Gynecomastia
Restore a masculine chest contour with surgical correction.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia surgery flattens and reshapes the male chest by removing gland, fat, or both. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola. In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin reduced.
Request a Private ConsultationThe Ideal Candidate
- Persistent male chest fullness despite weight control or exercise
- Firm gland tissue beneath the nipple or areola
- Chest asymmetry or enlarged or stretched areolas
- Stable weight and correctable causes already addressed when possible
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Estimated Duration
- 1.5–2.5 hours
- Downtime
- 7–10 days
- Return to Work
- Most patients return to desk work within seven to ten days. Physically demanding work or jobs requiring chest exertion typically require three to four weeks.
Surgical Technique
Gynecomastia surgery is tailored to the amount of fat, firm gland tissue, and loose skin present. In mild to moderate cases, liposuction is usually performed first to reduce fatty fullness and improve the chest contour. A small incision along the lower edge of the areola can then be used to remove the firm gland tissue beneath the nipple, which usually cannot be corrected with liposuction alone. In more advanced cases, extra skin may need to be tightened and the areola may need to be reduced or repositioned. A compression vest is placed immediately after surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia surgery is a good fit for men with persistent chest fullness caused by firm gland tissue, fat, or both after reversible causes have been addressed. Good candidates are at a stable weight, avoid nicotine, and have realistic expectations about chest contour and scar placement. If significant loose skin is present, skin tightening or areola repositioning may also be needed.
Recovery
After gynecomastia surgery, a compression vest is worn for about three to four weeks to reduce swelling and support the new chest contour. Many patients return to desk work within seven to ten days. Exercise that involves chest movement, pushing, pulling, or lifting is usually restricted for about four weeks. Contact sports generally require about six weeks and surgeon clearance. Final chest contour becomes more visible as swelling resolves over three to six months.
Acute Recovery
Compression vest worn continuously. Drain managed if placed. Chest soreness and swelling expected.
Return to Routine
Return to desk work and light daily activities. Significant swelling diminishes. Compression vest continues daytime use.
Activity Expansion
Lower body exercise permitted. Chest activity restrictions begin to ease. Areolar scar fading.
Final Result
Full activity resumed. Chest contour final result apparent as all swelling resolves.
Gynecomastia Risks & Considerations
Gynecomastia surgery risks include contour irregularities, seroma, which is fluid buildup, hematoma, which is a collection of blood, changes in nipple or areola sensation, asymmetry, infection, and visible scars. Removing too little tissue may leave persistent fullness, while removing too much can create a hollow or saucer-shaped contour. In severe cases with loose skin, additional skin removal may be needed to reach the desired chest shape.
- Contour irregularities
- Seroma (fluid buildup)
- Hematoma (blood collection)
- Changes in nipple or areola sensation
- Asymmetry
- Visible scarring
- Persistent fullness requiring revision
- Loose skin that may need additional treatment
Alternatives to Gynecomastia
When chest fullness is caused mostly by fat and there is little firm gland tissue, liposuction alone may be enough. If medications, hormones, or weight changes are contributing, medical evaluation or observation may be appropriate before surgery. In patients with significant loose skin, skin tightening or areola repositioning may need to be part of the surgical plan.
Medical Sources
Gynecomastia - Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes gynecomastia?
- It can be caused by hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs.
- Will the results be permanent?
- Yes, provided you maintain a stable weight and avoid certain medications that can trigger tissue growth.
- Is the procedure painful?
- Most patients report manageable discomfort, typically described as soreness, which is controlled with medication.
- Are there visible scars?
- Incisions are usually placed around the edge of the areola or in the natural creases of the chest to minimize visibility
Ready to talk through your options?
Every plan begins with a conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and whether this is genuinely the right procedure for you.
Schedule a ConsultationPerformed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California