Gynecomastia in Men in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar — Dr. Marco Vricella, Plastic Surgeon
Gynecomastia
Surgical correction of excess breast tissue in men. A flat, firm, and defined chest with a minimal scar and permanent results in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar.
Gynecomastia is the excessive development of breast tissue in men — glandular, adipose, or both — which can affect one or both sides of the chest. It is more common than many realise: it appears during puberty and resolves spontaneously in most adolescents, but in adult men it tends to persist and causes significant aesthetic and emotional distress.
The most common causes in adults include hormonal imbalance (raised oestrogen, reduced androgens), excess weight, the use of anabolic steroids, cannabis, or certain medications. Once the underlying cause has been ruled out or addressed and the chest does not regain its contour, gynecomastia surgery offers a definitive, permanent solution.
Dr. Marco Vricella performs a personalised assessment to determine the proportion of glandular and adipose tissue, the degree of ptosis, and skin quality, then selects the most appropriate technique for each case. Ceasing the use of alcohol, cannabis, and steroids at least three months before surgery is an essential prerequisite.
The proportion of glandular tissue and fat, skin tone, and degree of involvement determine the most suitable technique. Dr. Vricella explains each option in detail at the initial consultation to select the best approach for every case.
Selective Liposuction
Indicated for pseudogynecomastia, where chest enlargement is caused exclusively by fat accumulation with no significant glandular component. The cannula is introduced through minimal periareolar or axillary micro-incisions, leaving no visible scar.
Adipose component · No glandular tissue
Glandular Resection + Liposuction
The standard technique for true or mixed gynecomastia. A semicircular incision is made along the lower border of the areola — practically imperceptible once healed. Glandular tissue is excised and liposuction refines the surrounding contour for a natural, symmetrical overall result.
Periareolar incision · Combined technique
Resection with Dermapexy
In severe gynecomastia with significant excess skin — common after major weight loss — a skin resection and areola repositioning are added. This allows a completely flat chest with a fully defined masculine contour to be achieved.
Severe grade · Excess skin
Technique · Procedure
Minimal incision, flat chest
Gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anaesthesia or sedation, lasting approximately one and a half to two hours. The periareolar incision — along the lower border of the areola — blends with the natural skin contour and becomes virtually imperceptible once fully healed.
Outpatient procedure; general anaesthesia or sedation
Recovery after gynecomastia surgery is remarkably fast. Most patients return to daily activities within 48 hours. The compression vest is essential during the first weeks to shape the contour and minimise swelling, supporting the best possible healing outcome.
48 hours — Return to light daily activities; compression vest worn
Weeks 1–3 — Progressive reduction in swelling; avoid physical exertion
Weeks 4–6 — No sun exposure on the treated area; vest continued
Month 2+ — Gradual return to exercise, including upper-body training
Months 6–12 — Periareolar scar maturing; definitive result fully visible
Are you a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is indicated when excess breast tissue is persistent, does not respond to conservative treatment, and causes aesthetic or emotional distress. A personalised assessment rules out any treatable underlying causes before surgery is planned.
Ideal candidate profile
Persistent excess glandular, adipose, or mixed breast tissue
Gynecomastia that has not resolved spontaneously after puberty
Stable weight for at least 6 months prior to surgery
Good general health and healthy lifestyle habits
No active use of anabolic steroids, cannabis, or causative medications
Realistic expectations regarding results and the periareolar scar
Over 18 years of age with completed hormonal development
Additional considerations
Recent pubertal gynecomastia: in adolescents, spontaneous resolution is recommended first
Active use of steroids, cannabis, or causative drugs: must be stopped before surgery
Untreated endocrine cause: must be identified and managed beforehand
Unstable weight or active obesity: stabilisation is recommended prior to surgery
Active smoking: increases the risk of poor wound healing
Uncontrolled cardiovascular or coagulation disorders
The Process
From consultation to result
01
Initial Consultation
Physical examination, hormonal analysis if indicated, and assessment of gynecomastia type — glandular, adipose, or mixed — to determine the most appropriate technique. No obligation whatsoever.
02
Planning
Design of the surgical plan: approach, anaesthesia, and coordination at the Madrid, Marbella, or Gibraltar clinic. Clear pre-operative instructions, including substance cessation and compression vest preparation.
03
Surgery
Outpatient procedure of 1.5–2 hours under general anaesthesia or sedation. Discharged the same day in most cases. Maximum safety and comfort throughout the entire process.
04
Follow-up
Scheduled check-ups to monitor progress, manage the compression vest, and support the gradual return to daily life and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gynecomastia — Your questions answered
The most common questions about gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Marco Vricella in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar.
The procedure takes approximately one and a half to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. In the vast majority of cases, hospitalisation is not required and the patient is discharged on the same day as surgery.
The standard technique involves a semicircular incision along the lower border of the areola, which is practically imperceptible once healed. In cases of pseudogynecomastia treated with liposuction alone, the scar is even smaller — just a micro-puncture. Only in severe gynecomastia with significant excess skin are additional incisions required.
Surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia or sedation combined with local anaesthesia. In selected cases of pure liposuction with a small volume, conscious sedation with local anaesthesia alone may be considered. The anaesthetist and Dr. Vricella will evaluate the most appropriate option for each patient.
Most patients can resume sedentary daily activities within 48 hours. Physical or demanding work is resumed from 3–4 weeks. The compression vest should be worn for 4–6 weeks as instructed by Dr. Vricella.
Gentle walking can be resumed from the first few days. Light cardiovascular exercise is permitted from 3–4 weeks. Upper-body training — bench press, rows, pull-ups — is gradually reintroduced from the second month, always under Dr. Vricella’s guidance.
A clear improvement is visible as initial swelling subsides, around 4–6 weeks. The definitive result — with fully settled tissues and a mature periareolar scar — is seen from 6 to 12 months after surgery.
The removed glandular tissue does not regenerate. However, if anabolic steroids, certain medications, or other causative substances are resumed, or a significant hormonal imbalance occurs, adipose tissue may accumulate again. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding causative substances is key to preserving the result.
True gynecomastia involves proliferation of glandular tissue — felt as a firm, sometimes tender nodule beneath the areola. Pseudogynecomastia is an increase in volume caused solely by fat, with no glandular component. The distinction is made during consultation through physical examination and, where necessary, ultrasound. Dr. Vricella will determine this and propose the most appropriate technique. Request your assessment →
First Step
Request your Consultation Today
Take the first step towards a flat, defined male chest. Dr. Vricella and his team will assess your case personally, determine the most appropriate technique, and answer all your questions with no obligation.
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