Ozempic and other weight loss drugs driving rise in men seeking gynecomastia surgery

Australia is experiencing a significant rise in the number of men electing to undergo gynecomastia surgery, with leading breast surgeon Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier saying the demand has grown sharply over the past two years.
 

According to Associate Professor Warrier, the increase 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," Associate Professor Warrier said.
 

"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."
 

Associate Professor Warrier is one of the world's leading breast health and breast cancer surgeons who has built a highly respected practice in Sydney. The practice spans three locations with its main surgical centre located at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, and the other sites at BMA House, Macquarie Street, Sydney and Bondi Junction Medical, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.
 

In addition to Associate Professor Warrier's breast health and surgical work, he also dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients. He also codeveloped Australasia's first Master of Advanced Surgery (Breast Surgery) which is delivered through the University of Sydney.
 

Why more men are seeking help
 

Associate Professor Warrier said the increase in presentations is not purely cosmetic, for many, the condition is physically uncomfortable and psychologically distressing.
 

Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, medications, long-term weight fluctuations and ageing. With Australia's soaring rates of obesity and corresponding shifts toward 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 explained.
 

"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."

He added that men who lose 15-40 kilograms on GLP-1 medications often report sagging skin, stubborn chest fullness and reduced confidence, which leads them to seek surgical correction.
 

The impact on men's wellbeing
 

Associate Professor Warrier said gynecomastia can 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 said.
 

"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 said, can be particularly heavy for men who have recently improved their health and feel the last remaining barrier to confidence is their chest.
 

What gynecomastia surgery involves
 

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," Associate Professor Warrier said.
 

"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 safe and effective solution when other methods fail
 

Associate Professor 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 said.
 

"That's why so many men who are extremely fit or have lost large amounts of weight still struggle with this issue."
 

He said men should seek an assessment from a qualified specialist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
 

A growing conversation among men
 

Gynecomastia surgery was once a topic men rarely discussed, but Associate Professor Warrier said 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 said.
 

"The stigma is disappearing and that's a very positive shift."
 

About Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier
 

Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier is a past President and current committee member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ). His views are those of his own, not BreastSurgANZ. Associate Professor Warrier's surgery is located at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and he also has clinics at Oxford Street, Bondi Junction and Macquarie Street, Sydney. He is published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and won the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's Patron's Prize for best scientific research. In addition, he was also recently recognised on the international stage, receiving the India Australia Business and Community Alliance (IABCA) Australia India Science, Research and Development Award at the organisation's Gala in Mumbai. The award, one of the most significant honours across the Australia-India corridor, acknowledges outstanding contributions to science and research that strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au