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Male

Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia Surgery

Men may not discuss it often, but male development of breast tissue is actually very common. Men who struggle with excessive breast tissue growth, called gynecomastia, often also suffer from insecurities about the shape of their bodies. At Lickstein Plastic Surgery, serving Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie and beyond, we perform male breast reduction surgery to restore the chest to a more masculine appearance.

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What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is the development of excess fatty tissue or glandular tissue on the male chest. Roughly 70% of men develop gynecomastia, and the condition is most common in the teenage years or after the age of 50. For most men, gynecomastia is solely a cosmetic concern and is not associated with any medical conditions such as breast cancer. Still, this condition can be embarrassing, so many men with gynecomastia choose to undergo male breast reduction surgery.1

What is the Cause of Gynecomastia?

In most cases, gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance, with males producing low testosterone levels and higher estrogen levels. Some men suffer from conditions that block testosterone effects, reduce their testosterone production, or cause them to produce higher levels of estrogen. Gynecomastia during puberty and after the age of 50 is most common, due to hormonal changes that may cause estrogen and testosterone levels to become unbalanced. Certain medications, recreational drugs, anabolic steroids, and alcohol consumption may also cause gynecomastia.2

Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Males with excessive breast tissue growth enjoy many benefits from gynecomastia surgery, including:

  • Improved chest definition
  • Improved chest symmetry
  • A more masculine appearance
  • Increased wardrobe options
  • Improved self-confidence

Who is a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

If you are a man who has excessive breast tissue despite a healthy weight, you may benefit from gynecomastia surgery. The ideal candidate for male breast reduction has completed puberty, is in good overall health, and is a non-smoker.

Male Breast Reduction: What to Expect

Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery

The first step in preparing for gynecomastia surgery is to attend a private consultation with a plastic surgeon you trust. Once you discuss your concerns and goals, the doctor will conduct a brief physical examination and review your medical history. Together, you will decide whether gynecomastia surgery is right for you.

The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure

The techniques employed during gynecomastia surgery are dependent on each man’s unique condition and concerns. For some patients, liposuction is employed through very small incisions to remove excess fat. For men with more extensive gynecomastia, excess skin and tissue may also need to be removed and the nipples repositioned.

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

Recovery after gynecomastia surgery varies according to the procedure(s) performed. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after male breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication to help you remain comfortable during the recovery process. Most men are able to return to work one week after their procedure. Your surgeon will also advise you when it is time to resume exercise and other strenuous activities, usually about four weeks after gynecomastia surgery.

Gynecomastia

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Breast Reduction

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Will I have scars after male breast reduction surgery?

Our plastic surgeons are careful to make gynecomastia surgery incisions in such a manner as to leave little to no visible scarring. If your male breast reduction procedure has the potential to create scars, your surgeon will advise you how to minimize the appearance of scarring.

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Can I combine gynecomastia surgery with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many of our male patients also choose to have liposuction with their breast reduction surgery. We frequently perform cosmetic surgery procedures for men, and our surgeons employ their expertise to create results that look natural.

We believe the best results are born from an in-depth discussion of patient goals, followed by a customized treatment plan.

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Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 Johnson RE, Murad MH. Gynecomastia: pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(11):1010-1015. doi:10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60671-X. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2770912/. Accessed April 13, 2022.

2 Mayo Clinic. Gynecomastia. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gynecomastia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351793 Accessed April 13, 2022.

The Doctors at Lickstein Plastic Surgery have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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