Since 1998 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Gynecomastia Surgery in Croatia
For many men, this is a subject they are saying out loud for the first time. That is why a consultation and an examination come before any decision about surgery: we first establish what tissue is involved and whether an operation is needed. The conversation is confidential.
Enlarged male breasts cause many men years of discomfort in clothing, in sports, or in situations where the chest is uncovered — and they rarely talk to anyone about it. The first step is therefore a confidential examination, at which we establish what tissue is involved and whether an operation is needed at all.
Is this for me?
What gynecomastia is — and whether it is even your case
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breasts due to excess glandular tissue, fat tissue, or a combination of the two. It can appear from puberty to later adulthood and occurs in some form in a large number of men.
Enlarged breasts do not automatically mean surgery
To choose the appropriate approach, the first thing to establish is whether glandular tissue, fat tissue, or a combination of the two predominates.
- True gynecomastia — a firmer, rubbery lump can be felt behind the nipple; it can be tender and does not go away with weight loss or training.
- Pseudogynecomastia — softer fat tissue predominates, often linked to excess body weight, so it can be at least partly reduced by weight loss and lifestyle changes.
- The mixed form — the most common in practice; both are present.
Appearance alone is not enough to reliably distinguish the individual forms. At the examination we establish which tissue predominates and, based on that finding, assess whether a procedure is needed.
How it is treated
How gynecomastia is treated
There is no single procedure that suits everyone. We choose the method according to whether fat tissue, glandular tissue, or a combination of the two predominates.
The method depends on the tissue
- Liposuction — used when fat tissue predominates. It is performed through incisions of a few millimeters, with vibrating probes and a laser, which as a rule shortens both the procedure and the recovery.
- Removal of glandular tissue — through a small incision along the edge of the areola, where the scar remains least visible.
- A combination — most often used for the mixed form, when liposuction and removal of glandular tissue are performed in the same procedure.
The whole procedure takes roughly one to two hours, under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent.
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Anesthesia
- local or general
- Recovery
- 2–14 days
- Performed by
- Duško Maletić, MD, MSc
The experience behind the procedure
Polyclinic Maletić has been operating since 1998 and has used laser and vibration-assisted techniques in aesthetic surgery since 2008, when it became an education center where surgeons from abroad also train in these methods. Procedures are performed in four modern operating rooms with air-recuperation systems, which reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Gynecomastia surgery is planned and performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, a specialist in surgery, founder of the Polyclinic, and the author of a laser-assisted liposuction method presented in Paris in 2012.
See the full price listWhy us
Why choose us for gynecomastia surgery
Since 1998
More than 27 years of experience in aesthetic surgery and the status of an internationally recognized reference center.
An education center since 2008
Surgeons from abroad also come to the Polyclinic to train in laser and vibration-assisted techniques.
Four operating rooms
With air-recuperation systems that reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
A family polyclinic
Two generations of the family work at the Polyclinic today, and many patients stay with the same team for years.
His own laser method
Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, developed a method of laser-assisted liposuction, presented in Paris in 2012.
The procedure is performed by the clinic’s founder
Gynecomastia surgery is personally planned and performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, a specialist in surgery.
A clear price and confidentiality
The cost of the procedure is explained in advance, and the consultation, examination, and visit are arranged confidentially.
Why trust us
When an operation is not needed
If the examination shows that an operation is not needed or that the decision is better postponed, the procedure will not be planned. Where needed, further workup or monitoring of the change is recommended first.
Possible risks and complications
Like any surgical procedure, gynecomastia surgery carries possible risks and complications:
- bleeding or fluid accumulation and, more rarely, infection
- temporarily reduced sensation in the nipple area
- mild asymmetry, which can also exist before the procedure
- scars, whose appearance and maturing differ from person to person
At the examination, the risks and the expected result are explained in relation to your finding, the extent of the procedure, and the planned method.
Recovery after gynecomastia surgery
Swelling and mild tightness are expected in the first few days, and bruises can last about ten days. Most men return to office work in two to three days, while heavier physical exertion should be avoided for about two weeks. The compression garment is worn for three to four weeks and can be worn under everyday clothing. The final shape of the chest is seen in two to four months.
Office work
2–3 days
Heavier physical exertion
2 weeks
Compression garment
3–4 weeks
Final shape
2–4 months
Real results
Before and after gynecomastia surgery
We publish photographs of results only with the patient’s documented consent.
Who we are
Who will be taking care of you
The procedure is performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, a specialist in surgery, who founded the Polyclinic in 1998. Alongside him are nurses who follow the patient from preparation to recovery, and today the next generation of the family also works at the Polyclinic.
The consultation, the examination, and your medical data are confidential and subject to medical secrecy.
Meet the whole team
Price
Price and the first step
The price depends on the method, the extent of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia. The stated amount includes the examination, preoperative preparation, the procedure, anesthesia, a compression garment, and the follow-ups after the operation. The exact amount is determined after the examination, once the required method and the extent of the procedure are established. The prices of all procedures are available in the price list.
-
Gynecomastia (liposuction, no excision) – local anesthesia
-
Gynecomastia (liposuction, no excision) – general anesthesia
-
Gynecomastia (classic surgical) – local anesthesia
-
Gynecomastia (classic surgical) – general anesthesia
-
Gynecomastia (excision and liposuction) – local anesthesia
-
Gynecomastia (excision and liposuction) – general anesthesia
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“The best team of physicians, exceptionally professional and kind. I have been loyal to Polyclinic Maletić for more than 10 years and I am always satisfied with the results. Thank you.”
★★★★★
“I came to Dr. Maletić with my big problem and a lot of stress. I was met with such warm empathy and kindness, and patience in answering all my questions. Thank you, Dr. Maletić, for your advice and honest support. I know I can always turn to her for advice, and that means a lot to me. The staff of the Zagreb polyclinic are also very helpful and kind. Thanks to them as well.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Maletić’s practice, both in Daruvar and in Zagreb — and I have had several procedures — I can only recommend, because I felt very comfortable there and in expert hands!”
★★★★★
“I come from the United Kingdom and I had an extremely positive experience here. From the moment I arrived I felt welcome and cared for, the team is incredible, and the doctor outstanding! They offer a large number of treatments, and mine went perfectly and without any problems. If I ever need another treatment in the future, I would certainly choose them again. I absolutely recommend them!”
★★★★★
“My experience at Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar was extremely positive. From the very beginning I was impressed by the professionalism and kindness of the entire staff. The physicians took the time to inform me in detail about all the procedures, which gave me a sense of safety and trust. The whole team was exceptionally professional and attentive, and the result exceeded all my expectations. I would certainly recommend Polyclinic Maletić to anyone looking for quality, personalized healthcare.”
★★★★★
“Greetings from Makarska! I have no words that would not be, of course, in superlatives for all of you. From the very welcome and my fear before the operation, all the nurses guided me so nicely through everything I had to go through before the procedure — and I must emphasize, with a huge smile on their faces. Since I had not slept for a few days beforehand from excitement and some inner restlessness, it is incredible how much humor all the nurses, and the doctor herself, used to “carry me off elsewhere with conversation” just so I would not be focused on the operation. A big thank you to everyone, and I was especially touched by the nurse who kept me entertained during the procedure and nearly moved me to tears with her humor. I take this opportunity to greet the whole team and the doctor of Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar. All the best to everyone!”
★★★★★
“Polyclinic Maletić deserves all praise! The team is exceptionally professional, expert, and kind. The whole procedure was explained to me in detail, and the result is excellent. The atmosphere at the polyclinic is pleasant, and the approach to patients warm and approachable. I recommend them to anyone looking for top-level service.”
★★★★★
“An exceptionally professional, pleasant, and expert team that knows and loves its work. It is a fine thing to be in the hands of some of the greatest experts in their field, who provide a service I would wish for and recommend to anyone.”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Can gynecomastia go away on its own, without surgery?
Sometimes it can. In adolescents it often resolves on its own within six months to two years. In adult men, if it has lasted longer than two years and there is no treatable hormonal cause, glandular tissue does not, as a rule, disappear on its own. At the examination we assess what tissue is involved, how long the change has been present, and whether further workup or surgery is needed.
Can it be solved with exercise and weight loss?
If fat tissue predominates, weight loss and physical activity can reduce the volume of the breasts. Glandular tissue does not shrink with weight loss or exercise and can only be removed surgically. The examination establishes which form is involved and which approach is appropriate.
How can I tell true gynecomastia from excess fat tissue?
They cannot be reliably distinguished by appearance alone. With true gynecomastia, a firmer, rubbery lump can be felt behind the nipple; it can be tender and does not change with weight loss. With excess fat tissue, the breasts are softer and can be at least partly reduced by losing weight. The difference is reliably established by an examination and, where needed, an ultrasound.
Will gynecomastia come back after the procedure?
Removed glandular tissue does not grow back. Still, major changes in body weight can change the volume and appearance of the chest again over time, so maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the result.
Does the operation hurt?
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the operation. In the first days after the procedure, mild tightness, tenderness, and discomfort are possible and are eased with common painkillers.
How long does recovery take, and when can I return to work?
Most men return to office work in two to three days. Avoid heavier physical exertion for about two weeks. The compression garment is worn for three to four weeks, and the final shape of the chest is seen in two to four months.
Do scars remain after the operation?
Scars remain after every surgical incision, but they are planned to be as inconspicuous as possible. With liposuction, openings of a few millimeters remain, and when the gland is removed, the incision is placed along the edge of the areola, at the transition between the pigmented and the surrounding skin. The appearance and maturing of scars differ from person to person, and as a rule they fade with time. At the examination we explain where the incisions would be placed in your case.
What anesthesia is the procedure performed under?
The type of anesthesia depends on the extent of the procedure. Smaller procedures are performed under local anesthesia, after which you go home the same day, while more extensive ones are performed under general anesthesia. The appropriate form of anesthesia is agreed with the anesthesiologist before the procedure.
Is the approach different if only one side is enlarged?
Enlargement on both sides is more common. When only one side is enlarged, an ultrasound is used before planning the procedure to rule out other possible causes of a one-sided change.