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

Gynecomastia

Restore a masculine chest contour with surgical correction.

Gynecomastia - Our Approach

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.

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The 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

Procedure Quick Facts

AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia

Estimated Duration1.5–2.5 hours

Downtime7–10 days

Return to WorkMost 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.

Related Procedures

Medical Sources

Gynecomastia: Ultrasound-Confirmed Classification Pertainent to Surgical CorrectionAesthetic Plastic Surgery
Complications and Quality of Life following Gynecomastia Correction in Adolescents and Young MenPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery

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

Before you decide

Choosing your surgeon

The surgeon you choose matters as much as the procedure itself. Dr. Ruben Castro trained at UCLA and completed the Bruce Connell Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship, but his foundation was shaped just as much by his service in the U.S. Navy. It is a background built on discipline, judgment, and responsibility, the kind of qualities that matter when choosing whose hands you trust.

Meet Dr. Castro

Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California