Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is a procedure aimed at reducing the size of enlarged male breasts, restoring a more typical male chest contour. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia with sedation may be sufficient in some cases. The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision either around the areola (periareolar incision) or in the armpit (transaxillary incision) depending on the amount of tissue to be removed and the patient’s anatomy. Through these incisions, the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and, if necessary, skin. Liposuction may often be utilized to remove excess fat deposits and contour the chest area effectively.

Postoperatively, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and compression garments. The compression garments help to minimize swelling and support the new chest contour as it heals. Most patients can return to light activities within a week, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually restricted for several weeks to allow proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and address any complications that may arise. The final results typically become visible after a few months when most of the swelling has subsided, providing a firmer, flatter, and more sculpted chest appearance.