Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in men, is a common condition that can lead to both physical discomfort and emotional distress. For many men, it can feel isolating and frustrating, often resulting in a loss of confidence and self-esteem. However, you're not alone—and there is a solution. Male breast reduction surgery offers an effective treatment to restore a more masculine chest contour.
At Burgess Plastic Surgery in Lake Oswego, OR, we specialize in gynecomastia treatment, led by Dr. Elisa A. Burgess, a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast surgery and research in advanced wound healing techniques. Dr. Burgess is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a respected American Society of Plastic Surgeons member. With her expertise and commitment to personalized care, Dr. Burgess and her team provide reliable, compassionate treatment to help you feel more confident in your body.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which men develop excess breast tissue, resulting in a fuller, more prominent chest appearance. This condition is typically caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medications, and it can happen at any age—from puberty to middle age and beyond. While gynecomastia is common, it can be a source of embarrassment for many men. Despite efforts to reduce it through diet and exercise, the condition usually persists due to the presence of glandular tissue that cannot be addressed with lifestyle changes alone.
For those seeking a more permanent solution, male breast reduction surgery offers a highly effective treatment option. Whether you've struggled with gynecomastia for years or are just beginning to experience it, this procedure can help restore your chest to a more masculine, contoured shape.
How Does Male Breast Reduction Work?
Male breast reduction surgery is intended to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and sometimes excess skin, resulting in a flatter, more masculine chest appearance. The procedure typically involves one or a combination of techniques:
- Liposuction: This method removes excess fat deposits, particularly for men with a significant amount of fatty tissue in the chest.
- Excision: In cases where glandular tissue or excess skin is present, excision techniques are used to physically remove the tissue and recontour the chest.
The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, allowing most patients to go home the same day. Recovery times can vary, but many men experience minimal downtime, with most able to return to work and daily activities within a week or two. Results are long-lasting and permanent, provided that significant weight gain or hormonal changes do not occur post-surgery.
Benefits of Male Breast Reduction
Opting for male breast reduction surgery can significantly enhance both your physical appearance and emotional well-being. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved self-esteem: After surgery, many men feel a significant boost in their self-confidence. Being able to wear tighter-fitting clothes, participate in activities like swimming, or simply feel less self-conscious can be life-changing.
- Enhanced physical comfort: Large or sagging breasts can cause physical discomfort, including skin irritation or back pain. Reducing the size of the chest can alleviate these issues.
- Permanent results: Unlike temporary fixes, gynecomastia treatment through surgery provides long-term results. Once the excess tissue is removed, it will not return, giving you a permanently flatter, more contoured chest.
Whether your goal is to feel more confident at the gym, in social settings, or simply in your day-to-day life, male breast reduction surgery can offer the freedom to live without the discomfort and insecurity caused by gynecomastia.
Am I A Candidate For Gynecomastia?
Male breast reduction uses a combination of liposuction and excision to achieve the desired result. Excess breast tissue in males, which occurs in adolescents as well as adults, can be linked to lifestyle, impaired liver function, testosterone deficiency, or steroids. The tissue can be a combination of fat and glandular tissue and can be sensitive or tender. Ideal patients should be nonsmokers with a stable and healthy body weight. Before surgery, the patient may undergo a medical evaluation to determine the cause of the excess tissue and see if the problem can be corrected through lifestyle changes.
What Is Recovery Like After A Gynecomastia?
Breast reduction surgery is usually an outpatient surgery. You should prepare for 1-2 weeks of recovery, and your chest may still be wrapped. Individualized instructions will be given regarding chest massages and bras.
Dr. Burgess will encourage you to walk around after surgery. Bruising, swelling, and aching are likely, and discomfort may be managed with medication. Swelling may cause some loss of feeling in the breast and nipple. It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least four weeks. Traveling long distances is not recommended in the first month following surgery. Ensure that you attend all scheduled exams following surgery. Scars from the procedure will be noticeable initially but will improve over the next year. The procedure results are not permanent, as gravity and aging continue to play a role. Understand that results cannot last a lifetime and may require future revision surgery. It is important to keep up with chest/ breast exams and possibly other breast studies for your general breast health long term. As with any surgical procedure, complications and side effects are possible and may include permanent loss of feeling in the breasts or nipples, hematoma or seroma, infection or inflammation, small sores around the nipples, permanent scars, unevenly positioned nipples, asymmetry or other unforeseen risks.
Why Choose Dr. Burgess for Gynecomastia Treatment?
At Burgess Plastic Surgery in Lake Oswego, OR, we understand how gynecomastia can impact your confidence and quality of life. Led by Dr. Elisa A. Burgess, a board-certified plastic surgeon, we offer expert male breast reduction to help men achieve a flatter, more masculine chest.
With extensive experience in breast surgeries—including reduction, augmentation, and reconstruction—Dr. Burgess provides personalized, compassionate care tailored to your needs. She also specializes in abdominoplasty, liposuction, and facial rejuvenation procedures, offering her patients a wide range of solutions.
Dr. Burgess completed her residency at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where she researched wound healing. She is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and is an active member of local and national surgical organizations.
Our practice is known for delivering natural-looking results in a supportive, discreet environment. From your first consultation through post-operative care, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and satisfaction every step of the way.
Transform Your Confidence in Lake Oswego, OR
Ready to explore male breast reduction in Lake Oswego, OR? Schedule a consultation with Burgess Plastic Surgery to discuss your goals and receive a customized treatment plan. Dr. Burgess and our dedicated team offer compassionate, expert care to help you achieve the results you desire. Contact us today at 503-699-6464. Reclaim your confidence with professional gynecomastia treatment.
