Gynecomastia breast surgery, or male breast reduction, seeks to address a condition that exists, in varying degrees, in almost half of all men. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess fat and breast tissue from the chest wall to produce a flatter, more masculine chest.
At Radiance Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lori Cherup is an experienced cosmetic surgeon who offers gynecomastia surgery in Bridgeville. To view before and after photos of Dr. Cherup’s real patients, visit our online gallery.
Gynecomastia Consultation
In your initial consultation, Dr. Cherup will perform a physical exam. She will also ask you about your lifestyle and general health in order to determine your candidacy for this procedure.
She will determine by the looseness of the skin, the amount of breast and fat tissue behind the nipple areolar complex, and your overall body shape and size whether the breast tissue that exists there is significant or not. The reduction surgery can be performed if there is a likely possibility that after removing the tissue, it will not re-accumulate.
While the surgery may be performed on men of any age, it is discouraged for those who suffer from obesity. It is also not recommended for men who drink alcohol excessively and/or smoke marijuana. Persistent weight gain and/or use of too much alcohol or marijuana can cause the breast tissue to recur after the surgery.
It also may be necessary to obtain an endocrinology consult prior to surgery. If there is a likelihood that a pituitary tumor, an adrenal gland tumor, or testicular tumor is causing abnormalities in your hormone levels and increasing the likelihood of gynecomastia, this condition needs to be addressed before gynecomastia surgery can be performed.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Your male breast reduction surgery will be performed while you are under general anesthesia. Dr. Cherup will utilize liposuction and direct excision as needed to create more masculine chest contours.
Surgery is initiated by making a small incision in the armpit. Through that incision, the excess fat that is on the chest wall and the surrounding areas can be removed.
Dr. Cherup will then make an incision one-third of the way around the areola. Through that incision, she will remove a significant mass of fatty tissue, which will probably also include some breast tissue.
Once she is confident that all the tissue that is necessary to be removed is done so in a smooth, even way, Dr. Cherup will close the incision with stitches underneath the skin. In general, this procedure usually lasts between one to two hours and is always done on an outpatient basis.
Two small drain tubes will be introduced through the incisions in your armpit and will drain the excess fluid that might accumulate under the skin during your recovery. Steri-Strips, gauze dressings, and a compression garment will finalize the procedure. You will go home with only a pressure type of discomfort and instructions on how to manage the drains.
Post Operative Care and Potential Complications
Dr. Cherup will see you back two days after the surgery. At that visit, your incisions will be inspected and the drain tubes likely removed. Remember to bring your drainage record with you to that visit. You will be returned to your compression vest, and be ready for a shower that afternoon.
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications that need to be addressed are rare. Patients frequently experience some bruising and swelling, although this subsides fairly quickly over two weeks. In certain cases, decreased sensation to the nipple and the chest wall skin may occur.
An indentation on the chest wall where most of the breast tissue was removed can occur in some cases. Dr. Cherup tries very hard to remove the tissue evenly, but thoroughly. Extra scarring internally can cause tethering of the skin to the muscle. Usually massage and time will resolve this problem. Rarely, Dr. Cherup may need to inject your own fat into that indentation to elevate it and make it look smooth.
A hematoma (collection of blood) can occur under the skin if you were too active after the surgery, or if the garment is not snug enough. Small hematomas will resolve on their own. A large one will necessitate a return to the operating room to remove it. This is why it is extremely important for you to stop all medications that could cause bleeding (i.e., fish oil, vitamin E, glucosamine, aspirin, and Advil) two weeks before surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gynecomastia is due to a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. When estrogen levels are relatively higher, breast tissue can develop. This imbalance may result from puberty, aging, certain medications, medical conditions, or the use of substances like anabolic steroids or alcohol.
Gynecomastia can occur at any age. It is most common during three life stages: infancy (due to maternal hormones), puberty (because of hormonal changes), and older adulthood (as testosterone levels decline).
In some cases, particularly during puberty, gynecomastia may resolve on its own within several months to a couple of years. However, if it persists beyond that point or occurs in adulthood, it is less likely to resolve without treatment.
Gynecomastia involves the growth of actual glandular breast tissue, often creating a firm or rubbery mass under the nipple. Chest fat is excess fatty tissue and is usually softer and more diffuse.
In some cases, yes. If there is significant excess tissue or skin, Dr. Cherup may reposition the nipples to create a more natural, masculine chest contour. In mild cases, repositioning is often not necessary.
Yes. If stretched or sagging skin is present, Dr. Cherup can remove excess skin during male breast reduction surgery to improve chest shape and firmness. This is more common in moderate-to-severe cases or after significant weight loss.
Most can return to light or desk work within three to seven days after surgery. Jobs that require heavy lifting or physical activity may require a longer recovery period.
A compression garment is typically worn for about three to six weeks after surgery. It helps reduce swelling, supports healing, and improves the final contour of the chest.
Light activity, like walking, can usually be resumed within a few days. You should avoid more strenuous exercise, especially chest workouts or weightlifting, for four to six weeks.
Initial improvements are visible right away, but swelling may obscure final results. Most patients see a more refined contour within a few weeks, with full results becoming apparent over three to six months.
The results are typically permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and avoid triggers of recurrence.
Some scarring is inevitable, but surgeons place incisions in discreet locations to minimize visibility. Scars usually fade significantly over time.
When performed by an experienced surgeon, gynecomastia surgery can produce very natural-looking results. The goal is a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest that looks proportionate to your body.
Why Choose Radiance Plastic Surgery for Gynecomastia Surgery
At Radiance Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lori Cherup, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience, provides expert, compassionate care for men seeking gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Cherup combines advanced surgical techniques with a refined understanding of body contouring to remove excess glandular tissue and fat, resulting in a smoother, more masculine chest. Her approach focuses on precision, balance, and natural-looking outcomes that enhance confidence and comfort.
Patients choose Radiance Plastic Surgery for Dr. Cherup’s experience, integrity, and individualized care. Every procedure is performed in our JCAHO-certified facility, ensuring safety and exceptional results in a comfortable, private setting. With Dr. Cherup’s skill and attention to detail, you can expect a flatter, firmer chest and renewed confidence in your appearance.
Get Masculine Chest Contours with Gynecomastia Surgery in Bridgeville, PA
For more information about male breast reduction surgery in Bridgeville or to schedule a consultation, contact surgeon Lori L. Cherup M.D..
Call Dr. Cherup at 412-220-8181 or use our online form below.
