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Women are not the only ones who can be affected by oversized breasts. Men with gynecomastia — a condition that causes enlarged, woman-like breasts — can experience physical discomfort, low self-esteem and other problems related to the size and shape of their breasts.
Dr. Genaro Valladolid performs male breast reduction for men with gynecomastia from Scottsdale, Mesa and the surrounding areas. He is extremely empathetic to the emotional and physical distress that gynecomastia causes, and he offers innovative treatment solutions to help men enjoy a more masculine appearance and greater self-confidence.
Dr. Valladolid recognizes the many ways that gynecomastia can affect a man’s self-image, confidence and quality of life. He knows that a man with enlarged breasts might feel embarrassed, ashamed and shy about his appearance; however, the plastic surgeon immediately puts every patient at ease with his friendly, caring personality. Dr. Valladolid works hard to create a comfortable environment to help each patient open up about his concerns and desires. Based on what the patient has described, Dr. Valladolid develops a treatment plan tailored around those goals.
After male breast reduction, patients describe feeling comfortable in their own skin —sometimes for the first time in many years! Self-confidence blossoms, clothing fits better and physical activities and exercise are no longer a burden, thanks to gynecomastia treatment.
The most suitable candidates for male breast reduction are healthy men who are within their target weight range yet unhappy with the size of their breasts.
Surgery is not always the first recommendation for addressing gynecomastia. Depending on the cause of the condition, waiting to see if hormone levels stabilize or discontinuing certain substances or medications can have a positive effect on shrinking the chest. Plastic surgery becomes more appropriate for men who have seen the problem persist over many months or years.
Some of the reasons that men develop gynecomastia include:
Male breast reduction may involve liposuction, surgical excision or both techniques, depending on the degree of correction needed and the composition of the breasts.
Men whose breasts are enlarged due to excess fat may achieve their desired chest contour through liposuction alone. Dr. Valladolid creates small openings in the chest skin and uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to break up and remove the unwanted fat. He works meticulously to sculpt a flatter, firmer chest.
Men whose breasts are large due to excess fat and glandular tissue need surgical excision (i.e., cutting out the breast tissue). Through an incision encircling the areola, Dr. Valladolid removes excess glandular tissue and skin. He can incorporate liposuction techniques to remove fatty tissue, and he can also reduce oversized areolas if desired.
In cases where the breasts are large and saggy, the excision may need to be performed through a larger inframammary incision that includes the excess skin, fat and breast tissue. Sometimes a free nipple graft may be required in these cases.
Recovery varies by patient and by treatment plan. Men who have liposuction alone normally have a slightly shorter and easier recovery than men who have surgical excision and liposuction.
Patients are usually fitted with a special compression garment that aids in the healing process. This garment should be worn for a few weeks to support the healing tissues. Bruising, swelling, a feeling of tightness across the chest and slight discomfort are common after surgery.
Most patients can resume work and light exercise within a week or two of surgery. More strenuous activity is permitted after about two weeks, and patients can resume upper body workouts incrementally starting four to six weeks after surgery.
The patient’s chest will look more proportional immediately following surgery, although the swelling must subside before the full, masculine contours are visible.
Most men who have this surgery can maintain their results indefinitely. This is most easily achieved by men who keep a steady weight. However, some men may see their breast tissue re-enlarge due to reasons such as hormone fluctuation and medication use.
Gynecomastia is most likely to affect teenage boys and older men, but men of all ages have been diagnosed with this condition.
Some men have oversized breasts because they are overweight, so they can recontour this area with diet and exercise. However, that is not true of gynecomastia. Instead, the condition occurs due to dense glandular tissue, which cannot be corrected by burning calories and limiting their intake. For true gynecomastia, the most practical solution is plastic surgery.
Scarring can be expected after any surgery, and male breast reduction is no exception. While these scars will fade dramatically with time, they will never disappear completely. Fortunately, Dr. Valladolid is careful to place his incisions along your natural lines (such as around the areolas or along the lower crease of the chest) so that they are barely noticeable.
The total cost of male breast reduction depends on the techniques that Dr. Valladolid uses to flatten the chest. If a combination of tissue removal and liposuction are necessary, this may cost more. After examining your upper torso during a consultation, Dr. Valladolid can provide a quote. Financing options are available through CareCredit, a leading medical lender.
You may experience mild tenderness or sensitivity in your chest if you have gynecomastia, especially when glandular tissue is firm or swollen. For many people, the condition is more emotionally uncomfortable than physically painful, as it can affect your confidence and body image. After male breast reduction surgery, you can expect temporary soreness, swelling, and tightness in your chest. These symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and are typically manageable with prescribed medication, compression garments, and proper rest. As you recover, discomfort gradually improves over the first few weeks, allowing you to return to your usual activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Your male breast reduction surgery usually takes between one and two hours, depending on your specific treatment plan. The exact length of your procedure depends on how much excess fat or glandular tissue needs to be removed and whether liposuction, excision, or a combination of techniques is used. If your case is more complex or involves additional contouring for optimal symmetry, your surgery may take slightly longer. During your consultation, you receive a personalized overview of what to expect so you can plan your day accordingly. Because this is typically an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day with detailed recovery instructions.
You may receive general anaesthesia during your gynecomastia surgery. The type of anaesthesia recommended for you depends on the extent of correction needed, your health history, and your comfort level. General anaesthesia allows you to sleep comfortably through the procedure, while local anaesthesia with sedation keeps you relaxed and pain-free without being fully unconscious. Your safety and comfort are always a priority, and your anaesthesia plan is carefully discussed with you beforehand so you understand what to expect on the day of surgery.
You may not need drains after your procedure, as they are not required in every case. Whether drains are used depends on the amount of tissue removed and the surgical techniques performed. If drains are placed, they help prevent fluid buildup and support proper healing during the initial recovery phase. Drains, when used, are typically temporary and removed within a few days. You receive clear instructions on how to care for them at home, ensuring you feel confident managing your recovery.
You may notice temporary changes in nipple sensation after surgery, including numbness or increased sensitivity. These changes are usually part of the normal healing process and often improve over time as nerves recover. In most cases, sensation gradually returns within several weeks to months. Permanent loss of sensation is uncommon, but your individual anatomy and the extent of correction can influence your experience. During your consultation, you can discuss your concerns and receive detailed information tailored to you.
You will begin to see improvements in your chest contour once initial swelling subsides within the first few weeks. However, your final results typically become more visible after several months as residual swelling resolves and tissues fully settle. By following your post-operative instructions and maintaining a stable weight, you support long-lasting, natural-looking results.
If you are interested in discussing male breast reduction with Dr. Valladolid, please contact one of his offices in Scottsdale or Mesa by calling (480) 770-5015 today.
