Plastic Surgery
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of breast tissue in males, affecting an estimated 30-60% of men at some point during their lives. Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) removes excess breast tissue and, in some cases, excess skin to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. It is one of the most commonly performed male cosmetic surgical procedures.
What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Causes include puberty (physiologic gynecomastia), aging, anabolic steroid use, certain medications (spironolactone, some antidepressants, proton pump inhibitors), marijuana use, obesity (pseudogynecomastia from fat), liver disease, and hypogonadism. A medical evaluation to identify treatable causes is recommended before surgical correction.
Surgical techniques
Liposuction alone: appropriate for pseudogynecomastia (primarily fat) with good skin elasticity. Glandular excision: removal of true breast gland tissue through a periareolar incision. Combined liposuction and excision: the most common approach, addressing both fatty and glandular components. Skin excision: required in cases of significant ptosis or prior massive weight loss.
Recovery
A compression vest is worn for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. Most patients return to work within 1 week. Exercise is restricted for 3-4 weeks. Final results are visible at 3-6 months as swelling fully resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Gynecomastia surgery is typically considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance unless there is documented functional impairment or a medical cause requiring surgical treatment.
Can gynecomastia go away without surgery?
Pubertal gynecomastia often resolves spontaneously within 1-3 years. Adult gynecomastia caused by medications may resolve after stopping the offending drug. Established, long-standing gynecomastia with fibrotic glandular tissue does not respond to conservative measures and requires surgery.
Will gynecomastia come back after surgery?
If the underlying cause is addressed (stopping steroids, correcting hormonal imbalance, weight loss), gynecomastia should not recur after surgery. Continued anabolic steroid use can cause recurrence.
Does exercise help gynecomastia?
Exercise and weight loss can reduce pseudogynecomastia (chest fat). True glandular gynecomastia does not respond to exercise and requires surgical removal.
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