Men’s Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Treatment)
Enhance and define your chest and torso
The presence of enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men is known as gynecomastia. This condition can arise as the result of hormonal imbalances, genetics, the use of certain medications or substances, weight gain or other underlying health issues. Whatever the cause, it has the potential to affect self-confidence and cause emotional and physical discomfort. A breast reduction in men, also known as gynecomastia surgery, can be done to remove the excess breast tissue and enhance contours to achieve a more masculine appearance.
Key Benefits
- Refine and Sculpt the Male Chest
Achieve a chest shape more traditionally aligned with a masculine physique. - Alleviate Pain and Discomfort
Alleviate chest tenderness, discomfort, and sensitivity to restore confidence and comfort. - Enhance Body Image
Boost confidence and self-esteem by feeling better about the way you look.
Persana Tip
When considering gynecomastia surgery, it’s crucial for the surgeon to understand your current and ideal chest shape. Bringing in photos is always helpful. You should also review before-and-after photos from previous surgeries that the provider has performed, to see what results they typically achieve and to better understand their artistic vision. The more detailed you can be about your desired outcome, the better.
Gynecomastia in men and young adults is fairly common. It’s often due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones. But it can also arise from taking certain medications, as a result of certain diseases (like thyroid disease) or due to other underlying health issues. It’s possible for the condition to improve without treatment, but if the enlargement of breast tissue persists and, especially if it causes emotional or physical distress, surgery can be a very effective option.
Breast reduction surgery in men may require different surgical approaches. Typically, liposuction and direct surgical excision of breast tissue are performed at the same time. This is done through minimally visible incisions.
If the gynecomastia is considered severe—meaning there is a lot of excess breast tissue and stretched-out skin—you may need a multi-step procedure that is performed in stages. The initial surgery focuses on reducing the bulk of the tissue and contouring the chest, while a follow-up surgery addresses any remaining excess skin and repositions the nipple for a natural look. In some cases, a final touch-up surgery may be needed to refine the chest shape and improve the appearance of scars.
A double-incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts is another surgical option used for severe gynecomastia, in cases where a significant amount of breast tissue and excess skin need to be removed. Unlike traditional gynecomastia treatments, which involves small incisions and minimal skin removal, this method involves two larger incisions across the chest, allowing for the complete removal of breast tissue and precise repositioning of the nipples. This approach is ideal for cases with extensive tissue and skin, ensuring a flat, masculine chest contour and natural-looking nipple placement.
Gynecomastia surgery typically involves a combination of liposuction and tissue removal techniques.
Liposuction is used to remove excess fatty tissue through small incisions; a thin tube called a cannula is inserted to suction out the fat. Excision is performed to remove firmer glandular tissue, usually through incisions around the nipple (areola). In more severe cases, additional skin may be removed to achieve a smoother chest contour, and the nipples may be repositioned for a more natural appearance. Post-surgery, you will wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the new chest shape, returning to regular activities within a few weeks.
While gynecomastia surgery and gender-affirming chest surgery (“top surgery”) both aim to create a flatter, more masculine chest, they differ in purpose and technique. The reasons for the surgery, and the methods used, are tailored to each patient’s aesthetic goals. Surgical decisions and resulting scars depend on the size and shape of the breast, as well as the quantity, quality, and elasticity of the skin. Additionally, the shape, size, and position of the nipples are crucial considerations in both procedures.
Your surgeon can help guide your treatment and recommend any modifications or potential additional chest contouring procedures to give you the best possible result.
Bruising and swelling are expected after gynecomastia surgery. The incisions are typically closed with dissolving sutures and take several weeks to completely heal. Gynecomastia surgery is generally safe, but it carries some risks like any surgery. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry of the chest.
Before you go
Before considering gynecomastia surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history and your medications. They will also perform essential blood tests including checking hormone levels such as testosterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone to identify imbalances, and assessing liver, kidney, and thyroid function to rule out underlying conditions.
Additionally, tests for specific markers like beta-hCG and prolactin can help detect potential tumors or other gland issues. It is critical to make sure you do not have an undiagnosed condition or exposure to a medication or substance that could be causing your gynecomastia. (If present, such a situation should be addressed before any consideration of surgery.)
After the medical evaluation has been completed and your surgeon has determined that you are a good candidate for surgery, be sure to discuss your desired outcomes so they can tailor their techniques to your goals. Visual aids, like before-and-after photos, are always helpful.
Prior to surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or supplements. Your doctor will also advise about when you need to stop eating and drinking before your surgery. It’s always a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes, to account for any bandages or dressings.
During the procedure
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and pain-free while it is done. Typically, the surgeon will make minimally visible incisions and then perform liposuction, as well as directly excising breast tissue.
In another version of the surgery, known as a double-incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts, the surgeon will excise the breast tissue and excess skin through an incision placed along the lower edge of the chest muscles. The nipples are replaced with a skin graft in the appropriate aesthetic position. The procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and will last two to four hours depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Men’s Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Treatment) Aftercare
You should be able to go home the same day as the surgery; in rare cases, it is the day after.
The surgeon will usually employ drains, to deal with excess blood or fluid resulting from the procedure, particularly if a very large volume of breast tissue has been excised. Drains will typically remain until your first clinic visit a week or two after surgery.
There may be dressings over your incisions, and you will wear a compressive chest dressing or garment. It’s not uncommon to notice swelling and bruising. Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter and prescription pain medications.
You will be able to resume everyday activities around one to two weeks after surgery and exercise around six weeks after surgery. It can take three to six months to see the full results, as swelling decreases over time.