Gynecomastia Surgery - Male Breast Reduction, Gland Excision

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Benefits of Male Breast Reduction

A Flatter, More Masculine Chest

Surgery removes the excess gland and fat responsible for breast fullness, revealing a chest that is firm, flat, and proportional to your body.

Permanent Correction

Once glandular tissue is removed, it does not grow back. Your results remain stable as long as you maintain a healthy weight.

Confidence Without a Shirt

Most men describe the ability to go shirtless at the pool, beach, or gym as life-changing. Clothes fit the way they are supposed to, and chest outlines no longer show through fabric.

Minimal Scarring

Incisions are small and strategically placed along the edge of the areola or in natural chest creases where they fade to near invisibility over time.

Expected Results

Gynecomastia surgery delivers one of the most immediate and confidence-boosting transformations in male plastic surgery. Most men notice a flatter, firmer chest as soon as the compression garment comes off.

Immediate Improvement

Even with early swelling, your chest looks noticeably flatter within the first week. The projection and puffiness that once showed through shirts is gone.

Defined Pectoral Contours

As swelling resolves over the following weeks, the sculpted borders of the pectoral muscles become more visible, creating athletic, masculine definition.

Clothes That Finally Fit

T-shirts lay flat. Button-downs fit properly. You no longer have to layer clothing or avoid certain styles to hide your chest.

Real Patient Results

Browse our extensive gallery to see the natural, symmetrical results Dr. Neavin achieves.

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Patient Stories

5-Star Experiences

“

"I avoided taking my shirt off for over 15 years. Pools, beaches, locker rooms. After surgery with Dr. Neavin, I went to the beach for the first time without covering up. It sounds small, but it changed my life.

— Gynecomastia Patient

"The whole experience was so much easier than I expected. Minimal pain, quick recovery, and the results are exactly what I hoped for. I wish I had done this years ago."

— RealSelf Review

What Gynecomastia Surgery Involves

Liposuction

For men whose chest fullness is primarily caused by excess fat (pseudogynecomastia), liposuction alone may be sufficient. Small cannulas are inserted through tiny incisions to suction out fat and sculpt the chest contours.

Glandular Tissue Excision

True gynecomastia involves firm, rubbery glandular tissue beneath the nipple that cannot be removed with liposuction alone. This tissue is excised through a small incision along the edge of the areola, where the scar becomes nearly invisible.

Combined Approach

Most men have both excess gland and excess fat. Combining liposuction with gland excision provides the flattest, most masculine result. Dr. Neavin tailors the approach to your specific anatomy.

Skin Tightening (When Needed)

In cases of severe gynecomastia or significant weight loss, excess skin may need to be removed. This is discussed during consultation to ensure optimal contouring without loose skin.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

Have a firm lump or disk of tissue behind the nipple (true gynecomastia)
Experience puffiness or projection through shirts
Have a chest that stays full even when body weight drops
Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
Do not smoke or are willing to stop temporarily
Have good skin elasticity for smooth contouring
Have realistic expectations about results

Not Ideal Candidates

Chest fullness is caused only by excess weight with no gland present (pseudogynecomastia may resolve with weight loss)
Significantly overweight and need to lose weight first
Active smokers or vapers unwilling to quit temporarily
Uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
Younger teens who have not yet stabilized hormonally (pubertal gynecomastia often resolves naturally)
Severe skin laxity that may require additional procedures

Do I Have Gynecomastia?

This self-assessment can help you understand whether your chest fullness may be caused by true gynecomastia or excess fat. Answer honestly for the most accurate results.

Question 1 of 6

Can you feel a firm, rubbery lump directly behind your nipple?

Gently press around your nipple area. Glandular tissue feels distinctly different from soft fat.

Yes, there is a firm, disc-like lump

It feels rubbery or hard, clearly different from surrounding tissue

I think so, but I am not sure

There might be something firmer beneath, but it is hard to tell

No, it all feels soft like fat

No distinct lump, just general softness across the chest

Question 2 of 6

Does your chest fullness remain even when you lose weight?

Think about whether your chest changes with weight fluctuations.

Yes, it stays the same regardless of my weight

Even when I get lean, my chest still looks full or puffy

It changes a little, but not much

Some improvement with weight loss, but the core issue remains

Yes, it changes a lot with my weight

When I lose weight, my chest gets noticeably flatter

Question 3 of 6

Do your nipples appear puffy or project outward through shirts?

This is often one of the most noticeable and bothersome symptoms.

Yes, they are noticeably puffy or pointed

I avoid certain shirts because they show through the fabric

Somewhat, especially in thin shirts

It is noticeable in certain clothing but not always

No, my nipples lay flat

No puffiness, just general chest fullness

Question 4 of 6

Do you experience tenderness or sensitivity in your chest or nipple area?

Glandular tissue can sometimes cause discomfort, especially when pressed.

Yes, my chest or nipples are often tender

Sensitive to touch or uncomfortable during exercise

Occasionally, but not regularly

Some sensitivity from time to time

No tenderness or sensitivity

No discomfort in the chest area

Question 5 of 6

When did you first notice your chest fullness?

The timing can provide clues about the underlying cause.

During puberty, and it never went away

Started as a teenager and has persisted into adulthood

It developed in adulthood, somewhat suddenly

Appeared after puberty, possibly related to medications or hormones

It came on gradually with weight gain

Developed slowly as I gained weight over time

Question 6 of 6

Is one side of your chest noticeably different from the other?

Gynecomastia often presents asymmetrically.

Yes, one side is larger or more puffy

Clear asymmetry between left and right

Slightly different, but not dramatically

Minor differences between the two sides

Both sides look about the same

Symmetrical fullness across both sides

Your Assessment Results

Likelihood of True Gynecomastia

Less Likely More Likely

Based on Your Answers

Schedule a Consultation

Important: This self-assessment is for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. Only a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine whether you have gynecomastia through a physical examination. Schedule a consultation for an accurate evaluation.

Learn More About The Procedure

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Estimated Investment

$6,000 - $12,000

Gynecomastia surgery costs vary based on the severity of the condition and the techniques required. The national average surgeon fee for gynecomastia surgery is approximately $5,600, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this does not include anesthesia, facility fees, compression garments, or other associated costs. Total gynecomastia surgery costs typically range from $6,000 to $12,000 or more depending on complexity. Cases requiring liposuction only tend to cost less than those requiring glandular excision or a combined approach. Severe gynecomastia with excess skin may require additional procedures that increase the total investment. Gynecomastia surgery is typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, coverage may be possible if the condition is documented as causing significant pain or is related to an underlying medical condition. Dr. Neavin's team can help you understand your options. Financing is available. During your consultation, you will receive a personalized quote based on your specific surgical plan.

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Surgery Day Journey

Arrival and Preparation

You arrive at the surgical facility and are welcomed by the team. Pre-operative photos are taken. Dr. Neavin reviews the surgical plan and marks your chest to guide gland removal and liposuction contouring. You meet with the anesthesia team.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is administered for complete comfort. Local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate for select smaller cases.

The Procedure

Dr. Neavin performs liposuction, gland excision, or a combination based on your anatomy. Incisions are small and placed discreetly along the areola edge or in natural chest creases. The goal is a smooth, athletic contour with minimal visible scarring.

The Artisan Promise

Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Proper aftercare supports optimal healing and helps you achieve the best possible result. Dr. Neavin and his team provide detailed instructions and ongoing support throughout your recovery.

Compression Garment

You will wear a compression garment continuously for the first few weeks to reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, and help the skin conform to your new chest contour.

Follow-Up Appointments

Scheduled visits allow Dr. Neavin to monitor your healing, remove sutures if needed, and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.

Direct Access to Dr. Neavin

Questions do not wait until your next appointment. You have direct phone and email access to Dr. Neavin's team throughout your recovery.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Days 1-3: Initial Healing

Compression garment worn at all times. Expect mild to moderate soreness and tightness in the chest. Bruising and swelling are normal. Short walks encouraged. Discomfort managed with prescribed medication.

Week 1: Early Recovery

Most patients return to desk work within 5 to 7 days. Bruising begins to fade. Compression garment still required full-time. Sutures may dissolve or be removed depending on technique.

Weeks 2-4: Returning to Activity

Swelling continues to decrease. Light exercise such as walking or stationary cycling permitted. Avoid chest workouts, running, and high-intensity training. Compression garment may transition to part-time use.

Months 2-6: Final Results

Chest contour becomes more defined as swelling fully resolves. Most men resume full workouts including chest exercises. Scars begin to fade. Numbness or sensation changes continue improving. Final results visible by 3 to 6 months.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Gynecomastia surgery is a safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Neavin uses refined techniques designed to minimize complications and support smooth healing.

Important Considerations

Bruising and swelling: Expected in the early recovery period. Most bruising resolves within 1 to 2 weeks.
Bleeding or hematoma: Uncommon, but may require drainage if it occurs.
Infection: Rare with proper postoperative care and antibiotics.
Contour irregularities: Minor firmness or unevenness may occur during healing and typically smooths out over time.
Asymmetry: Mild side-to-side differences may be present during early healing and usually resolve.
Nipple numbness or sensation changes: Temporary numbness is common and typically returns gradually over several months.
Scarring: Incisions are placed discreetly and fade significantly within the first year.
Rare risk of over-correction: Removing too much tissue can create an indented appearance. Dr. Neavin’s meticulous technique avoids this outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia?

True gynecomastia involves firm glandular tissue beneath the nipple that does not respond to diet or exercise. Pseudogynecomastia is excess fat only. During your consultation, Dr. Neavin will determine which condition you have and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Will my results be permanent?

Yes. Once glandular tissue is surgically removed, it cannot grow back. Results remain stable as long as you maintain a healthy weight and avoid substances that can trigger gynecomastia.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are placed along the edge of the areola or within natural chest creases where they become nearly invisible over time. Most patients report that scars fade significantly within the first year.

When can I return to work?

Most men return to desk work within 5 to 7 days. Jobs requiring physical labor or heavy lifting typically require 2 to 3 weeks off.

When can I exercise again?

Light activity like walking is encouraged within the first week. Cardio can resume around 2 to 3 weeks. Chest exercises and heavy lifting are typically cleared around 4 to 6 weeks.

Dr. Tim Neavin

The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

Dr. Tim Neavin has helped hundreds of men eliminate gynecomastia and regain confidence in their bodies. While many plastic surgeons focus primarily on female breast procedures, Dr. Neavin has dedicated a significant part of his practice to male plastic surgery, making him one of the most experienced gynecomastia surgeons in the region.

He understands how the male chest should look from every angle. His approach combines meticulous glandular tissue removal with precision liposuction to create a chest that is flat, firm, and naturally masculine. He sculpts the pectoral borders to create athletic definition while keeping incisions minimal and discreet.

Most importantly, Dr. Neavin is known for honest guidance. He will tell you exactly what your chest needs, whether that is liposuction alone, gland excision, or a combination. His male patients consistently highlight his transparency, precision, and the natural results that allow them to finally feel comfortable with their shirt off.

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery

Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

Start Your Transformation

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin today.

Gynecomastia Surgery Restore a Flat, Masculine Chest with Expert Male Breast Reduction