Gynecomastia Treatment

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the medical term for abnormal enlargement of male breast tissue, creating a feminine-appearing chest that can cause significant embarrassment and psychological distress. The condition is surprisingly common, affecting an estimated 40-60% of men to some degree, and can occur at any age from puberty through older adulthood. Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal imbalances (particularly during puberty or older age), certain medications (including some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and prostate medications), anabolic steroids, marijuana use, underlying health conditions, or often no identifiable cause (idiopathic). True gynecomastia involves excess glandular tissue, while "pseudogynecomastia" involves only excess fat, many patients have both. Regardless of the cause, men with gynecomastia often avoid situations requiring them to remove their shirt (swimming, beach, gym) and may wear compression garments or multiple shirts to disguise their chest. Gynecomastia surgery (also called male breast reduction) removes the excess tissue through a combination of liposuction and direct excision, creating a flatter, more masculine chest contour. Dr. Kurtzman approaches this sensitive condition with understanding and discretion, recognizing that many men have struggled with this issue for years before seeking treatment. Results are typically permanent and can be life-changing for men who have long felt self-conscious about their chest.

Ideal Candidates

Gynecomastia surgery can provide excellent results for men who meet certain criteria. During consultation, we evaluate your chest, discuss the cause of your gynecomastia, and develop a personalized treatment plan:

• Have excess breast tissue, fat, or both that creates a feminine chest contour and causes embarrassment
• Have tried diet and exercise without improvement, true glandular tissue cannot be reduced through lifestyle changes
• Are at or near their ideal body weight, as significant weight loss after surgery can affect results
• Have good skin elasticity, men with severely stretched skin may require skin removal in addition to tissue removal
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit at least 4 weeks before and after surgery for optimal healing
• Have stable hormone levels, we may recommend evaluation if there's concern about an underlying hormonal cause
• Are not currently using anabolic steroids or marijuana, which can contribute to gynecomastia
• Have realistic expectations about results and understand that minor asymmetry may exist naturally

The Procedure

Gynecomastia surgery is planned based on whether your condition is primarily fat, glandular tissue, or a combination. The approach is adjusted to achieve the flattest, most natural-appearing masculine chest:

Recovery & Results

Recovery from gynecomastia surgery is relatively straightforward. Days 1-3: Expect bruising, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort controlled with oral pain medication. The compression garment should be worn 24/7 except when showering. Most patients describe tightness and soreness rather than significant pain. Days 4-7: Swelling begins to decrease. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work, though the compression garment continues under clothing. Week 2-3: Continue wearing the compression garment. Light activity is fine; avoid anything that strains the chest muscles. Weeks 3-6: Gradually return to exercise, starting with lower body and cardio. Wait 4-6 weeks before chest exercises. Continue compression garment for 4-6 weeks total. Numbness or altered sensation around the nipple is common and usually resolves over weeks to months.

Initial results are visible immediately, though swelling obscures the final outcome for several weeks. Most swelling resolves by 2-3 months, with final results at 6 months as residual swelling completely resolves and tissues settle. Results are permanent, the removed glandular tissue cannot regrow. However, weight gain can cause fat to return to the area, and certain medications or steroids could potentially cause regrowth of any remaining tissue. For most patients, gynecomastia surgery provides a lifetime of improved confidence.