Some amount of fat and glandular tissue in the chest is normal for men, but certain factors like hormone changes, medications, or weight fluctuations can make this tissue more pronounced. When the chest takes on a fuller appearance, it can be difficult to achieve a flat, defined contour through diet and exercise. Our male breast reduction in Atlanta, GA, can help remove the excess tissue and restore a more streamlined shape.
At Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we use surgical techniques to address enlarged male breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia. During your consultation, we can also help identify what may be contributing to the issue, whether hormonal, medication-related, or otherwise.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia symptoms include a visible increase in breast tissue volume, often with a rubbery or firm texture beneath the nipple. Some patients also notice tenderness or sensitivity in the area, but the condition can occur without discomfort. In most cases, both sides of the chest are affected, although asymmetry is also possible.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Hormonal imbalance, especially when estrogen levels increase relative to testosterone, is one of the most frequent gynecomastia causes. Certain medications, including anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, and some antidepressants, can also trigger breast tissue growth. Additional factors may include liver or kidney conditions, thyroid issues, or the overuse of substances like alcohol.
When Is Male Breast Reduction Recommended?
We usually recommend male breast reduction when glandular tissue and fat do not respond to weight loss or other non-surgical methods. If the fullness in your chest has persisted for at least a year and imaging or lab work rules out other medical conditions, surgery may be the most effective option. We also consider your medical history, current medications, and any underlying hormone-related concerns before moving forward. When breast tissue is dense or painful, or when it causes physical restrictions, surgical removal offers a faster solution.
Types of Gynecomastia Surgery
Liposuction
If your gynecomastia is primarily caused by excess fat rather than dense glandular tissue, we may recommend liposuction. We insert a thin tube called a cannula through small incisions, then use it to break up and remove unwanted fat from the chest area. Liposuction can be very effective for smoothing the contour and reducing fullness when the skin remains firm and elastic.
Excision of Glandular Tissue
When the enlarged area includes firm glandular tissue that does not respond to liposuction, we need to surgically remove it through direct excision. We usually make a small incision around the lower edge of the areola to access and remove the dense tissue beneath. You will feel a noticeable difference in firmness and shape after removing the gland, especially if the area felt thick or hard before surgery.
Skin Excision
If you have stretched or loose skin along with enlarged tissue, we may need to remove some of that skin as part of the procedure. We assess how much excess skin is present and where it folds or sags, then decide the best way to tighten and reshape the area. We sometimes combine skin excision with liposuction or gland removal for better results.
Areola Reduction
When the areola has stretched or become noticeably wider due to tissue enlargement, we can reduce its size as part of the surgical plan. We use a circular incision to reshape and reposition the areola so that it matches the new chest contour. In some cases, we adjust the nipple position slightly for symmetry and proportion.
Can These Approaches Be Combined?
We often combine different surgical techniques to match the specific cause and severity of your gynecomastia. If you have both fatty tissue and firm glandular tissue, we may use liposuction along with direct excision. If the skin has stretched or the areola has widened, we can also include skin or areola reduction in the same procedure. We adjust our approach based on your anatomy and what will give the most natural-looking result.
Benefits of Male Breast Reduction
Flatter, Firmer Chest Contour
One of the main reasons people seek gynecomastia surgery is to reduce the fullness in the chest and make the chest area flat. After we remove excess tissue, fat, or skin, the muscles in the chest are more visible, and the area feels firmer to the touch.
Relief From Physical Discomfort
Gynecomastia is not always just a cosmetic concern. In some cases, it can lead to aching, tenderness, or tightness in the chest, especially during exercise or movement. Surgery can help relieve that discomfort by removing the tissue that is causing pressure or strain.
Permanent Solution to Gynecomastia
Once we remove the glandular tissue, it does not typically grow back if you maintain stable hormones and a healthy body weight. We address the primary source of the enlargement during surgery, and the results are long-lasting. If the condition developed due to medication, hormone shifts, or other triggers, we may also help you identify steps to prevent future changes.
Male Breast Reduction Considerations
- You May Have Scars: We make every effort to place incisions in discreet areas, often along the edge of the areola or in natural folds, but some scarring is expected. In most cases, scars fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
- Results Can Depend on Skin Elasticity: If your skin has good elasticity, it usually contracts well after chest fat removal and tissue reduction. Loose or stretched skin may not tighten on its own, which is why we sometimes recommend skin excision as part of the plan.
- Surgical Correction Does Not Entirely Prevent Recurrence: Surgery removes the existing tissue, but does not stop new growth from forming if underlying causes remain. While rare, hormonal changes, medication use, or weight gain can still lead to new enlargement in the future.
Downtime and Restrictions Are Required: After surgery, you need to limit activity, avoid lifting, and follow post-operative instructions carefully. You will also need to wear compression garments for a short period to support healing and reduce swelling.
What to Expect Before Surgery
We start by reviewing your health history, medications, and symptoms to confirm whether you are a good candidate for surgery. In some cases, we may order blood work or imaging to rule out other causes of breast tissue growth. During your consultation, we will examine your chest, assess skin elasticity, and determine whether liposuction, excision, or a combination will give the best result. We also explain what to expect from the procedure and answer any questions about preparation or downtime. Before surgery, we provide detailed instructions on how to manage medications and what to avoid in the days leading up to the procedure.
The Surgical Procedure
Surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of tissue removal and whether we need to address excess skin or areola size. We usually perform the procedure under general anesthesia, although in some cases we may use local anesthesia with sedation. After marking the treatment areas, we use small incisions to remove fat with liposuction or to excise glandular tissue. Once the tissue is removed, we place sutures and apply a compression garment to control swelling.
Recovery After Male Breast Reduction
Expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the first few days after surgery. You will need to wear a compression garment around the chest to help support healing and reduce fluid buildup. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and chest-focused workouts while your body heals. Most people return to non-physical work within a week, but full gynecomastia recovery can take several weeks. During your follow-up visits, we will monitor your progress, remove sutures if needed, and check how the tissue is settling. Reach out to us anytime you have concerns about your recovery.
Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
- Physically Healthy: You need to be in good general health before we move forward with gynecomastia treatment, since surgery involves anesthesia and a period of healing. We review your medical history to identify risks and may postpone surgery if you have uncontrolled conditions.
- Past Puberty: Hormonal shifts during adolescence often cause temporary tissue growth, and in some cases, it resolves without treatment. We typically wait until puberty is complete before considering surgery, since glandular tissue may still shrink on its own.
- Realistic Expectations: Chest fat reduction can improve the contour, but results vary from patient to patient. We explain what to expect, including the possibility of scars or minor asymmetry, so you can make an informed decision.
- Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking interferes with healing and raises the risk of complications. We require patients to quit all nicotine products before and after surgery to support safe recovery.
FAQs About Male Breast Reduction
Is Male Breast Reduction Covered By Insurance?
Most insurance plans consider male breast reduction cosmetic, which means they do not cover it. If the tissue causes physical symptoms like pain, skin breakdown, or functional issues, some plans may offer partial coverage. You will need to review your policy for more information.
How Do I Know If I Need Gland Removal or Fat Removal?
The best way to find out is through a physical exam. If the chest feels soft and responds to weight changes, fat is likely the main issue. If the tissue feels dense or rubbery under the nipple, it probably includes glandular growth. We will evaluate how much male breast tissue is present and recommend the right technique, whether it involves liposuction, excision, or both.
Can Male Breast Reduction Be Combined With Other Surgeries?
We often combine male breast surgery with other procedures, especially if you’re also interested in abdominal contouring or skin removal after weight loss. Doing multiple procedures in one session can reduce total recovery time, but only if it’s safe to do so. We will assess your health and goals to decide what makes sense during surgical planning.
When Can I Start Working Out?
You can resume light walking within a day or two, but you need to avoid upper-body workouts for about four to six weeks. Heavy lifting, pushups, or chest presses can interfere with healing and increase swelling if started too soon. We will let you know when to resume your full workout routine based on how your tissue is responding.
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost?
The cost of male breast reduction depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, whether liposuction is involved, and whether we need to remove skin or resize the areola. We provide a detailed quote after your consultation, which includes all expected fees like surgeon, anesthesia, and facility costs. Financing options are available for those who want to break up the cost into monthly payments.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Gynecomastia Surgery
When choosing a surgeon for gynecomastia correction, experience with both liposuction and tissue excision matters. You need someone who understands how to identify the cause of enlargement and match the surgical approach to the underlying issue. It also helps to choose a surgeon who has a strong background in chest and body contouring, since creating a natural-looking shape requires technical skill and attention to proportion. Always ask about board certification, surgical volume, and before-and-after results specific to male breast reduction.
About Us
At Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we provide well-informed care to those seeking cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. Dr. Stanley Okoro, known in Atlanta as “The Bow Tie Doctor,” is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body sculpting, breast surgery, and facial rejuvenation. He serves both local and international patients and frequently performs advanced cosmetic procedures in the United States and Nigeria. He has over 15 years of experience and a strong foundation in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Schedule a Male Breast Reduction Consultation in Atlanta, GA
Male breast reduction can address stubborn gynecomastia by removing excess tissue, fat, or skin that has not responded to weight loss or hormone stabilization. We use techniques based on your anatomy, symptoms, and goals to improve the chest contour and reduce discomfort. If you are considering surgery in Atlanta, GA, we can help you understand your options and determine whether treatment is right for you. To request a consultation at Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, call (770) 485-1554 or contact us through the online form.
