Male Breast Reduction
Enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, can affect boys and men of all ages. In fact, around 70 percent of men will have some degree of gynecomastia by the time they reach the age of 70. While feminine-looking breasts in men is quite common, it can be a source of insecurity for some men who are significantly affected.
Gynecomastia can be due to enlarged breast glands, excess fatty breast tissue or a combination of both. Diet and exercise may be able to help reduce some of the fat, but it will not address the enlarged glandular tissue or excess skin that may be left behind.
At The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry, gynecomastia can be corrected with male breast reduction to remove excess skin and tissue in the chest. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are leaders in body contouring surgeries and have performed over 200 male breast reduction procedures with remarkable results. Each gynecomastia case is treated as uniquely as their diagnosis so that your results are customized to achieve your goals.
Why Choose Us
- We perform a high volume of male breast reductions and other cosmetic surgery procedures, so you can feel confident about our technical skills and the results that can be achieved.
- Our board-certified plastic surgeons take the time to customize each surgery to the unique needs of each patient.
- We’re well-known throughout the Sacramento area as a trusted plastic surgery practice, and have been serving the local community since 2006. Most of our staff has been with us for 5 years or more, and we’ve worked with the same anesthesiologist team since 2006.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is designed to restore a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest contour. Beyond the physical changes, many men experience meaningful improvements in confidence and overall quality of life. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the procedure offers both cosmetic and psychological benefits that can be long-lasting, including:
- A flatter, more masculine chest. Male breast reduction removes excess glandular tissue and fat to create a firmer, more sculpted chest contour.
- Improved clothing fit. T-shirts, dress shirts and athletic wear often fit more comfortably and naturally after surgery.
- Increased self-confidence. Many men feel less self-conscious in social situations, at the gym or at the beach.
- Long-lasting results. Once glandular tissue is removed, it typically does not return, especially with stable weight maintenance.
- Better posture and comfort. Eliminating chest fullness can reduce the tendency to hunch forward to hide the area.
Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
Men can experience gynecomastia to varying degrees in one or both breasts, and the condition can occur at nearly any age. Gynecomastia can be separated into two categories:
- True gynecomastia involves the development of glandular breast tissue, which is typically due to a hormonal imbalance and can only be corrected with surgical removal of the tissue.
- Pseudogynecomastia is the appearance of softer contours in the male chest due to excess fatty deposits. This type of gynecomastia most often occurs as a result of weight gain.
Weight loss can also impact male breast appearance. Our surgeons perform post weight loss male breast reduction to help bring out the best in your physique after reaching your target weight.
Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on men of any age if they are physically and psychologically healthy, though men with elastic skin are considered the best candidates for male breast reduction surgery.
Request Your Consult
Your Consult
Before your gynecomastia surgery, you’ll schedule a consultation at The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry. This visit is an important first step and is designed to ensure your treatment plan is fully personalized to your goals and needs.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, what you’ve noticed about your chest contour and what you hope to achieve with surgery. A physical examination will help determine whether excess fat, glandular tissue, loose skin or a combination of factors is present. From there, we’ll recommend the most appropriate surgical approach to deliver the most natural-looking result.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure itself, recovery, scarring, downtime and expected results so you feel fully informed and confident moving forward.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed pre- and post-operative instructions outlining exactly how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery, so you know your next steps every step of the way.
Male Breast Reduction Options
Male breast reduction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The right approach depends on whether the enlarged chest is caused primarily by excess fat, firm glandular tissue, loose skin or a combination of these factors. In many cases, the most effective treatment plan uses more than one technique.
Liposuction can be ideal when excess fatty tissue is the primary concern. Through small, discreet incisions, a thin cannula is used to remove fat and sculpt the chest. Liposuction works well for men with good skin elasticity and minimal glandular enlargement, offering a smoother contour with minimal scarring and a relatively quick recovery.
Excision surgery is necessary when firm glandular tissue is present. Unlike fat, glandular tissue cannot be removed with liposuction alone. Excision allows your surgeon to directly remove dense breast tissue and, if needed, excess skin. Incisions are typically placed around the edge of the areola for subtle scar placement.
Combination treatment is very common. Many men have both excess fat and glandular tissue, making a combined approach the most effective way to achieve a flatter, natural-looking result. Using both techniques allows for precise contouring and long-lasting improvement.
Preparing for Your Gynecomastia Surgery
Taking a few important steps before your procedure can help to minimize risks and support a smooth recovery. Your surgeon will provide personalized instructions, but in general, items that should be done before your surgery include:
- Stop smoking
- Stop or significantly reduce taking medications and supplements that thin the blood
- Complete any required lab work or medical clearances
- Arrange time off work and limit strenuous activities
- Prepare your home for recovery
- Enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment and help around the house for a few days after surgery.
Your Male Breast Reduction Procedure
If excessive glandular tissue is the cause of breast overdevelopment, our doctors will usually choose to remove the tissue through excision. Depending on your goals and current physique, some liposuction of the chest area may be performed as well.
The incision will usually be made in the underarm area or on the edge of the areola so that scarring will be inconspicuous. Major reductions that require significant removal of tissue and skin often require larger incisions, and may result in more conspicuous scars.
If your gynecomastia is caused by excessive fatty tissue, liposuction of the chest area should be effective without additional surgery. Male breast reduction via liposuction requires only a small incision for the cannula, a narrow tube used to break up and suction fat cells from the area.
Either approach for male breast reduction is generally performed under general anesthesia, and should take from 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Recovery time will vary depending on whether liposuction or surgical excision was performed and the extent of correction needed as well as your individual circumstances. Compression garments are typically recommended to reduce swelling and support healing, and drains may be used to remove excess blood and fluid.
You may experience soreness, bruising and swelling at the surgical site. Resting, following your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions and taking pain medication can help reduce any discomfort and speed up your recovery. Do not overstrain yourself as you heal, as this may affect your results.
However, many men head back to work within a week or two, and return to full activity by a month following gynecomastia surgery.
Male Breast Reduction Results
Following your gynecomastia surgery, you should see noticeable changes right away, as excess tissue has been removed and your chest contour is flatter. However, swelling is normal in the early weeks and may temporarily obscure your final outcome.
As swelling continues to subside, you should see continued improvement over the course of several months, with most men appreciating their more refined, final results around 3 to 6 months after surgery. If you have scarring from your procedure, it should continue to soften and fade over time.
Gynecomastia surgery is typically a one-time procedure with long-lasting results. Once glandular tissue is removed, it does not usually return. To prolong your results, it is essential that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, maintain a stable weight and avoid certain medications or substances that can contribute to hormonal changes or weight gain.
Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs
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How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Sacramento?
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Does insurance cover the cost of male breast reduction?Most health insurance plans classify gynecomastia surgery as cosmetic and therefore do not cover the cost. In rare cases where there’s a clear medical reason, some insurers may offer partial coverage, but this is uncommon.
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What’s the best age to get gynecomastia surgery?There’s no single “best” age for this procedure, but we typically recommend waiting until breast development has stabilized, often after puberty. Adults of many ages can be good candidates if they’re in good health and have realistic goals.
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Do I have to lose weight before gynecomastia surgery?Weight loss isn’t required, but reaching and maintaining a stable, healthy weight first can help to optimize results. If excess fat contributes to chest fullness, losing weight may reduce fat but won’t remove glandular tissue without surgery.
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How long do gynecomastia surgery results last?Results are generally long-lasting or permanent once excess glandular tissue and fat are removed. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight will help to preserve your outcome.
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Can “man boobs” grow back after surgery?The tissue removed during surgery doesn’t typically grow back. However, significant weight gain or hormonal changes can lead to fat accumulation in the chest area again, which may affect your results.
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Is male breast reduction surgery worth it?Many men find the procedure worthwhile because it can significantly improve chest contour, self-confidence and comfort with clothing and activities. Satisfaction tends to be high when expectations are realistic.
Meet Our Doctors
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