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Breast Reduction for Men

May 8, 2025

Enlarged male breasts—commonly caused by a condition known as gynecomastia—can lead to physical discomfort and emotional frustration. Many men feel the same way when they constantly hide their chest or avoid certain shirts. Breast reduction for men is a safe, effective, and permanent solution for creating a flatter, more masculine chest.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the procedure works, who it’s for, what recovery looks like, and how to get started.

What Is Breast Reduction for Men?

Breast reduction for men is a surgical procedure that removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and sometimes skin from the chest to correct gynecomastia. The goal is to achieve a natural-looking, masculine contour that restores confidence and comfort.

This surgery is often the only solution when gynecomastia does not respond to diet, exercise, or hormone therapy.

What Causes Enlarged Male Breasts?

Gynecomastia can be caused by:

  • Hormonal imbalance (low testosterone, elevated estrogen)
  • Puberty or aging-related changes
  • Certain medications or steroids
  • Marijuana or alcohol use
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • In many cases, the cause is idiopathic, meaning unknown

Not all male chest fullness is gynecomastia. Some men have pseudogynecomastia, which is chest fat without glandular tissue. True gynecomastia involves firm breast tissue under the nipple and often requires surgical excision.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are in good health and near your ideal weight
  • Have persistent puffy nipples or chest fullness
  • Experience discomfort, embarrassment, or social anxiety
  • Have tried exercise and weight loss without success
  • Want a permanent solution and improved chest appearance

We see patients of all ages at our Newport Beach clinic—from teens struggling with puberty-related gynecomastia to older men dealing with hormone-related chest changes.

Breast Reduction for Men: What Happens During the Procedure?

Breast reduction for men typically includes:

  • Gland Excision – Removal of dense breast tissue through a small incision at the base of the areola
  • Liposuction – Removal of fatty tissue to smooth and contour the chest
  • Skin Tightening – In advanced cases, extra skin may be removed to eliminate sagging

The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activity within a few days.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery from male breast reduction is straightforward:

  • Mild swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks
  • Compression garment worn for 2–4 weeks
  • Most men return to work in 3–5 days
  • Light exercise can resume in 2 weeks; heavy lifting in 4–6 weeks

Final results become visible as swelling subsides, with full results seen around 3 months post-op.

Will There Be Scars?

Yes, but the gynecomastia surgery scars are small and well-hidden. Most incisions are placed around the areola, where the color change in skin helps disguise them. With proper aftercare, scars typically fade significantly and become nearly invisible over time.

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients often report:

  • A flatter, firmer, more masculine chest
  • Better symmetry and nipple position
  • Improved confidence in shirts or shirtless
  • Elimination of social discomfort and anxiety

The results are permanent, as long as your weight remains stable and you avoid triggers like anabolic steroids or hormone-disrupting medications.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to feel confident in your body again, breast reduction for men may be the answer. Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the nation’s most experienced gynecomastia specialists.

Our Newport Beach clinic welcomes patients from Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond. Virtual consultations are available for out-of-town patients.

Schedule your gynecomastia consultation today and take the first step toward a flatter, stronger, and more confident chest.

Plastic Surgeon | Website |  + posts

Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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