Gynecomastia Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA

Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys and men. It is a relatively common condition, with up to 60% of boys having clinically detectable gynecomastia by age 14. (1) It typically occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances. (1) It’s primarily considered to be genetic, but may be compounded by medications, medical conditions, obesity, and more. When it persists into adulthood, it can be difficult to cope with, causing embarrassment and discomfort, leading many men to seek treatment. Gynecomastia surgery is an effective way to reduce the size and volume of enlarged male breasts through surgical excision and liposuction techniques. Dr. Caroline Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 18 years of experience in the medical industry. She is known for her natural, yet transformative results, and strives to provide each of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.

To start working with Dr. Min, request a consultation online. You can also call or text us at (626) 214-5727.

Before and After Photos

Male Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #1745
Male Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #1745
Male Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #1746
Male Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #1746
Male Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #1747
Male Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #1747
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About Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure that restores a more masculine chest appearance for patients burdened with male breast enlargement. Dr. Min can perform gynecomastia treatment using a combination of surgical excision and liposuction techniques:

  • Surgical Excision: Surgical excision removes excess skin and glandular tissue directly.
  • Liposuction: Liposuction targets the fat in the area by removing it with suction technology. (2)

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery can provide both physical and emotional benefits for men who feel self-conscious about excess chest tissue.

  • Improved Confidence: Many patients find that enlarged male breasts make certain clothing uncomfortable or cause them to avoid activities like swimming, exercising, or going shirtless at the gym. By creating a flatter, firmer, and more sculpted chest contour, gynecomastia surgery can help patients feel more confident in and out of clothing and in everyday life.
  • Improved Comfort: In addition to improving chest definition, treatment can also help reduce skin irritation due to chafing and discomfort during exercise.
  • Personalized Procedure: Dr. Min tailors each procedure to the patient’s anatomy and goals, ensuring natural-looking results that complement the rest of the physique.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Whether gynecomastia developed during puberty or later in adulthood, surgery offers a long-lasting solution for patients seeking a more masculine chest appearance and renewed self-confidence. Results may be preserved by practicing healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Discreet Scarring: Dr. Min hides incisions along the lower edges of the areolas or inferior chest, making the resulting scarring as discreet as possible.

Candidates

The typical candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who are struggling with enlarged male breasts who have not seen sufficient results with other approaches like hormone therapy, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes.

Anyone interested in this procedure should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period of time. Dr. Min will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation, once she has assessed their medical history and anatomy.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Min will meet with you during your personal consultation to help you learn more about the gynecomastia treatment process. To design your treatment plan, Dr. Min will ask you about your medical history, your concerns, and your desired results. She will also examine your chest to determine the best surgical approach.

You can submit a consultation request online or call/text Dr. Min’s office directly at (626) 214-5727.

Preparation

In preparation for your procedure, Dr. Min will provide you with a set of pre-operative instructions. These may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but following them will help ensure a successful procedure. Dr. Min may direct you to:

  • Refrain from taking certain medications or supplements that have blood-thinning properties.
  • Prepare to take time away from work and other commitments to focus on your recovery.
  • Arrange transportation to and from your procedure.
  • Discontinue nicotine use.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol in the days before and after your procedure.

Procedure

Gynecomastia surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient receiving the appropriate anesthesia.

To address your gynecomastia, Dr. Min may use liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both techniques. The recommended approach depends on the composition of the chest tissue. If the breast enlargement is primarily caused by excess fatty tissue, liposuction can help contour and reduce the area. If firm glandular tissue is the main cause, direct surgical excision will be necessary to achieve the best result. In some cases, where there is significant skin laxity or excess skin, removal of additional skin may also be recommended to improve chest contour.

To perform liposuction, Dr. Min will make small, discreet incisions and inject a tumescent solution made of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine. This solution helps swell and loosen the fat cells, making them easier to remove while also minimizing bleeding and providing local anesthesia. (2) Through the same incisions, Dr. Min will insert a thin liposuction cannula to remove excess fatty tissue and improve chest contour.

To address the denser, glandular breast tissue, Dr. Min will use an incision along the lower edge of the areola. Excess skin, when present, may be addressed using several different surgical techniques depending on the degree of skin laxity.

Recovery

Because gynecomastia surgery is an outpatient procedure, you will go home the same day—no overnight stay needed.

Dr. Min will provide you with a compression garment to wear during your recovery. This garment is designed to minimize swelling and support the newly contoured shape of your chest as you heal.

Swelling and discomfort will subside on their own with time, and you may manage these symptoms with plenty of rest and taking medications prescribed by Dr. Min.

You will likely be able to return to desk work and other light activities after about one to two weeks. However, you will need to avoid any physically demanding or strenuous activities until Dr. Min has cleared you to return.

Results

After your surgery, you will be able to notice immediate improvements in the shape of your chest. It will look flatter and more masculine. However, results will become more refined as swelling continues to subside throughout your recovery.

Dr. Min’s patients enjoy long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing results after gynecomastia surgery. Her patients often report feeling much more confident with how they look—especially when they go to take their shirt off at the pool or beach.

The results of gynecomastia surgery are designed to be long-lasting, but it is possible for the condition to recur in some cases. To reduce the likelihood of this, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy, and exercise regularly.

Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in Pasadena and Los Angeles

The cost of gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical techniques used, the extent of the procedure, whether you undergo any additional procedures, and more. After Dr. Min determines the details of your surgical plan, she will provide you with a cost estimate.

To learn more about the cost of your personalized procedure, please submit a consultation request or call/text (626) 214-5727.

FAQ

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue. It primarily results from hormonal imbalances and genetics, but may also be caused by certain medications or medical conditions. When the condition doesn’t resolve on its own or with lifestyle changes/other nonsurgical approaches, surgical intervention is often considered the best way to see significant results.

How will I know if I am a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?

You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you are struggling with male breasts and have not seen results with nonsurgical remedies. You should also be in good overall health, a nonsmoker, and realistic about what a surgical procedure entails.

Does gynecomastia surgery leave any visible scarring on the chest?

Dr. Min always makes it a top priority to minimize visible scarring for any procedure, but the surgical nature of gynecomastia treatment does require incisions, which inevitably cause some scarring after healing. The scars are often hidden along the edge of the areola, making them barely noticeable.

How long will the results of my gynecomastia surgery last?

Results of gynecomastia surgery are designed to be long-lasting. However, they cannot be guaranteed to be permanent; some patients experience recurrence of the condition later in life. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and leading a healthy lifestyle in general can help reduce the risk of recurrence in some cases.

Is gynecomastia surgery recovery very uncomfortable?

Some discomfort after the procedure is normal and expected, though many patients describe the recovery as very manageable. Dr. Min will prescribe you medications to help with any discomfort during the initial recovery phase. Following aftercare instructions closely can also minimize discomfort.

Where are the incisions for gynecomastia treatment?

Dr. Min typically makes the incisions along the lower edge of the areolas, so that the scars may be as discreet as possible after healing.

How long is the recovery after gynecomastia treatment?

Typically, patients are able to return to light activities and desk work after about one to two weeks. Patients must refrain from more strenuous activities until Dr. Min approves, which may be around the six-week mark. Patient experiences may vary.

References

  1. Swerdloff RS, Chiu Ming Ng. Gynecomastia: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Nih.gov. Published July 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/