Male Breast Reduction: Gynecomastia Bryn Mawr, PA

Plastic Surgeon & Medical Spa Serving Bryn Mawr, Villanova & Communities Near The Main Line Of Philadelphia, PA

At Main Line Plastic Surgery, we offer male breast reduction procedures for individuals with gynecomastia. For many patients, this procedure can be life-changing and help provide improved confidence in social and professional interactions.

Excessive male breast tissue, a condition called gynecomastia, impacts roughly 40-60% of men in the United States. For many people experiencing this common condition, it can be a source of self-consciousness or embarrassment. This is especially true in situations where you must remove your shirt, such as at the beach, by a pool, at the gym or in front of your romantic partner. Fortunately, gynecomastia doesn’t have to negatively impact your life any longer.

Dr. Raymond Jean is sensitive to the self-consciousness associated with gynecomastia, and he is committed to providing you with compassionate care throughout the process. You can learn about your options and receive individualized treatment recommendations by speaking with Dr. Jean in person.

Please Text or Call today to schedule your male breast reduction consultation. We serve patients in Bryn Mawr, Villanova and throughout the Main Line of Philadelphia.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that results in enlarged breast tissue in men. It most commonly develops in adolescent males around the time they reach puberty. In some instances, gynecomastia goes away as you enter adulthood. However, many men find that the condition impacts them throughout their adult lives.

Male Breast Reduction

Common causes of gynecomastia include:

  • Hormonal imbalance (too little production of testosterone and/or too much production of estrogen)
  • Consumption of certain medications
  • Anabolic steroid use
  • Drug use
  • Weight gain
  • Use of dietary supplements
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Thyroid problems

Am I a Male Breast Reduction Candidate?

If you experience gynecomastia, you are most likely a male breast reduction candidate. Ideal candidates for this procedure are adult males who:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure
  • Feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their enlarged breast appearance
  • Have firm, elastic skin that will reshape well to their body’s new contours
  • Are at or near their ideal weight

In addition, smokers must be willing to quit prior to surgery and throughout the recovery period. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can negatively impact healing.

Your Male Breast Reduction Procedure

Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure typically takes one to three hours. Several techniques can be utilized in male breast reduction, depending on the extent of the procedure.

If the enlarged breasts are primarily caused by excessive fatty tissue, liposuction can be performed through tiny incisions to remove the excess fat. The incision may be made around the edge of the areola (the area around the nipple) or in the underarm. If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the enlarged breast, the tissue will be excised, or cut out, in addition to liposuction.

In more extreme instances when large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, excess skin may have remained that has not reshaped well to the new contour of the breast. In these cases, the excess skin may have to be removed as well. The incisions are then closed using sutures and are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

What Are the Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Having enlarged breasts can take a toll on self-confidence. Male breast reduction sculpts the chest back into masculine form, which can have an immediate and profound effect on emotional wellness. Free from insecurities related to body shape, you may no longer feel anxiety in social situations. You may change the style of clothing that you wear because you're no longer hiding your chest contours. In general,  you may find, like many patients, that you simply enjoy life more.

In addition to the emotional benefits gained through gynecomastia surgery, this procedure is advantageous in that it is a relatively short procedure and incurs little downtime. Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure that may take 90 minutes to two hours. The entire recovery period may last four to six weeks. However, you can expect to feel well enough to return to work after seven to 10 days.

What Should I Expect at My Male Breast Reduction Consultation?

When you visit our Bryn Mawr office for gynecomastia surgery, you can expect to be made to feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. Jean understands the toll that male breast enlargement takes on the psyche and how difficult it can be to seek help. Your consultation is an opportunity to express your concerns and the impact that your shape is having on your life. After reviewing your medical history, current health, medications and supplements, and lifestyle habits and goals, the doctor will perform an examination of your breast tissue. This may include taking detailed measurements of your chest, assessing the quality of your skin, and noting the placement of your nipples and areolas. The doctor may also order lab tests to evaluate your endocrine function or may suggest that you also see your general physician for such testing. Doing so can explore potential underlying causes of breast enlargement. Finally, you can expect to learn all about the breast reduction procedure. The doctor will clearly explain the steps that would be involved in your gynecomastia correction surgery and what you can expect in terms of outcome and recovery. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions that arise during your consultation. It is important to us that you have all of the information you need to make a confident decision about male breast reduction surgery.

Who is Not a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

We would like every man who wants to correct gynecomastia to have the opportunity to do so. We know the difference that it makes to reclaim confidence in your body! That said, some patients may not be good candidates for surgery.  If you have a condition that may create significant surgical risks or risks of post-operative complications, you may not be a good candidate for male breast reduction. If you smoke, you can still have surgery, but you will have to quit several weeks before your procedure. You will also need to refrain from smoking until you have fully recovered from the surgery. Dr. Jean is thorough in his consultation and medical review and will discuss precautions that you may need to take before surgery if applicable to your case.

How Long after Male Breast Reduction Surgery Will I see Results?

As soon as you wake up from anesthesia, you will notice that your chest is flatter than it was. However, your new shape will be obscured by swelling and your post-operative bandages. The majority of the swelling that occurs during recovery should resolve in 10 to 14 days. That said, it can take several months for the last bit of swelling to disappear and your new chest to be fully apparent.

How Long Will My Male Breast Reduction Results Last?

Provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle after your male breast reduction surgery, you can expect your results to endure for many years. The primary factor that may affect breast shape after surgery is your weight. If you follow a healthy diet and work out normally, you should not experience a recurrence of excessive breast tissue. It doesn't take much to sustain your shape. You won't have to spend countless hours in the gym, doing cardio and chest exercises. Those days are over. Going forward after gynecomastia surgery, it's all about moderation.

What Are the Risks of Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Though generally minimally invasive, gynecomastia surgery is still surgery. It involves anesthesia and incisions, both of which carry inherent risks. During your consultation, the doctor may discuss potential risks such as:

  • Infection
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Change in tissue sensation
  • Poor wound healing
  • Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
  • Prolonged pain or numbness
  • Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome

The risks associated with male breast reduction can be mitigated by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with considerable experience performing breast procedures. Secondly, strict adherence to post-operative care instructions has a significant impact on optimal healing.

See BEFORE-AND-AFTER PHOTOS of gynecomastia surgery.

Gynecomastia Triggers

While gynecomastia is not always a prevenatable condition, there are a few habits within a patient’s control that can be changed to help prevent the appearance of man breasts. For example, the food men consume may have a huge effect on swelling in the body, leading to a more noticeable appearance in man breasts. Other foods can lead to increased body fat, which produces excess estrogen and may impact a man’s hormonal balance of testosterone, leading to gynecomastia.

To prevent the appearance of gynecomastia, consider removing or cutting back on the following foods from your diet:

  • Alcohol
  • Soy products
  • Dairy products
  • Shrimp
  • Strawberries
  • Frozen meat
  • Beans
  • Processed food
  • Deep fried food

What’s New in the Science of Male Breast Reduction

New Technique Prevents Nipple Discoloration After Gynecomastia Procedure

No matter the reason why a man needs a breast reduction, the gynecomastia procedure will most likely involve the removal of the nipple. When this happens, blood vessels in the nipple area are often lost, and when put back in place, some men experience discoloration or lose the natural cover of their nipple.

Luckily, a new surgical technique pioneered by surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center has been proven to maintain the blood vessels in the nipple area by surgically cutting the breast without leaving behind excess skin. As the breast flap is put back in place, blood vessels in the nipple remain unharmed, and patients find their natural color returns after making a full recovery.

Recovery after Male Breast Reduction Surgery

You may experience some mild swelling, bruising and discomfort after your procedure. The discomfort typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Jean. You will need to wear an elastic pressure garment for about two weeks, and at night for a few more weeks, to help reduce swelling. Most swelling will generally subside within the first two weeks of recovery.

Dr. Jean encourages you to start walking around on the day of your breast reduction surgery. This will promote blood flow, reduce the risk of blood clots, and facilitate proper healing. Light aerobic exercise and most normal activities can be resumed after a week, and you should be able to return to work at this point of your recovery. However, you will need to avoid strenuous activities for approximately four weeks after surgery.

Contact our Bryn Mawr Plastic Surgeon

Please contact Main Line Plastic Surgery online or Text or Call today to schedule your male breast reduction consultation. We serve patients in Bryn Mawr, Villanova and throughout the Main Line of Philadelphia.

logo 1

Our Location

OFFICE HOURS

Monday : 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday : 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday : 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday : 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday : 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top