Gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction is a procedure to correct unwanted breast tissue found in men, usually caused by a hormonal imbalance.
Recovery
4-6 weeks until resuming physical exercise
7 days off from work/household duties
Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
Alternative Names
Gynecomastia, Reduction Mammaplasty, Man Boob Reduction
If you are a man living with overdeveloped breast tissue, you are not alone. In fact, between 40 and 60 percent of men have a condition called gynecomastia that causes their breast tissue to become enlarged. But just because there are others who experience this condition doesn’t change the impact it has likely had on your life. If you are like many of our male breast reduction patients, you may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about the way gynecomastia has changed your body proportion. You might find yourself choosing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding situations where your bare chest is visible to others because you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin.
If you’re tired of having to deal with this discomfort and anxiety and want to regain the confidence that comes with knowing you look your best, male breast reduction surgery might be the solution you’ve been seeking.
Experience and Innovation to Improve Patient Outcomes
At The Plastic Surgery Clinic we perform approximately 100 to 200 gynecomastia procedures each year. This makes Dr. Lista one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in Toronto with an unparalleled level of experience and expertise.
Because we use the most state-of-the-art plastic surgery techniques for male breast reduction, we provide our patients with exceptionally precise results and quicker recovery times. We are one of the first clinics in Canada to use Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), one of the newest technologies available for this procedure. PAL is an exceptional technique capable of removing both fat and glandular tissue with reduced bruising and faster healing times.
Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin strive to deliver the most natural looking results as safely as possible. Together they have pioneered an innovative technique for gynecomastia surgery where only a miniscule incision is required. They have written book chapters, published peer reviewed journal articles, and received invitations to speak all around the world about this revolutionary method. Unlike traditional techniques that often leave a large, visible scar around the nipple, the approach used at Toronto’s The Plastic Surgery Clinic leaves an unobtrusive 3mm scar on the outside of the chest – it looks like you’ve simply had a mole removed.
The following images are presented for educational purposes only and should be interpreted subjectively. They do not represent the opinion or view of any patient regarding their result, and they are not intended to suggest the result that may be achieved by any other patient. The images are presented as factual guidelines and merely represent results that have been achieved by others. No two patients are alike and no two results are necessarily alike. Only a personal consultation with your surgeon can provide you with a reasonable expectation of the results you may achieve from any specific procedure.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
If you’re considering surgery to correct gynecomastia, you can get a basic understanding of the procedure by exploring the links in the menu on the left. Since every patient’s case is different, the information available here might not be able to answer all of your questions. We understand that the decision to have plastic surgery is a serious one and that you have a right to know every possible detail that pertains to your individual needs in order to make an informed choice. That’s why we are pleased to offer free consultations to answer any of your questions in person and in detail.
What is Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction)?
Gynecomastia surgery usually takes one to two hours.
The techniques used in your gynecomastia surgery will depend on the underlying reason for your gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can be caused by excess fat or excess glandular tissue, or a combination thereof.
Glandular Tissue Removal
Glandular tissue is removed with Power assisted Liposuction. No incisions are made around the areolas.
Fatty Tissue Removal
Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin use the newest liposuction technique, Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) to remove fat in all appropriate gynecomastia patients. Dr. Lista was one of the first surgeons in Canada to use this method. With PAL, the liposuction tube oscillates at a frequency of several hundred cycles per second. This allows fat and breast tissue to be removed more quickly, more evenly and with less bleeding. This means that our male breast reduction patients have less bruising and can recover more quickly following surgery.
Excess Skin Removal
In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.
Revolutionary Approach to Reduce Scarring
In most gynecomastia surgeries a small incision is made around the nipple to remove glandular and fatty tissue. Usually this scar does not bother the patient, but some patients prefer a more discreet solution. To respond to this need, Toronto cosmetic surgeons Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin developed an innovative technique where the incision is made on the outside of the chest. The resulting 3 mm (1/4 in) scar looks like a small mole had been removed and is very unobtrusive.
Where Your Gynecomastia Surgery Is Performed
Your male breast reduction surgery can be performed right on site in the state-of-the-art facilities of The Plastic Surgery Clinic. There is always a surgeon on call to respond to your concerns. In addition, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.
The Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Correction (Male Breast Reduction)
Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will adjust to the body’s new contours.
Surgery may be discouraged for obese men or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good male breast reduction candidates. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.
Preparing for a Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction)
Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin will meet with you once or twice before your cosmetic surgery in Toronto. We spend considerable time in the consultation process obtaining your health history and performing a thorough physical examination. Your desires, goals, and expectations of the gynecomastia surgery are also discussed at length. It may not always be possible to meet all your expectations with surgery, so it crucial that you understand what is a realistic outcome.
Your cosmetic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Clinic will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including guidelines on taking certain vitamins and medications. Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of 4 weeks before gynecomastia surgery and during the recovery period. Smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing. It is essential to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions.
Recovery Following a Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction)
After your plastic surgery procedure, you will be wearing a compression garment for 6 weeks. You should arrange to have a friend or relative pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery and bring you back in the next day for your post op appointment.
You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. Any discomfort you feel can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. If you are currently looking after small children, plan for an alternative childcare arrangement during the first few days following your surgery to help limit the time you will need to spend on your feet. Staying quiet and resting during the days immediately following surgery actually speeds healing and helps achieve the best results.
As you recover from gynecomastia surgery, you will be swollen and bruised for a while – in fact, you may wonder if there’s been any improvement at all. To help reduce swelling, you will be instructed to wear the compression vest continuously for 6 weeks. This garment is like a lycra undershirt and is not visible under clothing. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.
In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. You should begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work in a week. You may resume gentle exercise in 4 weeks. You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction) Risks & Complications
When a qualified gynecomastia treatment specialist such as Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin performs male breast reduction surgery, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are risks. These risks include infection, skin injury, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. The procedure may also result in noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes in the breast area, loss of breast sensation or numbness, or slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. If asymmetry is significant, a second procedure may be performed to remove additional tissue.
Dr. Lista and Dr. Ahmad are two highly respected and recognized gynecomastia surgeons. Dr. Lista has been invited to speak on gynecomastia at prestigious national plastic surgery meetings such as The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Pan Arabic Plastic Surgery Society, The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Lista and Dr. Ahmad have also co-authored an article describing their technique and reviewing their results. This was published in the prestigious peer-reviewed Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction) Before and After Photo Gallery
Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it may not necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with your Mississauga / Toronto gynecomastia treatment specialist.
The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, you’ll likely be very satisfied with your new look.
To get a better understanding of the results that we have achieved with other patients, please see our male breast reduction before and after photo gallery. When you come in to our clinic for a free consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons, you will be able to see a more comprehensive collection of gynecomastia photos.
Cost of Male Breast Reduction
The cost of gynecomastia surgery depends on a very different factors. When you meet us for a complimentary consultation, your surgeon will provide a quote for the procedure, taking into consideration your unique needs and goals. This surgery is not covered by OHIP at our clinic, however, many are pleased to learn that gynecomastia treatment is in fact very affordable and reasonably priced. Several of our patients have told us that, in their overall experience, the improvement to their quality of life and confidence greatly outweighed any financial expense. We also have different financing plans available for your convenience.
Please contact us by phone or e-mail for more information about the cost of male breast reduction surgery. You can also contact us by filling out the Request for Information form on this page. At the end of your free consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons, you will be able to receive a more exact estimate based on your particular needs.
Male Breast Reduction Videos
Browse our collection of videos for an insider's look at this procedure and others we perform.
Consultations are always free. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your vision. And then share with you our expertise and recommendations based on 30+ years of experience, and thousands of satisfied patients.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
You and your surgeon will customize a plan to meet your needs and desired outcome.
2The PSC Procedure
All surgeries are day surgeries, done under general anesthetic at our private hospital.
3The PSC Follow Up
We see you the very next day, ensuring optimal recovery and happiness with your result.
Step 1: The PSC Consult
Consultations are always free. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your vision. And then share with you our expertise and recommendations based on 30+ years of experience, and thousands of satisfied patients.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
You and your surgeon will customize a plan to meet your needs and desired outcome.
Step 2: The PSC Procedure
You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
All surgeries are day surgeries, done under general anesthetic at our private hospital.
Step 3: The PSC Follow Up
We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
We see you the very next day, ensuring optimal recovery and happiness with your result.
Before You Go…
Did we answer all your questions? Our goal is to ensure you have the best information possible to make your decision. If you still have questions, we’re here to help.