Enlarged enlarged chest tissue is more common than most people realise. Surgery is straightforward, effective, and makes a significant difference to confidence and how clothes fit.
Book a ConsultationGynaecomastia is the enlargement of glandular tissue in the chest — not simply excess fat, but actual breast gland development that produces fullness under and around the nipple. It can affect one or both sides and ranges from a small, firm lump behind the nipple to more significant chest fullness.
It is far more common than most men realise. Studies estimate that between 30–50% of men are affected at some point in their lives. Despite how common it is, it is rarely talked about — and many men feel significant self-consciousness about it, avoiding swimming, certain clothing, or close physical contact.
Gynaecomastia is not caused by being overweight, though excess weight can make it more noticeable. It has a hormonal basis and is influenced by age, medications, and in some cases underlying conditions. For the majority of men, it is simply the way their body developed — and surgery is a highly effective solution.
Dr Yaprak sees patients of all ages — from late teens to older men. The cause and treatment approach may differ, but the result is the same: a flatter, more natural chest contour.
The most common group. Hormonal changes during puberty often trigger breast tissue development. Most commonly presents in the late teens to mid-20s. Surgery is considered when the tissue persists beyond puberty.
Often related to hormonal fluctuations, medication use, or simply tissue that has been present since adolescence and has become increasingly bothersome. This is Dr Yaprak's most common patient group.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, which can trigger breast tissue development. Weight gain compounds the issue. Surgery is effective at any age provided general health is good.
Gynaecomastia has two components — glandular tissue (firm, behind the nipple) and fatty tissue (softer, around the chest). The right technique depends on which is dominant in your case. Dr Yaprak will assess this at consultation.
Small incisions allow a liposuction cannula to remove the fatty component of the breast. The incisions are tiny and placed in inconspicuous positions. Suitable when the enlargement is predominantly fatty in nature.
Liposuction alone gives excellent contour to the chest but does not remove the dense glandular tissue behind the nipple — if this is present, it must be directly excised.
A small incision at the lower edge of the areola (the border is nearly invisible once healed) allows direct removal of the glandular tissue. This is required when there is a firm, disc-like lump beneath the nipple that liposuction cannot effectively remove.
For most patients, Dr Yaprak performs a combination of liposuction and glandular excision for the most complete and well-contoured result.
Most patients need both. The majority of gynaecomastia cases have both a glandular and fatty component. Dr Yaprak will examine you at consultation and give you a clear explanation of what is driving the appearance and which technique — or combination — is most appropriate.
Published with patient consent. Individual results vary. These images are for information purposes only and do not imply guaranteed outcomes.
Gynaecomastia surgery is performed under general anaesthetic at Braemar Private Hospital. All fees are quoted all-inclusive — no hidden costs.
Dr Yaprak examines the chest, assesses the degree of glandular vs fatty tissue, and discusses your goals. He will explain exactly what technique is appropriate for your anatomy and give you a written all-inclusive quote. A minimum of two consultations is required before surgery.
You will complete online forms for Braemar Hospital and the anaesthetist. Stop any blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements (including St John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements) as directed. Smokers must stop at least 6 weeks before surgery and for 4 weeks post-operatively — smoking significantly impairs healing. Ensure you have loose, front-opening shirts for after surgery and support at home for at least one week.
You will be admitted to Braemar Private Hospital. You cannot eat for 6 hours before your admission time, but can drink water until 2 hours beforehand. You will meet your anaesthetist on the day. Dr Yaprak will take pre-operative photos and complete the final consent process before you go to theatre.
You may stay overnight at Braemar or be discharged the same day depending on how you are feeling. You will go home with a prescription for pain relief and antibiotics, and possibly drains (removed within 1–2 days). You will be wearing a compression garment — this must be worn at all times except for showering, for 6 weeks post-operatively.
A 1-week post-op appointment is included. Taping of the suture lines continues for 4–6 weeks. Expect the chest to be swollen, bruised, and slightly firm for the first 2 weeks — this is normal. Light activity from 3 weeks; strenuous exercise from 6 weeks. Dr Yaprak will arrange 2–3 follow-up appointments over the year following surgery.
Rest at home. Do not drive for at least 5 days. Have meals prepared in advance. Wear the compression garment at all times. Keep suture areas dry for 48 hours then gently pat dry after showering.
Post-op clinic visit — tapes checked and replaced. Expect swelling, bruising, and firmness. This is completely normal. Drains removed if not already done. Compression stockings worn until mobility increases.
Swelling begins to settle. Continue taping and compression garment. Light daily activity can resume. Avoid lying on your front — use soft pillows for comfort. Still no strenuous activity.
Light exercise can resume at 3 weeks. Scar taping continues. At 4–6 weeks, begin gentle scar massage along the tape. Compression garment continues for the full 6 weeks.
Compression garment can be stopped. Full exercise can resume. Begin moisturising scars with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, or rosehip-infused moisturiser. Scars continue to mature over 12–18 months.
2–3 follow-up appointments over the year. Final result visible at 3–6 months once all swelling has settled. Call us any time if you have concerns — we are here throughout your recovery.
Gynaecomastia surgery requires both removal and recontouring — the result depends on how well the chest is shaped, not just what is taken out. Dr Yaprak's plastic surgery training is directly relevant here.
Certified by the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons — the same standard recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand as equivalent to FRACS.
All procedures performed at Braemar Private Hospital, Hamilton — a fully accredited private surgical facility with overnight stay available if needed.
Anna provides personalised nursing care throughout your recovery. You are never left to figure it out alone — the team is available for questions and reviews from day one post-op.
Book a consultation with Dr Yaprak in Hamilton. He will examine you, explain your options clearly, and give you an honest recommendation.
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