BEST PLASTIC SURGEON FOR MEN IN ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
Expert Gynecomastia Surgery
Welcome to our Maryland plastic surgery practice, with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Bennett C. Yang, MD, and our staff of experienced medical professionals. We are dedicated to your personalized care and make great efforts to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNECOMASTIA)
When All You Want Is A Flat, Smooth, Masculine Chest
Thousands of men in America suffer from a common condition called gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts. This happens when overdeveloped breast tissue, excess fat, or both occur in one or both breasts.
Some men have enlarged breasts for many reasons. This common condition is called gynecomastia, and the good news is it’s very treatable.
Dr. Bennett C. Yang specializes in male breast reduction surgery. It is a safe and effective procedure. The overdevelopment of male breasts, in the last decade, has been seen in up to 64% of male adolescents. In most cases, the condition corrects itself, but unfortunately, it can persist and cause embarrassment. Sometimes gynecomastia is a result of weight gain, a possible hormonal imbalance, medication or drug side effect.
Also, to some degree, this condition usually develops during early puberty. It is also extremely common in men who have used steroids for bodybuilding, as well as after they reach the age of 50. Rarely is it a result of endocrine disorders or tumors.
The goal of the male breast reduction surgery is to eliminate the feminine appearance resulting from excess breast tissue. This procedure is performed on teenagers and healthy men in their adulthood.
Having male breast reduction surgery can be life-changing.
Some of our male patients experience another form of gynecomastia called “pseudogynecomastia”, which means the enlarged male breasts are caused by excess fat tissue alone. This issue may be improved by lifestyle changes or liposuction alone. Dr. Yang can determine whether you have true gynecomastia, which cannot be treated by lifestyle changes and requires the removal of breast gland tissue as well as excess fat.
Male breast reduction surgery is an effective surgery for removing the extra volume of breast tissue and reshaping the chest for a more masculine appearance. The procedure will remove fat, breast gland tissue, and excess skin, and tighten the chest to restore a smooth appearance.
While weight loss can alter the appearance of all body areas, the male chest is particularly affected. The skin and soft tissues of the chest are not always able to “snap back” after rapid weight loss, resulting in sagging.
This is true if:
- Your weight loss was rapid, using medical treatments such as semaglutide.
- If massive weight were lost, it would stretch the breast skin beyond its natural elasticity.
- If fat was primarily stored in the chest, it would leave more a noticeable volume loss
Hormonal shifts related to weight loss, aging, or certain medications can also influence where and how fat is lost.
The Gynecomastia Procedure
Dr. Bennett C. Yang performs male breast reduction at a fully licensed and accredited outpatient cosmetic surgery center in the same building as his office. Gynecomastia surgery takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to perform. It generally involves removing the excess male breast tissue through liposuction, as well as direct excision. Most patients take a week off from work to recover.
You may need more time off if your job requirements are strenuous. Minimal Scarring may occur, and it is usually well hidden by regular clothing. Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia. For many men, chest liposuction is all that is needed to achieve good results, and it is performed through small incisions.
If your breast tissue needs to be excised, a small, semicircular incision in the areola (the skin surrounding the nipple) will be required to remove the tissue while leaving the smallest scar possible. If excess skin needs to be removed and tightened as well, this will be performed through additional incisions before they are closed.
Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia Questions
Patients Ask Dr. Yang
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Common Physiological (Natural) Causes:
These are usually temporary and often resolve on their own:
Newborns — Exposure to maternal estrogens during pregnancy affects many male infants and typically resolves within weeks to months.
Puberty — Hormonal fluctuations during adolescence; very common (affects up to 50-70% of boys to some degree) and usually resolves within 6 months to 2-3 years.
Older Age (andropause/aging)— Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, while estrogen levels may remain stable or increase relatively due to fat tissue converting androgens to estrogens.
Other Pathological or External Causes — Medications and substances (one of the most common identifiable causes in adults) — Many drugs can disrupt the estrogen-testosterone balance, including: Anti-androgens (e.g., used for prostate conditions like finasteride, flutamide) Anabolic steroids and androgens (often abused for bodybuilding; paradoxically cause gynecomastia after stopping due to rebound effects) Some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs, Heart medications (e.g., digoxin, calcium channel blockers) Anti-ulcer drugs (e.g., cimetidine) Spironolactone (diuretic) Recreational/illicit drugs: Marijuana, heroin, amphetamines, alcohol (chronic heavy use)
Obesity — Excess body fat increases aromatase activity, converting testosterone to estrogen; also often leads to pseudogynecomastia (fat accumulation without true glandular growth).
Medical conditions that affect hormone production, metabolism, or clearance:
Hypogonadism— (low testosterone production, e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, testicular injury)
Hyperthyroidism— Liver cirrhosis or chronic liver disease (impairs estrogen clearance), chronic kidney failure.
Tumors That Secrete Hormones (e.g., testicular, adrenal, or pituitary tumors; some lung cancers producing hCG).
How Do I Know My Gynecomastia Won’t Go Away On Its Own?
Is There Scarring After My Reduction Surgery?
Can Exercise Correct Gynecomastia?
No amount of exercise will correct gynecomastia. In fact, strenuous exercise may further accentuate gynecomastia when the pectoral muscles develop and push the breast tissue forward. In other words, your breast tissue will get bigger.
The only permanent solution for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Dr. Bennett C. Yang has performed gynecomastia surgery for many men, helping them regain a more masculine physique and greater self-confidence.
If I Change My Diet, Can This Help Reduce My Breast Tissue?
No matter how strictly you follow any diet or how many push-ups and chest presses you do, if you’re suffering from gynecomastia, you will always have some unwanted breast tissue.
Our Reviews
Ask For A Virtual Consultation Or Meet With Dr. Yang At Our Rockville Practice.
During your consultation with Dr. Yang, you can discuss your concerns about your chest appearance and go over your options for male breast reduction surgery. Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Bennett C. Yang may recommend different surgical approaches to achieve the best results using the most minimally invasive techniques possible.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your options and learn more about this and other surgical procedures, and the recovery time.