Gynecomastia is an enlargement or overdevelopment of the breasts in men. This is most common during puberty, but it can happen at any age. Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain, or the use of certain medications. Gynecomastia surgery, commonly known as male breast reduction, is a technique that reduces the size of a man’s breasts while simultaneously flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

Some patients may feel sensitivity, tenderness, irritation or pain from gynecomastia, but the vast majority of patients do not experience any serious health risks. While gynecomastia generally isn’t harmful to your physical health, enlarged male breasts can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and confidence. Mental health is equally as important as physical health – and for many, the mental and emotional toll of gynecomastia can certainly cause harm over time.

Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries for men. In fact, more than half of men across the globe will experience some form of gynecomastia in their lives. This procedure is much more common than you might think and has helped tens of thousands of men meet their aesthetic goals. 

The goal of  gynecomastia surgery, is to reduce the volume of breast tissue and improving the contour of the chest wall, all while minimizing visible scarring. Gynecomastia surgery may also require fat removal/liposuction to achieve a cosmetically attractive appearance of the chest.

Exercise alone can’t completely resolve gynecomastia, but it can be a practical part of a broader treatment plan. Toned chest muscles and a reduction in body fat can help diminish the appearance of gynecomastia, making enlarged tissue less noticeable. 

However, for some patients, exercise can actually exacerbate gynecomastia, as increased muscle volume can push glandular tissue outward. Your surgeon will recommend the treatment plan and type of exercise to incorporate in order to make the results from your gynecomastia surgery last.

Milder forms of gynecomastia can be treated – and sometimes, resolved entirely – without surgery. For example, a healthy diet and exercise regimen or hormone therapy may help gynecomastia resolve naturally. In other cases, treatment for underlying medical conditions can be helpful for patients with thyroid, adrenal, kidney, or liver issues. Over time, gynecomastia may even resolve on its own, but this could take anywhere between a few months and a few years (and in some cases, not at all). 

Patients who suffer from gynecomastia due to glandular enlargement will only see long-lasting, permanent results from gynecomastia surgery. Your doctor can help you determine the root cause of your gynecomastia, as well as whether non-surgical or surgical treatment is right for you.

Gynecomastia surgery candidates include:

• Men bothered by their enlarged breasts

• Individuals in generally good health and do not have any serious illnesses or medical conditions

• Men who are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight

• Non-smokers and non-drug users

• Men who have realistic expectations

• Men whose breast development has stabilized

• Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments

A gynecomastia consult starts with a comprehensive overview of your medical history, including any allergies, current medications, pre-existing conditions, and any relevant family medical history. The surgeon will examine your breast tissue to assess the shape and size of the enlarged tissue, as well as your skin type and laxity. They may take measurements and photographs to help track progress over time. 

Your gynecomastia consult will also include a discussion about the causes of gynecomastia and various treatment options that may be available to you (both surgical and non-surgical). The surgeon will recommend the treatment plan that is best suited to your needs and aesthetic goals to help you understand exactly what to expect from surgery and recovery.

Step One – Anesthesia

The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step Two – The Incision

There are three types of incisions when it comes to male breast reduction surgery.

Liposuction technique: When your gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction may be used to remove it. A cannula (a thin hollow tube) will be inserted through several small incisions by your surgeon.

The cannula is then pushed back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is then suctioned out of the body via a vacuum.

Excision technique: This technique is used when your glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to fix your gynecomastia. It is also necessary if your areola needs to be reduced and your nipples repositioned. Incision patterns during this technique will vary depending on the specific conditions of your gynecomastia and your surgeon’s preference.

Combination of techniques: Sometimes both the liposuction techniques and excision techniques are combined together.

Step Three – Closing the Incisions

Sutures are used to close the incisions which will be absorbed/dissolved by your body in two to four weeks, so they will not need to be removed. Steri-strips or surgical glue may also be used over your stitches.

Dressings and bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize any swelling and support the new chest contours. In some cases, small tubes with drains may be placed under the skin temporarily to remove any excess blood or fluid.

Step Four – See the Results

Immediately after surgery the results will be apparent and will continue to improve as the swelling lessens. The final result of your male breast reduction may take three to six months.

Depending on the complexity of your procedure, gynecomastia surgery can take between one and three hours to complete.

As with any surgery, the body will need to recover from the trauma exerted on it from the procedure and gynecomastia surgery is no different. Limiting your activity helps your body recover and aids a faster recovery period.

– 2-3 days following surgery patients may experience pain, tightness, or tenderness in their chest immediately following surgery. Most surgeons advise complete rest at this time, with only light walking recommended for exercise.

– 1 week following surgery there will be a decrease in pain and swelling. Drains may be removed, and you may be able to return to work and perform light physical activities. Strenuous movements involving the chest should still be avoided and compression garments should be worn throughout the day

– 2 weeks following surgery most men are feeling back to normal and can resume everyday activities. Vigorous exercise should still be avoided at this time. The majority of patients are cleared by their surgeon to resume normal exercise.

– 3-4 weeks after surgery (although exercises that specifically target the chest should still be avoided). Compression garments are no longer necessary. Swelling and bruising are mostly gone.

– 6 weeks following surgery usually marks the completion of the recovery process. Most patients can undertake all forms of exercise including strenuous movements involving the chest.

Although results may be visible right after surgery, it can take up to 4-6 weeks to see the full results of your gynecomastia surgery.

Post-surgical care is a critical piece of making your gynecomastia surgery results last. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed overview of how to take care of your incisions, which may include: 

• Changing bandages regularly and minimizing upper body movement as much as possible. 

• Wearing any surgeon-recommended compression garments to minimize swelling and promote good circulation.

• Applying healing ointment or moisturizer as directed by your surgeon.

• Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated to support healing.

• Scheduling regular follow-up appointments to check in on progress and healing. 

You can also make your gynecomastia surgery results last through a series of lifestyle changes. You may find that your surgeon recommends a combination of the following: 

• Incorporating a combination of strength training (especially chest exercises) and cardiovascular exercise into your workout routine. 

• Maintaining a stable, healthy weight. 

• Eating a well-balanced diet high in protein and rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. 

If your gynecomastia is caused by an underlying health condition, you’ll want to seek treatment in order to maintain gynecomastia surgery results over time. Adjustments to doses or a new medication entirely may also be necessary for patients who suffer from gynecomastia as a result of prescribed medication.

Going back to work after gynecomastia surgery will depend on your body’s unique healing rate, the depth of your procedure, and whether your job requires physical exertion. Most patients find that they need one to two weeks of recovery before going back to work. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to wait longer before you can comfortably return to work.

When gynecomastia surgery is performed, it removes this tissue permanently. A healthy weight should be maintained to avoid excess fat regrowth.

Because gynecomastia surgery requires making incisions, you can expect scarring – but with proper surgical technique and aftercare, your scars will become less visible over time. Incisions are typically minimal and easily hidden through your natural chest contours or near the areola. 

Your surgeon will walk you through the process, show before and after pictures, and explain their technique so that you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. After your surgery, following your aftercare plan will be crucial, as the healing process will help minimize the appearance of scarring. 

To find the best male breast reduction surgeon in Canada, you should consider the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and patient reviews. A key aspect of this process is ensuring that the surgeon has specific experience with surgery for gynecomastia. At Beautifi, we’ve simplified this search process. Our platform hosts a curated marketplace of verified doctors, including leading gynecomastia surgeons in Canada. We’re committed to connecting you with the best fit for your needs, ensuring a safer, more confident journey to your aesthetic goals.

The cost of surgery for gynecomastia depends on things like geographic location, surgeon/surgeon experience, and the complexity of your procedure. Typically, the surgery ranges from $5500 to $7,000.

Just like any surgery there are some potential risks, gynecomastia surgery risks include:

– Bleeding

– Infection

– Blood clots

– Breast asymmetry

– Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and legs

– Fat necrosis

– Poor wound healing

– Fluid accumulation

– Scarring

644/673 people who have undergone gynecomastia surgery have rated the procedure “Worth It” (96%)

– Source: Realself.com