Male Breast Reduction

Discover how male breast reduction surgery at Cape Fear Valley Health addresses gynecomastia and restores your confidence. Our expert surgeons help you achieve a more defined chest, allowing you to feel comfortable and self-assured with your body.

What Is Male Breast Reduction?

Contrary to common belief, not only overweight men develop enlarged breasts; many at a healthy weight experience gynecomastia—a condition marked by excess breast tissue due to hormonal imbalances. This issue, often exacerbated by stubborn fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise, can significantly affect self-confidence. Male breast reduction surgery, which involves the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue, offers a solution to restore a more traditional male chest contour.

Restore Your Self-Confidence

Redefine your physique with male breast reduction surgery at Cape Fear Valley Health. Rely on our expert plastic surgeons who will listen to your concerns and provide clear answers to your questions. We are dedicated to assessing your specific health requirements and aesthetic ambitions to determine the best approach for your treatment.

Our Approach to Male Breast Reduction

At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances and innovations, meaning you can enjoy first-class care close to home.

Understanding Your Goals

Our compassionate and friendly staff will treat you with the care and respect you deserve. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will take the time to discuss your treatment goals and thoroughly evaluate your specific areas of concern. We prioritize answering your questions and ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.

We Stay Connected

After your surgery, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to take care of yourself during recovery. Healing from surgery takes time, but our team will be in regular contact to monitor your progress and provide support.

Your Male Breast Reduction Team

From your first call, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of experts, including plastic surgeons, licensed practical nurses, and medical staff.

What to Expect With Male Breast Reduction

The breast reduction procedure takes between two and four hours. You won’t feel pain because you’ll be under general anesthesia, and you will be able to return home the same day. 
 

Your plastic surgeon will outline the best approach based on your specific condition:

• For unwanted fat without excess skin or glandular tissue: Liposuction alone may be sufficient to remove the fatty layer beneath the skin.
• For excess skin and tissue: An incision around the areola allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat, with discreetly placed incisions naturally concealing postsurgical scars.
• For significant excess tissue: More extensive procedures may be necessary, including tissue removal, nipple repositioning, and liposuction to achieve optimal aesthetic results. 

Male Breast Reduction Consultation

Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your body. They will then make a recommendation based on your desired results and develop your personalized treatment plan.

Are You a Candidate For Male Breast Reduction?

Male breast reduction is for men seeking a significant improvement in their physical appearance. 
Surgery requires that breast tissue has fully developed. This is particularly relevant for younger boys and teens who experience breast development during puberty. In many cases, this condition resolves on its own once hormone levels normalize, and surgery would not be recommended.

Additional considerations:

• The ideal candidate is in good overall health.
• Alcohol increases the risk of excess bleeding and should be avoided for at least two weeks before surgery. 
• Body weight should be stable for at least six months to a year before surgery.
• Nicotine increases the risk of blood clots and other complications. Patients should be nicotine-free for three to six weeks before and after surgery.

Male Breast Reduction Recovery and Results

Some sutures (sterile surgical stitches) will need to be removed within one to two weeks after surgery.

After the procedure, you should:

• Plan to take two weeks off work to focus on recovery.
• Ensure you get plenty of rest.
• Wear a vest-type garment for three weeks or as directed by your surgeon to promote healing and recovery. 
• Avoid strenuous activities for about six to eight weeks to prevent complications.

After surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort which typically subside in one to two weeks. Most patients are pleased with their results within three to four months.

Male Breast Reduction Risks

Like all surgeries, male breast reduction involves a certain degree of risk. However, when  performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, serious complications are rare. To minimize risk,  follow the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon.

Some risks and complications could include:

• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or organs
• Infection
• Pain, swelling or numbness 
• Skin discoloration, skin rippling or irregularities 
• Uneven contours or asymmetry