia surgery abroad

The NHS describes gynaecomastia as common and often harmless, but says it can sometimes be caused by other conditions. Causes include hormone changes during puberty or in men over 50, being overweight, certain medicines, conditions such as an overactive thyroid, kidney disease or cirrhosis, and drug use, including anabolic steroids. When it is caused by puberty, it usually goes away by itself over time.

See your GP before you look at clinics abroad if you have:

• a lump in the breast or nipple;
• pain in the breast or nipple that is not going away;
• changes in the skin of the breast or nipple, such as a rash, dimpling or redness;
• discharge or bleeding from one or both nipples.

If a condition is the cause, treating it may reduce the size of the breasts, and losing weight helps when weight is the cause. Surgery is for when other treatments have not worked.

• Price: prices abroad are often lower; what is included varies, so compare written quotes line by line.
• Funding at home: the NHS says male breast reduction is not usually available on the NHS, and that the exact criteria for the rare exceptions depend on where you live.
• Choice of surgeon: you can compare surgeons beyond the ones near you and ask each of them the same questions.
• What travel adds: a stay of several days before you may fly, a journey soon after surgery and follow-up from a distance. The NHS warns that overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or not to the same standard, so agree the aftercare plan in writing before you book.

Each clinic in the listing shows its own starting price, and the gynecomastia prices listed today are Treatment only. The total depends on whether gland is removed, fat is removed or both, on the hospital and on the surgeon. For a UK reference, the NHS gives a usual price range for male breast reduction in the UK and adds that consultations and follow-up care cost extra. Compare quotes like for like: the same technique, the same stay and the same aftercare.

Costs a quote may leave out

• flights, and visa fees where they apply;
• extra nights before or after the dates in your quote;
• a spare compression vest and medicines;
• a revision, and whether it means a second trip;
• follow-up with a doctor at home;
• travel insurance: the NHS notes it does not normally cover problems caused by surgery, so check what yours covers.

Payment plans depend on your country of residence; see payment plans for what is available.

Gynecomastia surgery is a common operation, but like any surgery it carries risks. You are generally a good candidate if:

• you are in good overall health with no serious medical conditions that could impair healing;
• you are at or near a stable weight; the NHS says surgery is not suitable for men who have large breasts simply from being overweight;
• your breast development has stabilised, and the cause has been checked by a doctor;
• you have realistic expectations about the result;
• you do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery, as smoking slows healing.

The NHS recommends not flying for 5 to 7 days after breast surgery and liposuction, because air travel and surgery both raise the risk of a blood clot. Plan your stay with your surgeon before you book flights. The NHS says you wear an elasticated compression garment day and night for 1 to 2 weeks, may need a few days off work, and return fully to normal activities after about 6 weeks; the full result can take up to 6 months to show.

Before you book, ask the clinic in writing who you contact if a problem appears after you fly home, whether a revision is included and on what terms, and for a copy of your operation notes and discharge letter to give to your GP. For severe pain, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or a hot, painful, swollen leg, get urgent care where you are.

Disclosure: Op. Dr. Arda Akgün, who medically reviewed this page, is listed as lead doctor at Luna Clinic Turkey and Istanbul European Clinic, two clinics shown on it. Flymedi is a marketplace; the order of the clinic list is set by Flymedi and explained under How ranking works.