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Gynecomastia

Male chest contouring, also called gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction, removes excess fat and glandular tissue to sculpt a flatter and more masculine chest.

Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia surgery—also known as male breast reduction—is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and overdeveloped breast tissue in men. This condition, called gynecomastia, can cause the chest to appear rounder or more feminine, sometimes with noticeable puffiness or enlargement of the areola.

Male chest surgery typically includes a combination of:

Liposuction to reduce fatty tissue

Excision of dense glandular breast tissue

The goal is to restore a flatter, firmer, and more proportionate chest shape with minimal visible scarring.

What you need to know

Every procedure and treatment we offer is thoughtfully designed to meet your unique goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. Below, you’ll find key details about what to expect—from how the procedure works to recovery guidance and ideal candidacy—so you can feel informed, confident, and empowered at every step of your journey.

Overview of the Treatment
Benefits of Gynecomastia
Ideal candidates for Gynecomastia
Man wearing a fitted t-shirt confidently standing in natural light, showing a flat chest profile after gynecomastia treatment.

An overview of the procedure

Preparing for Surgery
The Surgical Procedure
Recovering from Surgery
01

Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery

Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Aimé. She will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Determine if your chest fullness is due to fat, glandular tissue, or both
  • Discuss whether liposuction, gland removal, or a combination is best for you

Before surgery, you’ll return for a preoperative appointment to review your custom surgical plan, consent forms, and have your chest measured for a post-op compression garment. If needed, labs or a medical clearance may be requested.

Important: Avoid nicotine products at least 6 weeks before and after surgery. You may also be advised to temporarily stop blood-thinning medications or supplements to minimize the risk of bleeding.

02

Gynecomastia Surgical Procedure

Gynecomastia correction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia in the office or general anesthesia at a surgery center (whichever you prefer).

  • Tissue Removal: An incision is made along the lower edge of the areola to remove excess glandular breast tissue.
  • Liposuction: Fat is removed through a small incision near the outer chest wall to contour the surrounding area.
  • Skin Removal: In more severe cases, excess skin may be removed and the nipple and areola may be repositioned for symmetry.

The incision lines are closed with dissolvable sutures, and the small liposuction sites are left open to naturally drain fluid in the first 1–2 days.

03

Recovering from Gynecomastia Surgery

Most patients find recovery manageable and straightforward:

  • Swelling and bruising are common and begin improving within a few days.
  • Pain is generally mild to moderate and well controlled with over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • No drain tubes are typically needed.
  • Compression vest should be worn for about 4 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.

Gynecomastia Recovery Timeline

Every person is unique and may have some similarities as well as differences to others in terms of their individual recovery experience. A mommy makeover is a combination of multiple procedures so it is common to have more downtime and required healing than if these procedures were performed individually.

Day of Procedure

Return home the same day (outpatient surgery).

A compression garment will be placed over your chest to minimize swelling and support healing.

Mild to moderate discomfort is expected, usually well managed with prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medications.

Change dressings. Some drainage from incision sites is expected.

Days 1-3

Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common and may peak during this time.

Gentle walking is encouraged to maintain circulation, but strenuous activity must be avoided.

Take first shower and change dressings.

Keep the compression garment on at all times except with bathing or washing the garment.

Weeks 1-2

Most patients return to non-physical work within 3–7 days.

Pain significantly decreases by the end of week one.

Return for your first post-op appointment.

Shower and wash garment daily.

Continue wearing your compression garment 24/7.

Weeks 2-4

Swelling and bruising continue to subside.

Light cardio (like walking or stationary cycling) may be allowed if cleared by Dr. Aimé.

Continue wearing the compression garment.

Incisions continue to heal.

Weeks 4-6

Most restrictions are lifted around this time, including returning to moderate strength training or more active workouts.

May discontinue wearing compression garment.

Final results begin to appear as residual swelling decreases.

Massage and scar care may be recommended depending on your healing progress.

After Week 6

The majority of swelling will resolve over 3-6 months and your chest will have a more natural appearance.

Scar maturation will continue for one year—sun protection is crucial to prevent hyperpigmentation.

You can return to full physical activity, including chest workouts, overhead lifting and getting the pool.

You'll continue to follow-up with Dr. Aimé to ensure proper healing.

Final results are typically assessed between 6-12 months post-op.

"I was very pleased with Dr. Aimé because she made me feel comfortable by explaining her methods in a conversational manner. I couldn’t be happier with my result. I highly recommend Dr. Aimé!"

“I recently underwent a submentoplasty procedure performed by the incredibly talented plastic surgeon, Dr Aimé. My decision to have submentoplasty was not taken lightly and Dr Aimé made sure to thoroughly explain the entire procedure to me during our consultation.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about this procedure. Whether you’re just starting your research or preparing for surgery, this section is here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.

What causes gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)?
How common is gynecomastia?
Do I need to get a mammogram or labs to measure hormones done?
Can male breast surgery be combined with other procedures?
Is the the removed breast gland sent to pathology?
What are common complications of male chest surgery?
Can gynecomastia recur?
Will gynecomastia go away with weight loss and exercise?

Ready to start your transformation?

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or have specific goals in mind, we’re here to guide you with expertise and compassion.

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