Gynecomastia Surgery
Serving patients in Avon, Farmington, and Greater Hartford, CT
Sculpt a Confident Future
Why Choose Youthful Images for Gynecomastia Treatment?
The development of breast tissue in men, called gynecomastia, can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence. Gynecomastia is more common than many realize and often results from hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medications. Our highly experienced plastic surgeons specialize in advanced surgical techniques to help patients restore a contoured, masculine chest. Learn about your options below, or schedule a consultation to discuss how gynecomastia treatment can be tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Gynecomastia Treatment at a Glance
- Procedure: Surgical correction of gynecomastia performed as an outpatient procedure
- Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks of downtime
- Results: Long-lasting results for a flat, sculpted chest contour; discreet incisions for minimal scarring.
Before & After Gallery
Our Results
A Common Condition
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the medical term for excess breast tissue in men that gives the appearance of female breasts. This common condition can occur at any age and may be caused by hormonal imbalances, obesity, certain medications, or genetics. In some cases, gynecomastia is idiopathic, meaning there is no clear cause. Bilateral gynecomastia is the most common, causing excess breast tissue on both sides of the chest. A small percentage of men develop unilateral gynecomastia, with excess breast fat and tissue on only one side of the chest.
Men with gynecomastia may experience discomfort, embarrassment, and a lack of confidence in their physical appearance. Gynecomastia surgery offers a pathway to a more masculine chest contour for men whose gynecomastia cannot be treated by addressing other underlying causes of the condition.
Solutions Tailored to You
What is gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, also referred to as male breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty, is the surgical removal of excess tissue to treat the appearance of enlarged male breasts. During the procedure, our plastic surgeons create small incisions to remove excess fat and glandular tissue, sculpting a firmer, more masculine contour. Depending on the extent and type of excess tissue, the surgical procedure may utilize liposuction, excision techniques to remove excess breast tissue or a combination of both. The goal is to achieve a natural-looking chest shape that complements the rest of your body.
The Expert Care You Deserve
What is the gynecomastia procedure like?
Gynecomastia surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically takes 1-2 hours to perform. Anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort. For cases requiring liposuction, the surgeon creates tiny incisions and uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove the excess fat. If glandular tissue needs to be removed, the surgeon will make a small incision near the areola to excise the tissue directly. They will also remove any excess skin, using meticulous techniques to minimize visible scarring. Patients typically return home the same day with a friend or family member to drive them.
Redefine Your Physique
What are the benefits of gynecomastia treatment?
- Enhanced Chest Contour: Achieve a firmer, more masculine-looking chest.
- Increased Confidence: Feel more comfortable in your appearance and wearing different styles of clothing.
- Natural-Looking Results: Small, carefully placed incisions result in minimal visible scarring.
- Long-Lasting Benefits: By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, most patients enjoy permanent improvements in the appearance of their chest.
Exploring Your Options
Am I a candidate for gynecomastia treatment?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of excess fat or glandular tissue in your chest that does not respond to diet and exercise, you may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery. To be considered for plastic surgery, patients must be in good overall health. Smokers will need to quit before surgery, as smoking increases the risk of surgical complications and impairs the healing process. While gynecomastia surgery can offer transformative benefits, it is important to have realistic expectations for the results and understand that maintaining a stable weight is important to ensure lasting benefits from surgery.
Before starting treatment, your surgeon will assess any underlying causes of gynecomastia to ensure that surgery can provide a long-lasting solution. They may take a medical history or order blood tests to determine if excess breast tissue growth is a result of an underlying condition like a hormonal imbalance. It is important to address any underlying causes of gynecomastia before pursuing surgical correction.
What to Expect After Surgery
Gynecomastia Recovery
After gynecomastia surgery, most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically resolve within 1-2 weeks. Wearing a compression garment during early recovery helps reduce swelling and ensures optimal results. Most gynecomastia patients return to work and light activities within a week but will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for about four weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions, check your healing at post-operative visits, and remain available to answer any questions, providing full support throughout recovery.
Reclaim Your Masculine Contours
Gynecomastia Treatment Results
After surgery, patients will see immediate improvements in the appearance of their chest. As post-operative swelling subsides and the incision lines fade and blend into the surrounding skin, patients enjoy the full benefits—a more sculpted chest and balanced body contour. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight helps ensure permanent benefits. Beyond the physical improvements, surgical correction of gynecomastia can significantly enhance self-confidence and overall quality of life. Men who undergo gynecomastia surgery often feel more comfortable in their bodies, enjoying the freedom to wear fitted clothing and participate in activities they may have previously avoided.
Gynecomastia
Frequently Asked Questions
Gynecomastia is often the result of a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. While all men naturally produce both hormones, an increase in estrogen or a decrease in testosterone levels can cause breast tissue to swell. Hormonal imbalances may be triggered by puberty, aging, and medical conditions that impact hormone levels, such as hypogonadism or hyperthyroidism. Certain drugs like anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, and some antidepressants can also trigger gynecomastia. Lifestyle factors like drug and alcohol use, including marijuana and excessive alcohol consumption, can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to gynecomastia. In other cases, the cause remains idiopathic, meaning no specific reason can be identified.
The procedure typically takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the techniques used.
Your plastic surgeon will take great care to place the incisions in discreet areas, often on the perimeter of the areola or along the natural contours of the chest. Scarring is generally minimal and fades over time.
Gynecomastia can recur if there are significant hormonal changes, weight gain, or use of certain medications. Staying at a stable weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of recurrence. Before considering gynecomastia surgery, it's important to assess the underlying medical causes of gynecomastia.
Exercise can help reduce fat in the chest, but it cannot remove glandular tissue. Surgery is the most effective way to address true gynecomastia.
After undergoing gynecomastia surgery, patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for about four weeks following surgery to ensure proper healing.
Moderate weight gain typically won't affect your results, but significant weight gain could cause fat to accumulate in the chest area again.
Yes, many patients choose to combine gynecomastia surgery with other body contouring techniques like liposuction to achieve their aesthetic goals.
