Male Breast Reduction

While true gynecomastia involves the growth of actual glandular breast tissue, pseudogynecomastia is caused by excess fat in the chest area, often related to weight gain. It’s not always easy to tell the difference on your own, but there are some signs that may point to gynecomastia.

• Swollen or enlarged breast tissue on one or both sides
• A firm, rubbery mass beneath the nipple area
• Nipple puffiness
• Breast tenderness or sensitivity
• Emotional distress or self-consciousness related to chest appearance

If these symptoms do not improve even with healthy diet and exercise changes, they may be due to true gynecomastia rather than weight-related chest fullness.

The best way to know for sure if you have gynecomastia and if you are a candidate for male breast reduction is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang here at our Columbia office.

During your visit with Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve from gynecomastia surgery. Your doctor will also review your medical history and perform a physical evaluation to determine if male breast reduction could be right for you. In some cases, lab work may be ordered to rule out underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances or medication side effects.

Together, you and your surgeon will go over potential treatment options, including whether liposuction alone may be sufficient or if excision of glandular tissue is needed for the best result. You’ll also discuss what to expect before, during and after the procedure so you feel confident and well-informed should you choose to move forward with male breast reduction.

Male breast reduction is typically less involved than breast reduction surgery for women. In some cases, liposuction alone is enough to remove stubborn fat and achieve a smoother, more contoured body shape. In other cases, the underlying mammary gland may need to be surgically removed, or excised, in order to achieve a lasting sculpted appearance. While this option is more involved than liposuction, it can create results that last indefinitely while still minimizing scarring.

Finally, skin reshaping or tailoring may be necessary to remove and tighten loose or excess skin following liposuction with or without surgical excision. 

At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these options with you in more detail and recommend the best gynecomastia treatment plan based on your anatomy and goals.

Recovery after male breast reduction surgery is typically straightforward, although you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the chest for the first week or so after your procedure. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment for several weeks to reduce swelling and promote healing. 

You should feel up to performing light activities within a couple of days and are encouraged to get up and walk around the house regularly during the initial stage of healing. This helps to promote healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.

Most of our Baltimore patients are able to go back to work within 1 to 2 weeks after gynecomastia surgery. You will, however, need to avoid strenuous physical activity for around 4 to 6 weeks or until your surgeon clears you to resume your normal exercise routine.

After male breast reduction surgery, you should be able to notice an immediate difference in your body shape. However, significant swelling will camouflage your results, so do not be alarmed if you don’t see the results you’d hoped for instantly. For most men, results will begin to take shape within 3 to 6 weeks after their procedure, as swelling dissipates. 

Final gynecomastia surgery results can take up to 6 months to fully develop. These results are “permanent” in the sense that the fat and/or glandular tissue removed during surgery do not come back. However, it is possible to gain new weight in the chest area after male breast reduction, so it is important to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits for long-term results.