Gynecomastia

Over half of all men experience male breast enlargement at some point during their lifetimes. This condition – which may be caused by hormonal imbalance, medication, or hereditary factors – is characterized by excess tissue in the chest that causes a male chest to develop a feminine, breast-like look.

Houston Plastic Surgery Associates

Many men who have gynecomastia feel less confident about their self-image and experience a reduced level of self-esteem. If your breasts are enlarged, you may be embarrassed to go shirtless at the pool or the beach. Dr. Balinger can solve this issue by removing the excess breast tissue to create a flatter, firmer, more masculine chest appearance.

Male breast reduction in Houston, TX

Houston, TX plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Balinger performs custom male breast reduction surgery. He understands that your confidence and well-being are closely associated with your body’s condition, including your chest. Working with a team of experienced clinicians, Dr. Balinger goes above and beyond to ensure you feel comfortable, safe, and are very pleased with the results of gynecomastia surgery. Our state-of-the-art equipment and advanced surgical methods help Dr. Balinger to achieve superior results and minimize the risk of side effects such as scarring.

Candidates for male breast reduction

Gynecomastia can be treated with a cosmetic procedure that reduces the size of a man’s chest to create a flatter, firmer, masculine contour. You may be the ideal candidate for our gynecomastia surgery if:

You are in good physical and emotional health
You have excess breast tissue that does not respond to exercise, dieting, or medical treatments
You are a non-smoker and non-drug user
You are close to your ideal body weight
You are bothered by the fact that your breasts have a feminine contour
You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this procedure

Your private consultation

When you visit Dr. Balinger’s office in Houston, TX, we discuss your concerns, examine your chest, and recommend the treatment you need. If your enlarged breasts are weight-related, you may be advised to engage in exercise and dieting as the first step.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to quit at least three weeks before the surgery. Once all conditions are met for the procedure to move forward, we will create an individualized treatment plan to address your specific condition. Some men may require only liposuction, while others will need surgical removal of tissue – every procedure is 100 percent customized to the individual.

A professional approach to male breast reduction

Dr. Balinger will ask questions and review your medical history to ensure you are ready to undergo surgery. If you are a good fit for male breast reduction surgery, detailed measurements of your chest will be taken. Your skin quality will be evaluated, as the skin must have the resiliency to reshape to the new chest contour, or excess skin may need to be surgically removed. Our consultations about male breast reduction are private, discreet, and free of charge at Balinger’s office.

Before & After

What is the surgery?

Gynecomastia is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at Dr. Balinger’s in-office operating suite or at an accredited medical facility. It involves first creating markings on your chest to help guide the surgery. A certified anesthesiologist will then administer anesthesia to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the treatment.

The next step is to create an incision along the outer edge of the areola. Excess skin and tissue are removed to achieve the desired masculine look to the upper chest. Liposuction may be necessary to remove excess fat from the chest area. Dr. Balinger uses the most advanced techniques, applied with meticulous care, to achieve a precise result and minimize the chance of scarring. Once the re-contouring is complete, the incisions are closed and covered with bandages. This custom procedure is completed in about two to three hours. After your surgery, you will rest in an observation room where your vitals will be monitored, after which you are free to return home, driven by another adult.

What are the options for gynecomastia surgery?

The needs of each patient are different. Dr. Balinger can evaluate your gynecomastia and recommend the best possible treatment option. Dr. Christopher Balinger has several surgical methods that could be employed to resolve enlarged male breasts:

Full male breast reduction

If you have a more severe case of gynecomastia, whether due to weight gain, genetics, or other contributing factors, you may need to undergo a full male breast reduction surgery. This procedure involves creating an incision along the areola (darker tissue around the nipple) to remove excess skin and tissue. This is a more intensive treatment that involves a longer surgical appointment and recovery time.

Liposuction

This is a minimally invasive technique to remove excess fat from the upper chest. The chest area will be lipo-contoured via tiny incisions. Specialized cannulas are inserted to remove excess fatty tissue. This procedure may be better suited for men who have gynecomastia due to fat accumulation. It provides a “scarless” method to flatten the chest and create a more masculine chest appearance.

Nipple reduction

Some men have “puffy” nipples that are visible under a shirt. In some cases, this problem can be resolved without the need for extensive gynecomastia surgery. A smaller, in-office procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically completed in about 30 minutes to resolve this.

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Recovery after male breast reduction

Recovery following male breast reduction surgery varies from person to person. Most men who have undergone this procedure experience some swelling and bruising. We will prescribe pain medication to minimize any discomfort, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. Bruising and swelling fade in the days following your surgery, typically peaking at about day three or four.

A compression garment will be placed over your chest, and you should wear it continually to keep the region protected, limit swelling, and help shape the results. Most patients can get back to routine daily activities within a couple of days. However, you will be asked to avoid any form of heavy lifting or strenuous exercises for four weeks. It is imperative that you follow your aftercare instructions to ensure a speedy and successful recovery. Should you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Balinger and his staff are available to assist you.

Meet Dr. Balinger, a male plastic surgeon in Houston

Christopher Balinger, MD, brings a high level of surgical skill and artistry to every procedure, including gynecomastia treatment. He will develop a customized surgical plan that is geared to minimize any visible scars. Dr. Balinger has the skills and meticulous approach to achieve a superior result when performing male breast reduction surgery. He and his team of highly qualified, certified support staff do everything possible to make your journey to greater confidence comfortable. We offer patient-centric care and are known for the personalized care they deliver. If you feel embarrassed by the appearance of overly-large breasts, your life can be forever changed when you undergo reduction surgery from arguably the best plastic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Balinger.

Plan your procedure in Houston, TX

Male breast reduction surgery varies in price based on the extent of the procedure. Most of Dr. Balinger’s gynecomastia patients will find the surgery price to fall within $4,500 and $7,500 in cost. Unfortunately, health insurance does not typically cover this surgery. Each policy is different, and there may be some criteria for coverage with some plans. We offer various payment options that will allow you to get the surgery when you want it and pay for the cost over time. Imagine the difference in your confidence! Our male breast reduction surgery can be life-changing!

Average Cost

$4,500 - $7,500

Procedure Time

Varies per patient

Recovery Time

No strenuous lifting for 4 weeks

Insurance

Not Covered

Gynecomastia is a medical condition that occurs in men, often called “man boobs.” If you have tried to shape and tone your chest area and are still embarrassed by enlarged breasts, you may be a good candidate for male breast reduction. Dr. Balinger offers gynecomastia surgery for men in Houston, Conroe, and the surrounding areas of Texas.

FAQ

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the most likely reason that you have enlarged male breasts if you have tried to reduce the fat with diet and exercise to no avail. Gynecomastia generally becomes evident in men during adolescence. Hormones can trigger some enlargement to the breasts during puberty, which typically fades and is a short-term condition. Some teenage boys struggle with the condition, as the breasts never return to a normal shape and size – an embarrassing condition. Liposuction, surgery, or a combination may be needed for men who have been unable to reduce larger breasts with diet and exercise.

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?

The average cost of male breast reduction is $4,500 to $7,500. After your consultation with Dr. Balinger, we will provide more specific details about your gynecomastia surgery cost. We offer free initial consultations at our offices in Houston and Conroe and financing options for our patients.

What are the benefits of gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia does not pose a medical concern, and the primary reason that men choose to undergo gynecomastia surgery to create a toned, fit, masculine appearance.

How is male breast reduction performed?

The incision placement varies based on your individual condition, so Dr. Balinger will explain that aspect of the procedure after evaluating your chest in an initial consultation. If you have a small amount of excess fat contributing to your enlarged male breasts, Dr. Balinger may recommend liposuction. For cases in which a man has an excess of breast glandular tissue, it must be surgically removed. You may require the removal of excess skin to create the firm, sculpted look of a healthy male chest.

What is recovery like after gynecomastia surgery?

Expect to spend a few days at home resting. You may have swelling, tenderness, discomfort, and bruising for a few weeks or longer. Dr. Balinger will also recommend restrictions to certain activities, including any exercise until the skin and tissue are fully healed.

How long will gynecomastia surgery results last?

If you maintain a healthy weight, eat right, and exercise, the results of your male breast reduction surgery can last for many years. Your skin naturally loosens with age, but the firm, taut look of your chest, as long as you care for your health, is long-lasting.