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Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Treatment)

Visible or overdeveloped breasts in men are more common than one may think. Characterized by excess male breast tissue, gynecomastia affects men from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. For individuals whose gynecomastia doesn’t resolve during puberty, the appearance of enlarged male breasts has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues, among other debilitating concerns. 

Renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Garlick skillfully combines surgical and minimally invasive techniques during gynecomastia excision treatment to restore more masculine contours in the chest, helping ensure a discreet, long-term result.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medically harmless condition indicated by enlarged, overdeveloped, or noticeable breast tissue in men, usually directly below the nipple and areolar region. In some cases of pseudogynecomastia, visible male breasts are only composed of excess fat in the subcutaneous plane of the chest. However, true gynecomastia consists of glandular (breast) tissue with or without fat, which cannot be improved with dieting and exercise alone. Though gynecomastia is often considered embarrassing or a source of insecurity, it is very commonly found in adult men — particularly athletes and bodybuilders. The exact cause of gynecomastia is unknown, but certain medications, steroids, and hormonal imbalances are thought to contribute to excess glandular tissue development in the chest. Dr. Garlick understands the difficulty and sensitivity of male patients living with overdeveloped breast tissue and prioritizes inconspicuous yet effective surgical results.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Right for Me?

Though gynecomastia cannot be corrected through natural remedies, gynecomastia surgery — often referred to as male breast reduction — can be a steadfast solution to correct enlarged male breasts. Signs that you may benefit from gynecomastia surgery include:

  • Excess volume in the chest or enlarged, puffy nipples
  • Self-consciousness about your appearance due to visible male breasts
  • The development of enlarged breasts as a result of bodybuilding, sports, etc. 
  • Avoidance of situations that require you to be shirtless, such as pools, locker rooms, etc.

In most cases, gynecomastia is treated by removing a combination of adipose (fatty) and glandular tissue, thereby flattening the chest and creating more masculine contours. You and Dr. Garlick will discuss surgery and determine the most optimal techniques to permanently resolve your gynecomastia during your consultation. 

How is Male Breast Reduction Performed?

To correct gynecomastia while retaining a natural-looking aesthetic, Dr. Garlick treats the chest as a whole. This may involve utilizing VASER® liposuction on the chest and sides to extract excess fat cells, and/or incorporating Renuvion® J-Plasma — a non-surgical treatment designed to tighten the skin using radiofrequency (RF) energy and helium plasma. In other cases, tissue is excised through a small access point below the nipple-areolar complexes, helping ensure little to no evidence of surgery. Techniques are often combined to attain the best possible outcome based on a patient’s anatomical indicators. Dr Garlick will go over the exact details of your unique treatment plan prior to the procedure. 

What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period After Male Breast Reduction?

After surgery, a compression garment will be placed around the chest to protect incisions, reduce swelling, and help facilitate your recovery. While swelling and bruising are normal, these reactions should subside naturally and with the assistance of over-the-counter pain medications, if needed. Most patients return to work after four to seven days, although more strenuous activity should be avoided until Dr. Garlick instructs otherwise — usually around the six week mark. Thanks to his diligent incision techniques, patients typically have virtually undetectable scars and little to no evidence of surgery. 
Male breast reduction can help you regain the confidence and positive self-image that may be diminished by gynecomastia. Please contact our practice to schedule your consultation with Dr. Garlick or to learn more about our services. 

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