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Gynecomastia Treatment

Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) removes excess breast tissue and fat to give the chest a flatter, more masculine contour. At St. Charles Plastic Surgery in St. Charles, IL, it is performed by Dr. Bahram Ghaderi, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with more than 25 years of experience.

Depending on the case, it uses liposuction, excision of glandular tissue, or both. It is an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Patients are generally at least 16 and have had the condition for two years. It is usually considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

Most patients return to normal activities within a week to 10 days, avoiding strenuous exercise for a few weeks. Results are typically permanent. See results in the before and after gallery.

The Consultation

During a consultation for gynecomastia surgery, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history and physical condition. Dr. Ghaderi will discuss goals, assess the extent of gynecomastia, and explain the surgical options available. This consultation provides an opportunity for you to ask questions, understand the procedure, and discuss expectations and potential outcomes.

Good Candidates for Gynecomastia Treatment

Enlargement of the pectoral region in men, occurs for a variety of reasons including:

  • Being Overweight
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Steroid Use
  • Stress
  • Other, Unknown Causes

If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your pectoral region, that’s a sign that you might benefit from a gynecomastia reduction procedure.

Dr. Ghaderi wants you to feel good about your decision and he will work to make sure you are completely satisfied with the results of your surgery.

Top 3 Cosmetic Procedures for Beach Season

What To Expect & Recovery

What to Expect

Surgical correction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, under general or topical anesthesia with sedation depending on the extent of the procedure. The amount of tissue (and, if necessary, skin) being removed will determine the type of procedure. Some patients with mild gynecomastia may have the procedure done with topical anesthesia and minimal discomfort.

The correction of gynecomastia involves removing the abnormal hypertrophic breast tissue and associated surrounding subcutaneous tissue so that the breast has a more normal male appearance. The specific surgical technique will vary depending on the degree of breast hypertrophy present and the amount of fat tissue versus breast tissue removed.

Gynecomastia can be treated with liposuction, excision, or sometimes a combination of both depending on your specific situation and what is needed to achieve an optimal result.

About Recovery from Male Breast Reduction Surgery

The recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure, but patients typically can return to their normal lifestyle within a week to 10 days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided in the weeks after the procedure, and it’s important that patients listen to their bodies during the healing process.

Gynecomastia reversal may be just the thing you need to look and feel your best. Discover the possibilities during a consultation.

Contact St. Charles Plastic Surgery to find out more about your options for treating gynecomastia.

What Our Patients Say

Common Questions

Gynecomastia is typically considered a cosmetic surgery and is usually not covered by health insurance.
In general, it is recommended that patients have the condition for at least two years and be at least 16 years old before undergoing a procedure to correct gynecomastia. It is possible that the condition will improve on its own in younger patients. Dr. Ghaderi can help you decide if and when the procedure is right for you.
Dr. Ghaderi has treated many patients that are athletic and/or very fit but have gynecomastia. It is likely that you have glandular tissue that would benefit from removal to give the nipple/areola area a flatter and more normal appearance.
Typically once the excess breast tissue is removed the results are permanent. However, if there is significant weight gain or excessive internal scar formation from the surgery, it may appear that the gynecomastia has returned. That is not the typical outcome and once you have surgery you should expect the results to be permanent. As with any surgery there are risks involved and recurrence, although rare, can happen. Most commonly patients are very satisfied and happy with the outcome of their gynecomastia correction. It gives them much more confidence and a more masculine appearance with form fitting clothing or while out on the beach.
Dr. Ghaderi works exclusively with accredited hospitals and surgical facilities which staff board-certified anesthesiologists. You will be under the direct care of the anesthesiologist on staff while Dr. Ghaderi performs your surgery. Our surgical facilities are accredited by The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. You can learn more about what using an accredited facility means for you at The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.