Excess glandular tissue and fat in the chest can create a fuller, breast-like appearance in men in a condition known as gynecomastia. In some cases, the condition persists despite efforts like weight loss, exercise, or hormone management. At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we offer several surgical methods to address gynecomastia and create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. We will determine the appropriate approach based on the characteristics of your chest and the type of tissue involved.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which male breast tissue becomes enlarged due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone or other contributing factors. It can involve glandular tissue, fat, or both, and may affect one or both sides of the chest. While it is not usually a health risk, it can create a visibly fuller chest that many men do not like. Diagnosis often includes a physical exam and sometimes imaging to determine the type of tissue involved.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Hormonal Imbalance
Testosterone and estrogen levels directly influence breast tissue development. When estrogen is elevated or testosterone is low, this imbalance can lead to an enlarged male breast. Hormonal shifts like these may occur during puberty, with aging, or due to other underlying factors.
Medications and Substances
Certain prescription drugs, anabolic steroids, alcohol, and recreational drugs can contribute to gynecomastia. These substances may interfere with hormone levels or directly stimulate breast tissue growth.
Medical Conditions
Health issues such as liver disease, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and tumors affecting hormone-producing glands can trigger gynecomastia. Treating the underlying condition may sometimes reduce symptoms, but surgery may still be needed for physical correction.
Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and use of certain supplements can also influence hormone levels and make gynecomastia more likely. While lifestyle adjustments may help in some cases, they often do not fully resolve the condition when excess glandular tissue is present.
When Is Surgery Considered for Gynecomastia?
Surgery is often considered when gynecomastia does not improve with weight loss, medication changes, or hormone management. If the condition has been stable for a period of time and is primarily due to excess glandular tissue or fat that cannot be reduced non-surgically, surgical treatment may be appropriate. This is especially true when the enlarged tissue causes physical discomfort or is dense. A consultation can help determine if surgery is the most appropriate option.
What Can Gynecomastia Surgery Treat?
- Enlarged Glandular Tissue: When firm breast tissue develops beneath the nipple, gynecomastia surgery can remove it through a small incision along the lower edge of the areola. Removing this tissue helps flatten the chest and reduce projection in the nipple area.
- Excess Fat in the Chest: Some patients have more fatty tissue than glandular tissue, especially if the fullness feels soft and diffuse. In these cases, we break up and remove fat.
- Asymmetry: Gynecomastia can affect one side of the chest more than the other. We can adjust each side individually during surgery to improve balance and shape.
- Excess Skin: When tissue has stretched, the skin may sag. We can remove excess skin during surgery if needed.
- Enlarged Nipples: With male breast reduction, we can reduce the size of the areola if it has stretched along with the tissue growth.
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat through small incisions using a thin cannula. It works well for patients whose gynecomastia is primarily caused by fatty tissue without significant glandular growth. This option is also useful when the skin has good elasticity and will naturally retract after the fat is removed.
Glandular Tissue Excision
When firm glandular tissue is present beneath the nipple or deeper in the chest, it needs to be removed surgically. We typically make a small incision along the lower edge of the areola to access and remove this tissue directly. Excision is often the best approach when the fullness does not respond to weight loss or when the breast tissue feels dense or nodular.
Combination Surgery
Many patients need both liposuction and glandular excision as part of their gynecomastia treatment. Fat and glandular tissue often develop together, and treating just one may not provide the results you are looking for. In combination cases, we remove the fat through liposuction and excise any remaining firm tissue through a small incision.
How the Surgery Is Performed
Preoperative Marking and Planning
Before surgery begins, we mark the chest while you are standing so we can assess tissue distribution, nipple position, and areas of excess fat or gland. These markings guide us during the procedure and help us create symmetry and natural contours. If skin removal or nipple adjustment is needed, we include those markings at this stage.
Anesthesia
We typically perform male breast reduction under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and still throughout the procedure. In select cases with minimal tissue removal, local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate. We will discuss anesthesia options with you during your consultation and select the safest and most effective plan for your surgery.
Incision Placement
For most patients, we place a small incision along the lower border of the areola. This location helps conceal the scar within the natural color transition between the areola and surrounding skin. If we are also removing excess fat, we may make additional tiny incisions near the chest wall or under the arms to insert the liposuction cannula. In cases involving skin removal, longer incisions may be required and are carefully planned to follow natural skin folds when possible.
Suturing and Bandaging
After we remove the tissue and confirm the chest looks even, we close the incisions with absorbable sutures placed beneath the skin. We then apply compression bandages or a surgical vest to support the chest and reduce swelling. Compression also helps the skin adhere to the new shape and improves healing.
How Long Is the Surgery?
Most procedures take one to two hours, depending on the extent of the tissue removal and whether we are using liposuction, excision, or both. More complex cases that require skin excision or nipple repositioning may take longer. We will give you a more specific timeframe after your surgical plan is finalized.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Immediate Post-Operative Period
You will likely feel groggy from anesthesia and may experience tightness or pressure in the chest area once you wake up. Some swelling and bruising are normal and usually appear within the first 24 to 48 hours. You may have bandages or a compression garment in place.
Short-Term Recovery
During the first one to two weeks, swelling and bruising usually begin to subside, though some unevenness may still be present as the tissues adjust. Most patients return for a follow-up visit within the first week, so we can monitor your progress and remove any drains. Tenderness, mild discomfort, and occasional firmness under the skin are expected and usually improve steadily.
Long-Term Healing
Residual swelling can take several weeks to fully resolve, especially in areas where liposuction was performed. Scar tissue will continue to settle over time, and any incision lines will gradually fade over the next several months. While you may notice early improvements, the final chest contour often continues to refine for up to six months as the tissues stabilize.
Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Candidates should be in generally good health, have a stable weight, and not have any untreated conditions affecting hormone balance. We also look for patients with realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot address. If your chest fullness is due to fat, glandular tissue, or both, we can assess which treatment approach would be appropriate.
How to Prepare for Your Surgery
We may order lab work to ensure that you are a good candidate. If you take medications, we will review which ones to stop or adjust before surgery. You should arrange for a friend or family member to take you home and stay with you the first night. We also recommend preparing your recovery space with comfortable clothing and anything you may need for the first few days.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Compression Garments
Wear a compression garment continuously for the first three to six weeks, removing it only to shower. This helps control swelling, supports the healing tissues, and encourages the skin to retract smoothly to the new chest contour. The garment should fit snugly but should not cut off circulation or cause discomfort. We will check the fit at your follow-up visit and let you know when it is safe to reduce wear time.
Wound Care
Keep your incisions clean and dry until we give you instructions to begin gentle washing. Use only the topical products or ointments we recommend to avoid irritation. Do not apply anything that was not discussed during your post-operative visit. Following these guidelines is especially important after gynecomastia treatment to minimize scarring and prevent infection.
Activity Guidelines
Limit lifting, pushing, or pulling anything over 10 pounds for at least two weeks, and avoid chest workouts until we clear you. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a few days, depending on the extent of their procedure. Avoid raising your arms above shoulder level in the first week to avoid tension on the incisions. Walking is encouraged as soon as you feel ready, but increase your activity gradually.
FAQs About Gynecomastia Surgery
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Permanent?
The tissue we remove during surgery does not grow back. However, weight gain, hormone changes, certain medications, or the use of anabolic steroids can cause new fat or glandular tissue to develop. Staying at a stable weight and avoiding known triggers will help you maintain long-term results. We will go over risk factors with you during your consultation.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost?
The cost of male breast reduction varies depending on the complexity of the case, the surgical approach, and whether liposuction, excision, or both are used. We will provide you with a detailed estimate after your consultation and surgical plan are complete. This estimate will include all surgical fees, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
Can This Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
We can combine gynecomastia surgery with other procedures depending on your goals and health status. Some patients choose to add abdominal liposuction, skin tightening treatments, or body contouring. We will assess whether combining procedures is safe and practical for your situation. If so, we will design a surgical plan that addresses all areas of concern in one session or in staged procedures.
Why Choose Us for Gynecomastia Surgery?
At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort. Lauderdale, we approach gynecomastia surgery with a high level of technical precision and individualized planning. Dr. Tracey H. Stokes brings years of experience in body contouring and understands how to work with different tissue types to create natural-looking results. We take the time to evaluate the specific characteristics of your chest and recommend a surgical plan based on what will be most effective for your anatomy.
Our practice is equipped to handle both straightforward and complex cases, including those that involve skin removal or asymmetry. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we maintain clear communication so you know what to expect at each step. We believe the best results happen when medical expertise, careful assessment, and thoughtful decision-making come together.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gynecomastia can persist despite diet and exercise, but surgery can remove excess tissue and reshape the chest for a flatter, more proportional appearance. At eSSe Plastic Surgery, we use different techniques to treat glandular tissue, fat, and skin based on each patient’s specific situation. To schedule a consultation in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 533-1671 or contact us through the online form.
