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Health guide · Gangnam, Seoul

Gynecomastia Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul: A Guide for International Patients. Gland, fat, or both.

Gynecomastia means enlarged breast tissue in men. Treatment depends on whether the cause is gland, fat or both, so an exam and ultrasound come first.

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  • Pre-op ultrasound
  • About 40–60 minutes
  • Small armpit incision
  • Sedation anesthesia
Two doctors reviewing a patient chart together at HIGHST Urology Clinic Gangnam
Each case is graded and planned before surgery.
Quick answer: Gynecomastia surgery at HIGHST's body-contouring clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, part of HIGHST Urology Clinic, starts with grading and an ultrasound to see whether the chest is gland, fat or both. Through a small incision of about 5 mm under the armpit, under sedation, the doctor removes what is needed in about 40–60 minutes. A compression garment follows, and stitches come out at 10–14 days.
Understand the cause

True gynecomastia or pseudo-gynecomastia: what is the difference?

The answer decides which surgery you need. An ultrasound shows what is under the skin.

True gynecomastia

Firm glandular breast tissue grows behind the nipple.

  • Often feels like a firm disc under the nipple
  • Does not go away with diet or exercise
  • The gland usually needs to be removed

Pseudo-gynecomastia

The chest is enlarged mainly by fat, not gland.

  • Feels softer and more even
  • Often linked to overall weight
  • Fat removal (liposuction) may be enough

Mixed type

Many men have both gland and fat.

  • Gland is removed and surrounding fat is contoured
  • Gives a flatter, more natural chest line
  • Planned from the ultrasound findings
Before surgery

What should be checked before gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia sometimes has an underlying cause that should be looked at first.

  • Grading of the chest using the Simon classification
  • Ultrasound to compare gland and fat
  • Review of medicines and supplements that may affect hormones
  • Hormone or other checks if your doctor suspects an underlying cause
  • Any recent lump, pain or one-sided change examined carefully
  • Your chest measured to fit the compression garment
  • A plan for your second visit for stitch removal
If a medicine or hormone imbalance is the cause, treating it may be advised before or instead of surgery. Your doctor explains this at consultation.
Surgery and recovery

What happens on surgery day and afterwards?

  1. Preparation

    A tumescent local solution is placed in the chest to reduce bleeding and help separate tissue. Sedation anesthesia keeps you comfortable.

  2. Surgery

    Through a small incision of about 5 mm under the armpit, the doctor removes gland only, fat only or both. The surgery takes about 40–60 minutes.

  3. Compression

    A compression bandage, then a garment sized before surgery, supports the chest and helps reduce swelling. Your doctor tells you how long to wear it.

  4. Stitch removal

    On your second visit, about 10–14 days after surgery, stitches are removed and healing is checked. Swelling settles gradually and timing varies.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Will the scar from gynecomastia surgery be visible?

The incision is about 5 mm and placed under the armpit, away from the chest itself, so it is generally discreet once healed. How a scar heals varies between people and skin types. Follow your aftercare and sun-protection advice, and ask your doctor what to expect for your skin.

Can exercise or diet fix gynecomastia?

If the chest is enlarged mainly by fat (pseudo-gynecomastia), weight loss and exercise may help. True gynecomastia is glandular tissue, which does not shrink with diet or exercise. A pre-operative ultrasound shows which you have, so you can decide whether surgery is worthwhile before committing.

How many times do I need to visit the clinic?

Gynecomastia surgery at HIGHST's body-contouring clinic usually involves 2 visits: one for consultation and surgery, and a second about 10–14 days later for stitch removal and a check. Plan your stay in Seoul to include both. If your schedule is tight, tell your coordinator before booking.

How long do I wear a compression garment?

You wear a compression bandage straight after surgery, then a garment fitted to measurements taken before surgery. It helps reduce swelling and supports the new chest shape. The exact duration depends on your surgery and healing, so your doctor tells you how long to wear it.

Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?

Removed gland tissue usually does not grow back, but the chest can change if you gain significant weight, or if an underlying cause such as certain medicines or a hormone imbalance continues. This is why causes are checked before surgery. Results vary, and your doctor explains what is realistic for you.

Why is gynecomastia treated at a urology clinic group?

Gynecomastia surgery is performed at HIGHST's body-contouring clinic, which is part of HIGHST in Gangnam, Seoul. Because gynecomastia can be linked to hormones and medicines, men's health assessment is a natural part of planning. You consult in English, pay by card or cash, and receive an itemized quote after examination.

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Visit us

HIGHST Urology Clinic Gangnam

Address

14–15F, 655 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Gangnam-gu Office Station, Exit 2

Opening hours (KST)

Mon–Fri 09:30–18:30
Sat 09:30–15:30
Sun & public holidays closed

Contact

WhatsApp (English): +82 10-3487-1618
Clinic: +82 2-514-1415

Talk to a urologist, privately

Message us in English — a coordinator replies and a urologist reviews your question.

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Medical information on this page is general and does not replace a consultation. Timing, results and suitability vary by individual.