Excessive chest tissue, known as gynecomastia, can cause men to feel self-conscious in social situations like at the gym or on the beach or in other social situations. This condition may result for different reasons, and it often cannot be resolved through diet or exercise alone.
When performed by highly trained / experienced plastic surgeons like the professionals at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Rosemont, IL, it is an effective procedure that can profoundly affect a man’s appearance and confidence. Our plastic surgeons can carefully create a treatment plan to optimize your new look! We focus on natural-looking results, minimal scarring, and a recovery process tailored to your lifestyle.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue in males. This condition can affect one or both breasts and is often caused by an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia may involve excess glandular tissue, fatty tissue, or a combination of both.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is often the result of a hormonal imbalance; however, several contributing factors may also influence its development. Understanding the root cause can help guide an appropriate treatment plan and manage long-term expectations. Common causes of gynecomastia include:
Hormonal Imbalances
Elevated estrogen levels or reduced testosterone can disrupt the hormonal equilibrium, leading to the development of breast tissue in males. This is especially common during puberty, middle age, or older adulthood.
Medications
Certain prescription drugs, such as anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, antidepressants, and medications for ulcers or heart conditions, have been linked to gynecomastia.
Weight Fluctuations or Obesity
Increased body fat can cause the body to produce more estrogen. Fat deposits may mimic or worsen the appearance of enlarged breasts.
Underlying Health Conditions
Disorders affecting the liver, thyroid, or kidneys can lead to hormonal changes that contribute to breast tissue growth.
Substance Use
The use of recreational substances such as alcohol, marijuana, heroin, or amphetamines has been associated with gynecomastia in some men.
At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, we evaluate these factors during your consultation to identify the likely cause and tailor a treatment approach that meets your individual needs.
Types and Grades of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can appear in different forms depending on how much tissue is present and whether there’s also excess skin. During your consultation at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Szczerba will evaluate the extent of your condition and determine which approach will provide the most natural and effective result.
Doctors often refer to four general grades of gynecomastia to help describe severity:
- Grade I: A small amount of excess tissue localized beneath the nipple, without excess skin. The chest may appear slightly puffy or raised.
- Grade II: A moderate amount of tissue that extends beyond the areola, still without major skin excess. The chest has more fullness but remains fairly tight.
- Grade III: More noticeable enlargement with mild to moderate skin laxity. The chest may appear rounder or more feminine in shape, and both excision and skin tightening may be needed.
- Grade IV: Significant breast enlargement with excess skin and a sagging appearance. A formal male breast reduction with repositioning of the nipple-areola complex is often recommended.
Not every patient fits neatly into one category, but this grading system helps guide your treatment plan. Whether you have mild puffiness or more pronounced changes, Dr. Szczerba will tailor the procedure to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery
The results of male breast / gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent however significant weight gain could compromise the outcome of the surgery. The benefit, however, of feeling more confident in social situations or being comfortable going shirtless at the beach or pool typically outweigh any risks of the procedure.
Improved Chest Contour and Proportions
The procedure removes excess fat and/or glandular tissue to create a flatter, firmer, and more masculine upper body. This enhancement helps bring the chest into better proportion with the rest of the torso for a more balanced appearance.
Expanded Clothing Options
Many patients feel more at ease wearing fitted shirts, compression tops, or going shirtless in athletic or recreational settings. Eliminating excess chest fullness can make it easier to choose clothing that reflects personal style without concern for concealment.
Relief from Physical Discomfort
Surgery can alleviate tenderness, chafing, or skin irritation caused by excess breast tissue, especially during exercise or in warm weather. It may also help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the nipple area that some men experience due to friction or compression.
Enhanced Posture and Body Awareness
Reducing bulk in the chest area may improve posture and promote more natural upper body movement and alignment. Patients often find it easier to stand upright and feel more connected to their physical presence post-surgery.
Support for an Active Lifestyle
With fewer physical restrictions and less self-consciousness, patients often find it easier to return to or maintain a consistent fitness routine. The reduction in weight and movement of the chest during activity can make exercise more comfortable and sustainable.
Reduced Social Anxiety
While not a psychological treatment, surgery often helps reduce discomfort in public settings, such as the gym, locker rooms, or beaches. Many patients report feeling less self-conscious and more willing to engage socially without fear of judgment.
Risks of Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction is a highly effective procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. As with all surgical treatments, standard surgical risks such as bleeding, irregular breast contours, excess skin infection, poor wound healing, loss of nipple sensation and unfavorable scarring are possible. These risks can be discussed and limited with carefully planning your male breast surgery with the surgeons at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute and Medspa.
What to Expect for Male Breast Reduction
The Office Visit Prior To Surgery
Men with enlarged breasts can have fatty tissue, glandular tissue or both glandular and fatty tissue that contribute to enlarged male breasts. During your office, our surgeons at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute will evaluate what is the best method to achieve your optimal outcome.
Surgery Candidates
Candidates for gynecomastia treatment are men with excessive glandular tissue in one or both breasts. Ideal candidates are in good physical health, do not smoke and are close to their goal weight. The candidates should have realistic expectations of the surgery. The patient’s goals and expectations will be discussed during a comprehensive consultation at our facility.
The Procedure
Anesthesia and Comfort
Gynecomastia is typically performed under general anesthesia, provided by our anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. For smaller male breast changes, the procedure can be performed with local anesthetic injections.
Our board-certified anesthesia team monitors your vital signs throughout surgery to ensure comfort and safety. Your anesthesia plan will be reviewed with you in advance so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure.
Fat-Dominant Gynecomastia: Liposuction
For male breast changes that are mostly from fat, lipocontouring can be done with liposuction. With liposuction, the surgeon makes small punctures in the skin through which fluid is first added and then fat is then suctioned out.
This method is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and no dense glandular tissue. It allows for contouring with minimal scarring and often results in a shorter recovery. Liposuction may also be combined with skin tightening treatments in select cases.
Glandular Tissue Removal: Direct Excision
For male breast changes that involve focal areas of breast gland tissue, the surgeon makes an incision around the areola to excise the glandular tissue. The small incision can be closed carefully with little scarring.
This approach is used when firm, rubbery tissue beneath the nipple cannot be removed through liposuction alone. The incision is typically hidden along the natural border of the areola for a discreet appearance. Removing glandular tissue results in a flatter, more masculine chest shape.
Combined Approach: Fat and Gland Removal
For male changes that are combined fat and breast gland tissue, a combination procedure of liposuction and direct gland excision is planned. This is the most common surgical technique for gynecomastia and allows for complete tissue correction and refined contouring.
Dr. Szczerba will sculpt the chest by removing excess fat with liposuction, then excise glandular tissue through a small areolar incision. This comprehensive method ensures balanced, natural-looking results.
Severe Gynecomastia with Excess Skin
When the male breast has significant amounts of breast tissue and significant excess skin, a formal male breast reduction can be planned to eliminate the breast tissue and excise the skin in a pattern that optimizes your outcome. With this technique, the nipple and the areola can be reduced and repositioned to enhance the overall outcome. The incisions are then closed and the chest is bandaged. The incisions heal into fine line scars that are mostly concealed within the natural contours of the body.
This technique is ideal for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or have long-standing gynecomastia with stretched, sagging skin. Though the procedure involves more extensive incisions, they are placed to follow natural anatomical lines and typically fade over time. This approach delivers the most dramatic improvement in chest shape and firmness.
Recovery
Our Chicago cosmetic surgeons and their support staff will provide comprehensive instructions following surgery. The patient is advised to follow all instructions regarding the incisions, taking pain medications for any discomfort, and resuming day-to-day activities and exercise. Appointments will also be scheduled with the surgeon and the staff at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute (CASI) to carefully monitor your healing.
How to Prepare for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Proper preparation plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe procedure and a smooth recovery. Before your surgery date, you’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions from our team. This may include temporarily stopping certain medications or supplements, arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home, and avoiding alcohol, nicotine, or anti-inflammatory drugs that could interfere with healing.
You may also be asked to complete lab work or a medical clearance, depending on your health history. It’s helpful to have your recovery space ready in advance, with loose-fitting clothing, pillows for support, and medications filled ahead of time. Following these preparation steps carefully helps reduce the risk of complications and supports optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Male Breast Reduction
How long do the results of male breast reduction last?
In most cases, the results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent. Once excess glandular tissue is surgically removed, it does not typically regenerate. However, if the procedure involves fat removal through liposuction alone (without gland excision), there is a small risk that the fat may return if the patient gains significant weight.
Recurrence is also possible in rare cases if the original cause—such as hormone imbalances, steroid use, or certain medications—is not addressed. To maintain long-term results, patients are encouraged to adopt a stable lifestyle with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and follow-up care as needed.
Will insurance cover the procedure?
Gynecomastia surgery is often considered elective and cosmetic, which means insurance plans usually do not cover it. However, there are exceptions. If the condition causes physical pain, significant psychological distress, or is related to an underlying medical condition, partial or full coverage may be available. Adolescents with persistent, painful gynecomastia after puberty may also qualify for coverage in some cases.
Our office can assist you in gathering the required documentation and submitting a request for pre-authorization to your insurance provider. We can also review financing options if your procedure is not covered.
How soon can I return to work or normal activities?
Recovery times from male breast reduction vary based on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s healing rate, but most individuals can return to light activities and work within three to five days after surgery.
You may be asked to wear a compression garment under your clothing to reduce swelling and help shape the chest as it heals. Vigorous physical activity (including weightlifting, running, or anything that heavily engages the chest muscles) should be avoided for at least three to four weeks. We will provide a customized timeline and guide you through each stage of recovery to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
Will my chest look natural after surgery?
Achieving a natural, masculine contour is a primary goal of gynecomastia surgery. At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Szczerba uses precise techniques to reshape the chest in proportion to your overall body frame.
Incisions are typically made around the edge of the areola or in natural skin creases to reduce visibility. Over time, these incisions generally fade into thin, barely noticeable scars. The result is a flatter, firmer chest that looks and feels natural in and out of clothing, helping you feel more confident in everyday situations.
What are the chances of gynecomastia returning?
Recurrence is rare when surgery is performed correctly, and the underlying cause is identified and addressed. True gynecomastia involves glandular tissue that must be surgically removed; if only fat is treated and glandular tissue remains, the condition may return.
Hormonal shifts, use of anabolic steroids, certain medications, or untreated health conditions can also trigger regrowth. That’s why a thorough consultation and review of your medical history are essential before surgery. Our surgeons at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute will help you understand any potential risk factors and offer guidance on how to maintain your results for years to come.
Is gynecomastia the same as pseudogynecomastia?
Although the two conditions may look similar, gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia have different underlying causes. Gynecomastia is the development of excess glandular breast tissue, often linked to hormonal imbalances involving estrogen and testosterone. This tissue is firm, dense, and typically located behind the nipple.
Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, is caused by excess fatty tissue in the chest. It’s more common in individuals who are overweight or have experienced significant weight fluctuations. Some patients may have both types of tissue present. During your consultation at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, we will determine whether the excess volume is glandular, fatty, or a combination of both so that the treatment plan can be tailored accordingly.
Why Choose Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute for Male Breast Reduction?
Dr. Szczerba, a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, leads a skilled team with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including complex cases of gynecomastia. Our 5,000-square-foot, Joint Commission-accredited facility includes advanced operating rooms, a laser suite, and dedicated treatment areas. Board-certified anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists ensure comfort and safety during every procedure.
We take pride in providing personalized care and clear communication. Patients are given time to ask questions and discuss their goals without being rushed. With competitive pricing and no compromise on quality, we make expert cosmetic care accessible. Whether you’re local or visiting, our conveniently located practice is ready to support you through every step.
Get Expert Insight on Gynecomastia Treatment in Rosemont, IL
If you’re ready to take control of your appearance and feel more comfortable in your body, male breast reduction surgery may be the best solution. At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Rosemont, IL, we combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, individualized care to help you achieve a more masculine chest contour and renewed confidence.
Our board-certified team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from your first consultation to full recovery. If you would like more information about male breast reduction in the greater Chicago area, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
