This Procedure Can Fix Excess Chest Tissue for Men: Learn about Gynecomastia Surgery!

Dr. Shenker recently had a patient come to him for gynecomastia surgery, mentioning that his own son recently had the same procedure! He was inspired by the incredible surgical results his son had experienced from the surgery with Dr. Shenker, and wanted to make a change of his own. Issues like excess breast tissue for men are often experienced by both father and son, so it was an inspiring moment––realizing that seeing a solution for this man’s own son had given him the motivation to come and get care for himself. 

If you’re concerned about male breasts, you’re not alone.

Dr. Shenker has done hundreds of successful gynecomastia procedures and even underwent gynecomastia surgery himself. So we understand the nuances of this condition and how it directly impacts your life. Let go of any stress or shame around male breasts and know that gynecomastia is a common condition many men experience, with a simple surgical solution. 

Read about Dr. Shenker’s own journey with gynecomastia here.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the presence of excessively large breasts or excess tissue on a man’s chest area. It’s a common concern for men. The excess volume on the chest area can be glandular breast tissue or extra fat, and it’s often a combination of both. 

What causes gynecomastia or excess chest tissue in men?

For most men, gynecomastia is a cosmetic concern––meaning that it does not impact health directly and is almost never a serious medical condition. In some cases, an endocrine or hormonal problem can be the cause. But the psychological and cultural implications of this extra volume on the chest can be frustrating and embarrassing for anyone going through it. 

There are a variety of reasons that men experience male breasts or excess fat tissue on their chest area. Hormonal changes during puberty can trigger the growth of male breast tissue; for many men this tissue dissipates after puberty but can remain into adulthood. Aside from puberty, other causes of gynecomastia can include weight gain, steroid use, and genetic factors. 

Common causes of gynecomastia:

• Hormonal changes
• Weight gain or weight fluctuations
• Steroid use
• Genetic or hereditary factors. 

How do “man boobs” or chest fat affect your confidence?

Many men are physically fit or thoughtful about their health and still find it difficult to target the extra volume on their chest. Men who struggle with gynecomastia can feel self conscious on the beach in the summer, in a suit during a work presentation, or on a regular day when they’re  finding a shirt that fits properly. Some men will wear oversized shirts to try to mask the appearance of male breasts, and put in extra effort to make sure others don’t notice. 

Is gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) right for me?

Choosing surgery is a personal choice and it can be empowering when it’s the right procedure for you. At The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic we care about giving our patients options, information, and insights so they can make a well-informed choice. During your consultation, Dr. Shenker or Dr. Ma will do a thorough health examination and talk with you about your needs, concerns, and goals to establish if it’s a suitable surgery for you.

What can I do about excess chest fat as a man?

It can be difficult to target the extra fat or glandular chest tissue of male breasts without surgical intervention. Pushups or certain exercises can build muscle or burn fat in the pectoral area, but if you have extra tissue that can make the concern even more pronounced. Our expert surgeons use liposuction to remove the excess fat and suction it away. Gynecomastia surgery takes place under local anesthesia with sedation or a general anesthetic. 

• If your male breast tissue is mainly fat, your surgery will likely involve liposuction. Liposuction involves a thin hollow tube called a cannula, which is inserted using a small incision in the chest area to pull away fat from the targeted area, much like a vacuum. 
• For some patients, the issue is more glandular. In these cases, our surgeons use a surgical technique called excision to remove excess skin and reshape the chest during the procedure. This surgical technique may be combined with liposuction as well.

Choose an experienced surgeon for your gynecomastia surgery

Dr. Shenker and Dr. Ma are expert gynecomastia surgeons, with a surgical process that has been perfected by performing countless successful gynecomastia surgeries. That’s why we often see out-of-towners at our Waterloo clinic; news travels fast. Regardless of where you have your procedure, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience, education, and evidence of happy patients. Ask for examples of successful procedures and read through your surgeon’s bio to establish a sense of their expertise. You can also explore our gynecomastia surgery results in the gallery.

Do I have gynecomastia?

Males with gynecomastia usually notice swelling, and their chest area is often painful or tender to touch. The condition often coincides with the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, in which case it can resolve on its own without treatment in 6 months to 2 years. But for some men it’s long-lasting. If you’ve noticed excess fat tissue or evident mounds on your chest area around your nipples, come see us for a consultation. You can do a self-exam at home, but you’re likely already aware of a noticeable, soft mound or circular area of tissue underneath your areola or the appearance of male breasts. Many men notice these concerns most when they’re at work, in swimming trunks, or in an intimate setting. If you have a hard or immoveable mound under your nipple area, you should also see your doctor for an exam to rule out male breast cancer as a concern. 

Curious about gynecomastia surgery?

The solution is simple, and effective, and available at The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. Do you have questions? Looking to get started? Book a consultation and let’s discuss the possibilities for you in our heritage clinic. We’ve been changing lives for over 40 years. Now it’s your turn.