Gynecomastia can be a difficult medical condition for men to experience. While the causes of this condition vary, there are two simple solutions. Some medications may help or surgery to reduce breast size may be the only option to see the best results. Enlarged breasts can hinder self-confidence for many men and it may even stop some men from participating in everyday activities they would enjoy. When this is the case, gynecomastia surgery is often the right solution. For men who suffer from this medical condition, surgery can reduce the size of the breasts and help to improve self-esteem. Learning a little bit more about your options can be beneficial before you speak to your doctor about your condition and treatment options.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the glandular tissue of the male breast. The condition may occur during infancy and puberty in normally developing boys. It results from an imbalance in the hormonal environment in the body, with a relative excess of estrogens (female hormones) when compared to androgens (male hormones).

Causes can include any of the following.

  • Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids
  • Antibiotics
  • Herbals like dong quai, tea tree oil, and lavender
  • Opioids (narcotic drugs)
  • Estrogen (including those in soy products)
  • Heartburn drugs
  • Anti-anxiety medication

This condition is also associated with the following common medical conditions.

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Obesity

There are some medications that can help to balance male hormones to treat this condition. However, gynecomastia surgery to reduce the size of the male breast is also a common, more effective option.

Male breast reduction surgery overview

Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced. A plastic surgeon may use liposuction to remove excess fat and rearrange your chest contour. For more advanced cases, tissue excision may be necessary.

What to expect: before, during & after the procedure

Below is a detailed step-by-step description of the gynecomastia surgery. However, please note that some of the details may differ depending on your unique needs and your surgeon’s preferences. For more specific information regarding your procedure, speak to your medical team.

Before Your Procedure

Before your procedure, you will have a consultation to discuss your body goals and answer any questions you have regarding the procedure. Your surgeon will walk you through the process and set your expectations for recovery.

On the day of your procedure, you will go to the outpatient setting where your surgery is taking place. Your health care team will ask you to fill out the necessary paperwork and prep you for the procedure. Then, a doctor will administer local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will make a small incision on each side of the chest. Depending on your needs and your cosmetic surgeon’s preferred technique, incisions may be located along a portion of the edge of the areola or within the armpit. Through these incisions, your cosmetic surgeon will remove excess fat and/or glandular tissue. At the same time, your surgeon will sculpt a new chest contour that looks natural to your body.

More severe cases of gynecomastia may require surgical tissue excision to achieve optimal results. Additionally, patients who have stretched, sagging skin around the breasts will usually require this approach. Tissue excision allows a cosmetic surgeon to remove a greater amount of glandular tissue and/or skin that cannot be successfully treated with liposuction alone.

The location and length of the incisions depend on the extent of surgery needed. Typically, they are around the edge of the areola, known as a peri-areolar incision. Sometimes, they are within the natural creases of the chest. Your surgeon will then stitch the incision using stitches or sutures.

After Your Procedure

After your surgeon stitches the incisions, you will be taken to a recovery room. In that room, your healthcare team will monitor your vitals immediately following the procedure. They will ensure that everything is normal and you will begin your journey through recovery.

Recovery tips for gynecomastia surgery

After gynecomastia surgery, you will notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of your chest. While you may feel sore for a few days, pain is usually minimal. While your cosmetic surgeon will likely prescribe some pain medication, many men find that over-the-counter options work well. Tylenol or Advil, for example, are good choices. You may be given a compression garment to wear. This will enhance your comfort and help your chest heal optimally.

While every patient’s healing process is unique, most patients feel ready to return to work just a few days after a male breast reduction. Some men experience a loss of sensation in the treated areas after a male breast reduction, but this is almost always temporary. Any loss of sensation should gradually return over the months following your procedure.

The recovery process for gynecomastia surgery with tissue excision is similar to that for liposuction. However, patients may experience soreness and some swelling. Typically, patients feel ready to return to work within 1 week of surgery, and a gradual return to exercise is usually permitted after the first couple of weeks.

Dr. Berlet can help you achieve your body goals

Dr. Berlet has been helping patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. He approaches all cosmetic surgeries with the goal of producing the best outcome for his patients and ensuring their comfort and safety throughout their journey. For men who suffer from gynecomastia, male breast reduction may be the best solution. To learn more about how Dr. Berlet and his staff can help you achieve your body goals, contact us! We would be happy to provide more information about the procedure and schedule a consultation to answer your questions.