Excess breast tissue in men, known as gynecomastia, can be physically uncomfortable, psychologically distressing, and have a negative effect on your quality of life.
The good news is that you have surgical options to improve your chest contour and enhance your self-image. Dr. Jessica Belz, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, performs male breast reduction procedures for patients in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
Gynecomastia Causes
Gynecomastia is often caused by an estrogen and testosterone imbalance.
Estrogen levels being too high or testosterone levels being too low can stimulate the growth of breast tissue in men. This shift can happen for several reasons:
- Age: Some men experience gynecomastia during puberty or as they get older.
- Health: It can be caused by certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.
- Medications: Anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, antidepressants, and some heart medications can trigger gynecomastia.
- Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol use, recreational drug use, and obesity may contribute as well.
Gynecomastia vs. Being Overweight
Gynecomastia is the development of firm, excess breast tissue in men. Being overweight leads to fat accumulation throughout the body, including the chest.
Unlike fat, gynecomastia tissue doesn’t significantly shrink with weight loss. It often requires medical treatment or surgery to achieve a flatter chest.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia can affect your self-esteem and self-confidence. Some men are uncomfortable wearing certain clothes and are reluctant to take off their shirts at the pool. Others avoid certain physical activities and struggle with intimacy due to their condition.
In the right candidates, gynecomastia surgery can improve the appearance of the chest and restore self-confidence.
The Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Several techniques are employed in a gynecomastia procedure, including liposuction to remove fat, direct excision of excess skin and breast tissue, or a combination of both methods. The nipple/areola may also need to be re-positioned or reduced in some cases.
During your individualized consultation, Dr. Belz will discuss your surgical options, review the risks and benefits of plastic surgery, and clarify the post-operative recovery course.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Patients must wear a compression garment for several weeks following surgery and should anticipate 5-7 days of downtime for recovery.
Bruising and swelling may be present for two to three weeks. Strenuous activity and exercise, including weightlifting, should be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Belz.
Male Breast Reduction Candidates
If you have persistent gynecomastia, despite lifestyle changes and medical treatment, you may be a surgical candidate. A good candidate is also someone who:
- Has realistic expectations
- Is a non-smoker
- Has a normal body weight
- Has enlarged breasts that have remained stable in size
Gynecomastia Surgery Results
There is a stigma attached to having enlarged breasts when you’re a man. When Dr. Belz performs breast reduction procedures, we hear feedback from patients saying it’s the first time in years they’ve felt comfortable taking their shirt off.
It might seem like a small thing, but reducing enlarged breasts can really improve a man’s self-esteem. These procedures will slim the contour of your breasts to normal proportions. Scars are very small and discrete as well.
See What Our Patients Are Saying!
Dr. Belz is an amazing surgeon. She changed my life! She’s friendly, accommodating, understanding, professional and more than anything I was 100% comfortable during the entire process. She was recommended to me on a Breast Reduction Support group page on Facebook. There was even a moment right before surgery when the anesthesiologist was giving her and I a hard time about something a nurse had written down on my chart and she handled the situation with professionalism, and class. Ultimately we were able to explain the miscommunication and the surgery was able to happen. She persevered for her patient and made it happen. Meredith and the front desk team are also always very kind and welcoming and they improve the over all inviting environment of the office. I highly recommend this team and Dr. Belz!
To read more patient testimonials, click here!
Why Choose Dr. Jessica Belz?
Choosing Dr. Jessica Belz for male breast reduction means trusting a board-certified plastic surgeon who combines unmatched precision with a compassionate, individualized approach.
A San Antonio native, Dr. Belz brings her local roots, international education, and extensive training in breast and body surgery to every person she treats. Her attention to detail and commitment to her patients create an experience focused on safety, confidence, and natural-looking results.
FAQs
Risks of gynecomastia surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Asymmetries
- Changes in sensation
- Delayed wound healing
- Unsightly scarring
- Anesthesia complications
- A need for revision surgery
Dr. Belz will review these risks and others at the time of your consultation. When you work with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, the chances of these complications decrease significantly.
In male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Belz removes the majority of the mammary gland, leaving enough to support the nipple-areola. With this tissue gone, the chances of recurrence are very low.
However, if the gynecomastia was due to the use of steroids, marijuana, or other medications, a patient’s breasts can become enlarged again if usage continues. Also, a sizeable increase in weight can allow fat to accumulate in the breasts, although this isn’t true gynecomastia.
If you want to maintain your new chest contours, staying at a healthy weight and avoiding steroids and marijuana are necessary.
After two weeks or so, patients can return to light exercise, such as walking. Strenuous exercise, including weight training that targets the chest, will need to be avoided for four to six weeks.
In the weeks leading up to surgery, you may be advised to stop smoking, avoid blood-thinning medications, and adjust current prescriptions under your doctor’s guidance. A stable weight and good general health also support better outcomes.
Patients are usually asked to arrange transportation for the day of surgery and secure help at home for the first 24 hours. Following all pre-operative instructions closely helps minimize risks and supports a smoother recovery process.
Male breast reduction surgery can typically be performed once breast development has stabilized. This usually occurs after puberty.
Most surgeons recommend waiting until at least age 18 to make sure the condition is not going to resolve on its own, as gynecomastia during puberty often disappears without treatment. However, in some cases where the condition is severe and has persisted for years, surgery may be considered for younger teens with parental consent.
Adults of any age can undergo this procedure as long as they are healthy and medically cleared. It’s a viable option for older patients as well as teens and young adults.
If liposuction alone is used to remove excess fat, the procedure may be quicker. It may take a little longer if glandular tissue or excess skin are removed. More extensive cases involving liposuction and surgical excision can extend beyond two hours.
The exact timing also depends on factors like anesthesia setup, whether one or both sides are being treated, and any procedures performed at the same time. Most patients go home the same day.
The cost of the surgery can vary widely based on factors like the case’s complexity and whether liposuction, tissue excision, or both are needed. Dr. Belz will provide an estimate that includes her fee, anesthesia fees, facility costs, post-operative garments, and follow-up appointments.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz if you want to learn more about male breast reduction surgery. She is ready to provide personalized care to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.