FREE Breast Implant Illness E-Course
Sign Up Now
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery offers male breast reduction surgery to treat gynecomastia in men for an improved quality of life.

Social Line
Social Line
Social Line
Social LineSocial Line

Male Breast Reduction to Address Gynecomastia in West Palm Beach, Florida

Although it can impact self-esteem, gynecomastia is usually a benign  (non-cancerous) condition of over-developed or enlarged male breasts that can occur at any age. Hormone changes, such as fluctuations in estrogen, the female hormone, and testosterone, the male hormone, can cause gynecomastia, though a hormonal imbalance is not the only culprit.

Heredity, obesity, or the use of certain prescription medications can cause this excess breast tissue. Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy, prostate cancer medicines, ulcer or cardiovascular medicines can cause the development of excess breast tissue in men.

Some medical conditions may also cause gynecomastia, including:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Lung cancer
  • Adrenal or pituitary gland tumors
  • Congenital disorders present at birth
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Injury or trauma
  • Significant weight gain

Whether due to hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions or genetics, gynecomastia can create emotional discomfort and impair self-confidence. Some men may even avoid physical activity and intimacy simply because their enlarged breasts are a source of embarrassment.

Fortunately, there is a solution. At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., performs male breast reduction surgery, an outpatient procedure that provides an effective treatment for removing excess breast tissue in the male breast and achieving optimal results.

Characteristics of Gynecomastia

About half of all men today have excess breast tissue in one or both breasts. As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, according to statistics compiled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 50 to 60 percent of adolescent males and 65% of men between the ages of 27 and 92 deal with gynecomastia.

While often not a serious medical problem, enlarged breasts in men can be painful. They can also cause embarrassment — especially among young boys who may be teased about their breasts. Gynecomastia in young men is largely due to the hormonal changes in sex hormones that occur during puberty. The excess breast tissue disappears without treatment in two years in 75 percent, and within three years in 90 percent of boys.

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the glandular tissue in the male breast, resulting in a localized increase in the size of one or both breasts. The common characteristics of gynecomastia include:

  1. Breast Tissue Enlargement: Gynecomastia causes the glandular tissue in the male breast to swell, leading to a noticeable increase in breast size and sometimes causing tenderness or sensitivity.
  2. Excess Localized Fat: When men accumulate excess localized fat in the chest area, it can create the appearance of enlarged breasts. This condition is often referred to as pseudogynecomastia, where the enlargement is primarily due to an increase in fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue. Pseudogynecomastia can be caused by factors such as weight gain, hormonal imbalances, or genetics.
  3. Excess Breast Skin: In cases where there's significant enlargement of the male breasts, or if the enlargement has been present for an extended period, men can develop excess breast skin. Gynecomastia causes the breast tissue to expand, stretching the overlying skin.
  4. Symmetrical or Asymmetrical: Gynecomastia can affect one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral), and the enlargement can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
  5. Firmness: The enlarged breast tissue in gynecomastia may feel firm or rubbery when touched, differentiating it from the softer fatty tissue commonly found in female breast enlargement.
  6. Nipple and Areola Changes: In some cases, gynecomastia can cause the nipples to become more prominent and the areolas to enlarge or become more puffy in appearance.
  7. Tenderness or Pain: Gynecomastia may be accompanied by tenderness or discomfort in the affected breast tissue, though this is not always the case.

In gynecomastia, breast enlargement typically occurs on both sides of the chest. However, if it is one-sided, firm, and hard, see a doctor immediately to rule out male breast cancer.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Because teenage boys tend to outgrow gynecomastia, we do not recommend male breast reduction surgery for them. The best candidates for a breast reduction are men coping with a loss of self-esteem due to their overabundance of breast tissue.

Performed by Dr. Barr at our outpatient surgery center, this male breast reduction procedure offers adult men the opportunity to experience a more masculine, firmer, flatter chest. Our plastic surgeon performs this surgery under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and prioritize safety. Depending on the type and severity of the patient's gynecomastia, Dr. Barr makes strategic small incisions in inconspicuous locations, such as around the edge of the areola or in the natural chest contours, to minimize visible scarring. 

Our plastic surgeon then proceeds to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin from the breast area to achieve a more masculine chest appearance. This effort may involve techniques such as liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both, tailored to the patient's unique anatomical features.

In cases where gynecomastia has led to changes in the position or size of the nipples, Dr. Barr may reposition and resize the nipples for a more natural aesthetic outcome.

Finally, addressing skin often involves reshaping and tightening the remaining skin to create a smoother, more toned chest contour.

Before and After Gynecomastia Surgery

Before your gynecomastia surgery, you will have a consultation with our patient counselor and Dr. Barr at our plastic surgery office in West Palm Beach. Gynecomastia patients should be in good general health and at a healthy weight. Although obesity can cause the appearance of male breast development, weight loss rather than surgery is the best solution in such a case.

Blood tests to determine hormone levels, a physical exam, and a discussion of your medical history will take place before gynecomastia surgery to rule out potential medical issues as the cause of the growth of breast tissue.

Once we determine that gynecomastia surgery is the right course of action, the patient should avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen that can make it difficult for blood to clot after the surgery. If needed for pain, take pain medications like acetaminophen.

At least two weeks before the gynecomastia surgery, the patient must stop smoking and avoid alcohol consumption, as both impede the healing process. On the day of the surgical procedure, the patient should have someone transport him to and from the clinic, and then stay with him for at least the first full day after the surgery.

Recovery Time for Gynecomastia Surgery

Following surgery, Dr. Barr will bandage the area and give you a garment to wear in order to make sure the skin does not move. While you may have some bruising and swelling, discomfort is minimal and easily managed with medication. Wearing a pressure garment for two weeks can reduce swelling. Dr. Barr will remove your stitches after two weeks. As long as your work and normal activities are not too demanding, you can resume them in just two days. However, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least three weeks.

Although you will notice immediate results after the male breast reduction surgery, expect the final outcome in three months to half a year. Scars will naturally fade away within a year or nine months. With gynecomastia surgery, complications are rare and easily treated. Our male breast reduction surgery has left countless patients satisfied with their transformed appearance.

Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs

How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?

The cost to remove excess breast tissue and excess skin depends on the surgical correction needed to produce the desired result. In severe cases, the cost will be higher due to the complexity of the surgery. During your consultation with our patient counselor and our plastic surgeon, we will discuss costs based on your unique circumstances, including the amount of excess fatty tissue and excess skin to be removed.  

Does Health Insurance Cover Male Breast Reduction?

While many insurance companies do not cover gynecomastia surgery because it is often considered a cosmetic procedure, there are instances where insurance may cover a portion of the costs if deemed medically necessary. Check with your provider for information about your policy.

How Long Does Male Breast Reduction Take?

This outpatient surgery generally takes about two hours under general anesthesia.

How Long Will My Results From The Male Breast Reduction Last?

This procedure offers permanent results. However, gaining weight, accumulating excess fat, and aging can affect the longevity of results.

Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Prioritizes Your Safety During a Reduction Mammaplasty for Men

For men seeking a breast reduction, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor at (561) 833-4122 or by completing our online form. With care and compassion, we will listen to your concerns and goals, and our surgeon will advise the best course of action based on your unique needs. At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, you can expect five-star service with the assurance that safety and honesty are at the core of our practice.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) | West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request a Consultation

Call (561) 833-4122 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Don’t hesitate, your questions are welcome.
Ask Us A Question
* Required Fields
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Book An Appointment Now

Contact Form
Book-An-Appointment

Real Clients, Real Testimonials

Serving All Of The Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast, Including West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Surrounding Areas

At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we view Plastic Surgery procedures in a direct and honest manner using the principles of either addition, subtraction or a combination of both.

For additional treatments and procedures not listed, please complete the form to the right to request more information or call (561) 833-4122.

Learning Center

We provide a growing multimedia content library to help you to understand and visualize the different procedures we offer. Review the educational information applicable to your situation to help you make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and take the right steps both before and after your procedures.
View All Free Resources

Our Faqs

Q

If I am seeking to undergo a combination of procedures, will they be done together or consecutively? What is the timeline for multiple procedures?

A

The answer depends on multiple factors, including the specific combination of procedures, your recovery rates, your age and health status, and your behaviors or habits. More invasive surgeries typically require recovery time ranging between 6 and 12 weeks to 6 months, and surgeries to the same area of your body will also generally require recovery time between procedures.

However, if you are in good health and the combination of procedures in question will be performed on different parts of your body and are not especially invasive, a combination of procedures could potentially be approved together on a case-by-case basis. It is imperative that the combination of procedures does not compromise your healing, and your attention to prescribed pre-operation and recovery habits also plays a significant role. Schedule a consultation for an assessment and guidance regarding the procedures you are considering.


Q

Will it be obvious that I “got work done” after my procedure?

A

While aging affects us all, there are steps we can take to put forth a more vibrant appearance. We seek to perform subtle adjustments to address imperfections and the wear of time while retaining your natural look. While you should notice an improvement, the glaring changes or distortions in appearance you are concerned about and may have seen from other surgeons’ work do not meet the standard of quality plastic and cosmetic surgery we perform in our office.

Dr. Frederic M. Barr is a board-certified Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing Plastic Surgery in South Florida. We enhance and refine your appearance according to your goals. Review our Gallery of Before & After Photos to see some examples of our work.


Q

What does Breast Explant Surgery entail, and will my breasts be “back to normal” after the surgery?

A

For patients with Breast Implant Illness (BII), which can include allergy, auto-immune, and thyroid hormone issues, this has been an emerging topic with significant press coverage in recent years. Although numerous medical professionals have demonstrated varying responses to these women’s concerns, we believe in addressing these women’s experiences and symptoms. In response to this phenomenon, we have also chosen not to perform new breast implant surgeries. We perform Total Capsulectomy on patients with breast implants, which involves the removal of both the saline or silicone implant and the capsule around it.

Removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue has been shown to improve women’s health concerning these symptoms. While some women choose no further procedure following Breast Explant Surgery, some patients elect to have a Mastopexy procedure that involves reshaping the breast tissue for a pleasant cosmetic breast appearance. We welcome your specific questions regarding these procedures and their anticipated effects for your situation. See our Breast Implant Explantation (Total Capsulectomy) page for more detailed information, including before-and-after photo examples.


envelopebookuserslaptop-phonebriefcasebullhornmiccrossmenuindent-decrease Skip to content