What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is characterized by the development of enlarged male breasts. This common condition can afflict men of varying age, and most adolescent cases resolve spontaneously with time. Although the exact cause of gynecomastia remains unknown, certain drug side effects are known to contribute to male breast enlargement. Gynecomastia has also been linked to hormonal imbalances (particularly during puberty), marijuana use, steroid use, obesity, and genetics.
What Are Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
Excess glandular breast tissue is the primary symptom of gynecomastia, though often there is an accumulation of extra fatty tissue as well. In some cases, the appearance of enlarged male breasts is due entirely to excess fatty tissue (sometimes referred to as pseudo-gynecomastia). Extra skin may also develop as a result of stretched tissue or sagging breasts. Gynecomastia typically involves both breasts; however, some patients may have one breast that is noticeably larger than the other. Enlarged breasts may feel tender or even painful at times.
“They are extremely good. Just finished my surgery with Dr. Cobbins this morning and it is beyond perfection.”
What Is Male Breast Reduction?
Once longstanding, most males seek treatment for gynecomastia to avoid embarrassment and restore normal male chest contours. Offered by our Chicago plastic surgeons—Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins—male breast reduction is an operation performed to treat gynecomastia via the surgical removal of excess glandular and/or fat tissue in the breasts. Surgical results are excellent in the hands of a properly trained plastic surgeon who has considerable experience in male breast reduction, such as our doctors. Once excess glandular breast tissue and fatty tissue are removed, patients can enjoy a more masculine-appearing chest and feel more confident in their appearance—particularly when wearing tight-fitting clothing or not wearing a shirt at all.
What Can Male Breast Reduction Do?
Every male breast reduction is customized to meet the unique needs of the individual patient. Benefits of this procedure may include:
- Removal of extra glandular breast tissue
- Reduction of excess fatty tissue buildup
- Elimination of loose or sagging skin
- Repositioning and/or resizing of the areolas
Many patients experience a number of psychological benefits from male breast reduction, as well. Males with gynecomastia often feel self-conscious about the appearance of their chest and may avoid social settings such as gyms, beaches, or swimming pools. By treating gynecomastia, men can feel more confident in these (and other) situations.
Who Is a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
To determine if you are a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Braithwaite or Dr. Cobbins will review your health history and perform an examination during your consultation. They will also take preoperative photos at the time of your visit. During the consultation, your doctor will take time to understand your goals and desires as well as review available techniques for treatment. Candidates for male breast reduction may be in their teenage years or fully grown adults.
How Is the Male Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?
Both Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins have extensive experience with male breast reduction surgery. Both of our doctors continue to attract patients from all areas of the U.S. and extending into Canada. To achieve the best results, our doctors usually combine liposuction with excisional techniques. Our doctors routinely excise the tissue through a very small semicircular incision around the areola, after which liposuction is performed to sculpt and contour the surrounding soft tissue. The best results in gynecomastia surgery stem from proper liposuction contouring and expert breast tissue excision. Male breast reduction surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and the procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete.
How Is the Recovery Process Following Male Breast Reduction?
Patients can expect mild swelling and bruising in the days following their procedure. Any discomfort can be managed typically with over-the-counter pain medication. We instruct all gynecomastia patients to wear compression vests and to avoid strenuous upper body activity for four weeks. The results of male breast reduction can usually be noticed immediately and will continue to improve as the healing process progresses and residual swelling resolves.
How Long Do Gynecomastia Surgery Results Last?
Gynecomastia surgery results are generally considered long-lasting, especially when excess glandular tissue and fat are permanently removed. Once the glandular tissue is excised, it usually does not grow back. However, maintaining your results can be influenced by lifestyle factors. Significant weight gain, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or anabolic steroid use may cause the chest to enlarge again.
Most patients enjoy a flatter, firmer chest contour for many years, particularly when they maintain a stable weight and healthy habits. If underlying medical conditions are properly managed, recurrence is uncommon. A consultation with our surgeons can help ensure you are an appropriate candidate and understand how to preserve the outcomes of your surgery.
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost?
The average cost of male breast reduction is about $6,000. Since each procedure is custom-tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient, however, the price of treatment can vary widely. Factors that influence the final cost of gynecomastia surgery include:
- Type of tissue removed
- Volume of tissue removed
- Complexity of the procedure
- Hospital and anesthesiologist fees
- Post-operative medications
- Skill and experience of the plastic surgeon
- Geographic location of the practice
Our plastic surgeons at The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago want gynecomastia treatment to be available to all patients in need. In addition to accepting several different methods of payment, we offer financing options for qualifying patients that can allow individuals to break up their total expense into monthly installments with low interest rates. For more information about these financing options, a knowledgeable member of our staff would be happy to assist you.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Male Breast Reduction
Will there be scarring after gynecomastia surgery?
Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Cobbins take great care to minimize scarring from male breast reduction. If incisions are made around the areola, the resulting scar will typically blend in and be very hard to detect.
How can I maintain the results of my gynecomastia surgery?
To help maintain results, it is important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and minimize significant weight fluctuations over time. It is also important to properly stick to post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly. These steps can help ensure long-lasting results from male breast reduction surgery.
Will I lose nipple sensation after gynecomastia surgery?
Temporary changes in nipple sensation are possible after gynecomastia surgery. Some patients may experience numbness, tingling, or increased sensitivity as the nerves heal. In most cases, normal sensation gradually returns over several weeks to months. Permanent loss of sensation is uncommon but can occur.
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and carefully following post-operative instructions can help minimize risks. During your consultation, our surgeons will explain the technique being used and discuss potential side effects so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
How should I prepare for gynecomastia surgery?
Preparing for surgery often starts with a thorough consultation and medical evaluation. Dr. Cobbins and Dr. Braithwaite may recommend lab testing and advise you to stop smoking several weeks before surgery to support proper healing. You may also need to avoid certain medications and supplements, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, that can increase bleeding risk.
If this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you should be able to drive yourself home afterwards.
Can gynecomastia surgery be combined with other procedures?
Gynecomastia surgery can often be safely combined with other procedures to enhance overall body contour and achieve more comprehensive results. Common combinations include liposuction of the abdomen or flanks to create a more balanced, masculine silhouette. Some patients also choose skin tightening procedures if significant laxity is present.
In certain cases, gynecomastia surgery may be paired with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, depending on a patient’s goals and anatomy. Combining procedures can help reduce overall downtime and allow for a single recovery period.
Contact Us
If you would like to schedule a consultation for male breast reduction at our Chicago plastic surgery practice, please contact us via email or call (312) 361-8108 today!