The boom in the use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs has contributed to a significant increase in the number of men choosing to have gynecomastia surgery to improve their body image after major weight loss, according to a leading breast surgeon. Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, medications, long-term weight fluctuations and ageing.
Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, a leading breast health and breast cancer surgeon, says that with Australia’s soaring rates of obesity and the corresponding shift towards medical weight-loss treatments, more men are noticing excess breast tissue once the surrounding fat disappears.
“When men lose weight quickly, the underlying breast gland can become far more obvious,” he explains. “No amount of gym work will remove glandular tissue. That can be very frustrating for patients who have worked extremely hard to lose weight and improve their health.”
A/Prof Warrier says the demand, which has grown sharply over the past two years, is driven by a combination of medical, aesthetic and lifestyle factors, including rapid weight loss from Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, hormonal changes, genetics, and long-term body image concerns.
“We are seeing more men than ever seeking treatment for gynecomastia,” he says. “For many, the condition has become more noticeable after substantial weight loss. Medications like Ozempic are helping people lose weight quickly, but they can also leave behind loose skin and residual glandular tissue that cannot be fixed with diet or exercise alone.”
A/Prof Warrier says men who lose between 15 and 40 kilograms on GLP-1 medications often report sagging skin, stubborn chest fullness and reduced confidence, which leads them to seek surgical correction; and that the increase in presentations is not for purely cosmetic reasons. For many, gynecomastia is physically uncomfortable and psychologically distressing. The condition can also significantly affect self-esteem, posture, clothing choices and social confidence, and many men avoid situations such as swimming or exercising in public.
“This is not a vanity issue,” he says. “Gynecomastia can have a real impact on body image, mental health, and quality of life. Many men tell me they have lived with embarrassment or discomfort for years before they finally seek help.”
The psychological burden, he says, can be particularly heavy for men who have recently improved their health and feel the last remaining barrier to confidence is their chest. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess glandular tissue, fat and, in some cases, excess skin to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. The procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and may involve liposuction, direct excision, or a combination of both.
“The goal is to restore confidence and create a natural, proportionate chest shape,” A/Prof Warrier says. “For men who have carried this concern for decades, the results can be life changing.”
Recovery times vary, but most patients resume normal activities within a few weeks. A/Prof Warrier cautions men against assuming diet, chest workouts or supplements can fix the problem.
“If the tissue is glandular, no amount of training will remove it,” he says. “That’s why so many men who are extremely
fit or have lost large amounts of weight still struggle with this issue.”
A/Prof Warrier says men should seek an assessment from a qualified specialist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. While gynecomastia surgery was once a topic men rarely discussed, he says attitudes are changing rapidly.
“Men are becoming far more open about their health, their body image, and the psychological benefits of feeling comfortable in their own skin,” he says. “The stigma is disappearing, and that’s a very positive shift.”
In addition to breast health and surgical work, the Sydney-based surgeon dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients. He also co-developed Australasia’s first Master of Advanced Surgery (Breast Surgery), which is delivered through the University of Sydney.
