What is Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia Treatment? - Philadelphia, PA

Your chest shouldn’t hold you back. Yet for many men, enlarged breast tissue creates a daily battle with self-image, comfort, and confidence.

For those seeking treatment, understanding what male breast reduction is called and understanding what it can do can help one feel empowered and knowledgeable on their options to correct what bothers them about their chest. This procedure, medically termed gynecomastia surgery, removes excess breast tissue through surgical techniques. It restores a masculine chest contour when diet and exercise fail.

Men who undergo this treatment report dramatic improvements in self-confidence, physical comfort, and quality of life. The surgery addresses various causes of male breast enlargement, from hormonal imbalances to medication side effects.

Related: What Causes Gynecomastia?

What Is Male Breast Reduction Called

Understanding Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of male breast tissue. According to Research Gate, this condition affects approximately 35% of men overall, with prevalence varying by age group. Studies show that 60-90% of newborns, up to 65% of adolescents, and 24-65% of men over age 50 may experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives.

While many cases resolve without intervention, persistent gynecomastia often requires medical attention, especially when diet and exercise does not help resolve the gynecomastia.

Male breast enlargement occurs due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. This imbalance can result from numerous factors, including:

Hormonal changes during puberty or aging
Certain medications, including some antibiotics and heart medications
Anabolic steroid use
Health conditions such as liver disease or hyperthyroidism
Obesity, which increases estrogen production

Types of Male Chest Reduction Surgery

There are different surgical options for male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery. Depending on your specific condition and the cause of your gynecomastia, a plastic surgeon will recommend the option that is best for your situation.

The primary surgical approaches to treat gynecomastia include:

Liposuction-Only Technique

For patients with primarily fatty tissue enlargement, liposuction offers an effective solution. This technique involves:

Small incisions around the areola or in the natural chest creases or armpit
Insertion of a cannula (thin tube) to break up and remove fatty tissue
Minimal scarring and relatively quick recovery time

Removal of Gland Breast Tissue – Subcutaneous Mastectomy

When patients have significant glandular tissue, this tissue or glands must be removed through a technique called subcutaneous mastectomy. This approach involves surgical removal of the gland underneath the nipple and surrounding breast tissue through an incision around the lower edge of the nipple / areola.

Combination Approach

Most cases benefit from combining both liposuction and direct removal of gland breast tissue or subcutaneous mastectomy. This comprehensive approach addresses both fatty and glandular tissue components, providing optimal results for moderate to severe gynecomastia.

Removal of Excess Skin

When there is excess skin or the male breast is very large or droopy, then removal of skin from the chest may be required. This will be in combination with removal of the excess breast tissue. The nipple-areola complex will be repositioned, if necessary

Male Breast Reduction Candidates

Ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery include men who:

Have stable breast enlargement that has not responded to non-surgical treatments
Maintain a relatively stable weight
Do not use substances that may contribute to the condition
Possesses good overall health
Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes

Men experiencing temporary gynecomastia due to medication use or temporary conditions may benefit from addressing the underlying cause before considering surgical intervention.

Gynecomastia Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Approaches

Before pursuing surgical intervention, patients may explore several non-surgical gynecomastia treatment options:

Lifestyle Modifications

For cases primarily caused by excess body fat, dietary changes and targeted exercise may reduce the appearance of enlarged breasts. These modifications include:

A balanced diet focused on lean proteins and vegetables
Reduction in processed foods and alcohol consumption
Chest-specific exercises to build muscle and improve appearance
Regular cardiovascular activity to reduce overall body fat

Medication Adjustments

When gynecomastia stems from medication side effects, consulting with a medical professional about alternative treatments may resolve the condition or prevent it from getting worse. Common medications that may cause gynecomastia include:

Hair growth medications
Anti-reflux medications
Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medications
Antibiotics
Heart medications
Prostate treatments

Hormone Therapy

In select cases, hormone therapy may help rebalance testosterone and estrogen levels. This approach works best for patients with confirmed hormonal imbalances and requires careful medical supervision. However, once one has established gynecomastia, restoring hormone balance will not reverse the gynecomastia.

Surgical Treatment Process

The male chest reduction surgery process involves several important stages:

Initial Consultation

The first appointment includes:

Assessment of gynecomastia severity and cause
Medical history review
Medication review
Discussion of goals
Technique recommendations
Explanation of risks and outcomes

Preoperative Preparation

Before surgery, patients must:

Complete required laboratory tests if necessary
Adjust medications as directed
Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery
Follow fasting guidelines for surgery day

Surgical Procedure

The typical male chest reduction procedure:

Takes 1 to 2 hours
Uses general anesthesia or local with sedation
Features strategic incision placement for minimal scarring
Removes excess tissue (gland, fat, and sometimes skin)
May require drainage tubes for larger procedures

Recovery and Results

Male Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline

Male breast reduction recovery occurs in phases:

Immediate Postoperative Period (1 to 7 Days)

The first week includes:

Wearing compression garments
Managing discomfort with prescribed non-narcotic or OTC (such as Tylenol) medication
Attending drain removal appointments (if needed)
Beginning light walks
Returning to desk work in 3 to 7 days
Usually can return to driving in 2 to 3 days

Early Recovery (1 to 3 Weeks)

Weeks 1 to 3 typically involve:

Continuing compression garment use
Chest exercises starting at 2 weeks to shape the chest and tighten skin
May exercise lower body and legs with no restriction
Back to work in 1 to 2 weeks for physical occupations

Full Recovery (4 to 6 Weeks)

The final phase includes:

Returning to more strenuous exercise
Stopping compression garment use
Adjusting to the new chest contour
Incision lines continue to heal and fade

Complete healing may take 6 to 12 months as the chest continues to heal and the swelling resolves.

Expected Results and Satisfaction

Good candidates for gynecomastia surgery typically experience:

Flatter, more masculine chest contour
Better comfort in fitted clothing
More confidence
Less physical discomfort
Long-lasting results with stable weight

Most men report significant quality of life improvements after successful surgery.

Potential Complications and Management

While gynecomastia surgery is generally safe, potential complications may include:

Temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation
Asymmetry between breasts
Contour irregularities
Scarring that is more visible than anticipated

Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in gynecomastia surgery significantly reduces these risks. Following all preoperative and postoperative instructions also helps ensure optimal healing and results.

Practical Considerations

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost Factors

The cost of male breast reduction varies based on several factors:

Procedure Complexity

More extensive procedures involving both glandular excision and significant skin removal generally cost more than simpler liposuction-only approaches.

Geographic Location

Surgical fees vary considerably by region, with procedures in major metropolitan areas typically higher than those in smaller cities. Take a look at our patient financing options here!

Plastic Surgeon Expertise

Highly specialized plastic surgeons with extensive experience in gynecomastia surgery may charge premium rates that reflect their expertise and consistent results.

Facility and Anesthesia Fees

The surgical setting (hospital, ambulatory surgery center, or office-based surgical suite) and the type of anesthesia used influence the total cost.

Additional Services

Preoperative testing, postoperative garments, medications, and follow-up visits may or may not be included in the quoted surgical fee.

Most practices offer financing options to make gynecomastia surgery more accessible, as insurance rarely covers this procedure unless medical necessity can be demonstrated.

Selecting a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

The success of gynecomastia surgery can depend on the plastic surgeon’s skill and experience. Important qualifications include:

Board certification in plastic surgery
Specialized training in gynecomastia procedures
Extensive experience with male breast reduction
A portfolio of successful before-and-after results
Clear communication about expectations and limitations
Comprehensive approach to preoperative and postoperative care

Making an Informed Decision

Evaluating Gynecomastia Surgery Before and After Results

Reviewing before and after photographs helps patients understand potential outcomes. Look for:

Cases with similar starting conditions
Results from multiple angles
Photos at different healing stages
Understanding how body type affects results
Scar placement and quality

Questions to Ask During Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation

Smart questions to ask include:

Which technique works best for my case?
How many gynecomastia surgeries do you perform yearly?
Where will my scars be located?
Will weight stability preserve my results?
What complications might occur?
How do you handle revisions if needed?

Psychological Benefits Beyond Physical Change

The psychological benefits of gynecomastia surgery often match or exceed the physical changes:

Improved body image and self-perception
Reduced anxiety in social situations
Greater comfort during physical activities
Expanded clothing options
Enhanced confidence in intimate relationships

Transform Your Profile, Restore Your Confidence

Male breast reduction surgery provides a permanent solution when non-surgical approaches fail. Under the skilled care of a board-certified plastic surgeon, this procedure creates a more masculine chest contour while alleviating emotional distress.

Dr. Adrian Lo specializes in gynecomastia treatment, offering personalized care for men throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. With extensive experience in male chest reduction surgery, Dr. Lo combines surgical expertise with an understanding of the physical and emotional aspects of this condition.

Take the first step toward transformation by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lo.