Gynecomastia Surgery in Atlanta – Male Breast Reduction

As a man, having enlarged breast tissue (a condition called gynecomastia) or puffy nipples can make you feel self-conscious on the beach and in intimate situations, but male breast reduction treatment can make an enormous difference in your self-confidence. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alderman provides gynecomastia surgery in Atlanta and Buckhead to sculpt a masculine chest for men embarrassed by excess tissue in this area. In many cases, this treatment can be minimally invasive. Dr. Alderman provides customized treatment and listens closely to patient concerns so she can provide the most effective care possible for the correction of male breasts.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is usually caused by hormonal imbalances; in adolescent boys, it often corrects itself over time. Dr. Alderman sees men in all stages of life that are bothered by excess tissue in their chests.  The tissue can be due to genetics, steroid use, or added weight gain, usually in older men.  In very rare cases, the fullness can be from breast cancer, and therefore, Dr. Alderman always sends the tissue to a pathologist for analysis. Dr. Alderman asks that men and boys with this condition see a medical doctor to determine if they need treatment.

Request a Consultation

If you’re in the Atlanta area and have any questions about Male Breast Reduction or wish to schedule a consultation on a Male Breast Reduction with Dr. Alderman, please contact our office.

Request a Consultation

The Benefits of Male Breast Reduction

Unfortunately, weight loss and exercise are rarely enough to reverse this condition completely, though they may help. Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is the best way to achieve a masculine-looking chest with discreet scars. With surgical treatment, Dr. Alderman can completely smooth your upper chest and help you feel like yourself again. In some cases, liposuction alone may be enough to smooth the chest. For others, excess skin and glandular tissue also have to be removed.

Gynecomastia surgery can:

  • Correct the appearance of male breasts
  • Correct puffy nipples
  • Provide a firm, flat, smooth, masculine chest
  • Improve self-confidence

Prior to surgery, Dr. Alderman spends time getting a thorough medical history and physical exam to determine what is causing the fullness and which technique should be used to correct the problem.  Dr. Alderman really enjoys taking care of men with this problem because it’s a relatively easy procedure to recover from, has minimal scarring, but most importantly, it can make an enormous difference in their self-confidence.

She has performed numerous gynecomastia surgeries for her patients, finally helping them achieve a flatter chest so that they are confident being seen without a shirt.

Gynecomastia Surgery in Atlanta, GA

For men who only have excess fat in the chest area, liposuction alone is enough to correct male breasts. In this case, only two tiny incisions under the armpit are necessary. A cannula (tube) is inserted so fat accumulation can be removed. Some men may require an incision around the areolas, the dark skin of the nipples. Once scars have healed, they are hidden by the darker skin.

Men who have glandular tissue and loose skin in the breast area have tissue excision, as well as liposuction. The incisions are usually around the areolas, but if considerable skin must be removed, other incisions may be necessary. Dr. Alderman makes every effort to place incisions in discreet areas where the scars will be hidden or undetectable. Your scars will also improve over time, becoming smoother, lighter, and less prominent. Dr. Alderman’s male breast reduction patients are very satisfied with their appearances after treatment and do not experience prominent scarring.

Meet Dr. Alderman

Dr. Amy Alderman is a nationally known, board-certified plastic surgeon located in Buckhead near Atlanta. As a female surgeon and mother of two children, she provides a unique perspective to patient care. Each surgical plan is individually tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyles and is aimed at enhancing her patient’s natural beauty and restoring confidence. She is known for her personal approach to patient care and has unparalleled commitment to patient safety, which can be attributed to years of education, professional experience and involvement in national patient safety initiatives.

Meet Dr. Alderman

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Surgery?

In general, Dr. Alderman finds that men do very well with this procedure and experience minimal discomfort.  In fact, sometimes they feel so comfortable after treatment they are too quick to return to the gym or strenuous physical activity. While male breast reduction can be minimally invasive, it’s important to follow Dr. Alderman’s instructions for post-operative care.  For a few weeks, you will wear a compression garment that will aid in the healing process. After 24 hours, we will ask you to walk several times throughout the day to encourage circulation and prevent blood clotting.

As long as your job is not strenuous, you should be able to return to work within 3-5 days. You can resume exercise and lifting in 4-6 weeks. We recommend that you sleep on your back for at least a week.

Your chest will be flatter right away, but the swelling will take a few months to fully resolve. You will then be able to see your final results. The results of the surgery are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight.

Are you embarrassed by male breast tissue? Call us today to schedule a consultation to find out more about Atlanta gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Alderman.

Dr. Alderman’s National Efforts on this Topic:

Chairperson for Aesthetica, a national aesthetic surgery meeting sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgery Patient Safety Committee

Vice Chairperson, ASPS Education Aesthetic Council

Pannucci, C, Alderman, AK.  Venous Thromboembolism and the Aesthetic Surgery Patient.  Essentials of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Alderman, AK, Kerrigan, CL, Lemaine, V, Pusic, AL, Vidal, DC.  Evidence-Based Medicine &Health Services Research in Plastic Surgery.  In Plastic Surgery  1st Edition

Alderman, AK, Chung, KC.  Outcomes for Surgical Guidance in Plastic Surgery: Measuring Outcomes in Aesthetic Surgery.  Clinics in of Plastic Surgery, 2013:297-304.

Alderman, AK, Kerrigan, CL, Lemaine, V, Pusic, AL, Vidal, DC.  Evidence-Based Medicine &Health Services Research in Plastic Surgery.  In Plastic Surgery 4th Edition

Gynecomastia FAQs

If your job is not physically demanding, you should feel well enough to return to work within three to five days. You can resume exercise, including weightlifting, in four to six weeks. You’ll notice an improved chest contour immediately, but residual swelling will take a few months to fully resolve. 

Dr. Alderman and her team will provide you with detailed instructions to follow while you recover from male breast reduction, including how long to wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support your improved shape. Following gynecomastia surgery, avoid doing chest exercises like push-ups for about one month.

All surgeries – even elective procedures – can take a significant toll on your body. Be sure to rest when you are tired and be patient with yourself as you heal. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet with a mix of lean proteins, fresh produce, and whole grains. Take daily walks to encourage your circulation and speed healing.

Dr. Alderman may place drains in small incisions and hold them in position with sutures, then remove them a few days to a week after surgery.

Typically not, though it may feel slightly unusual as the tubing slides out of the incisions. Once Dr. Alderman clears the drain from your chest area, she’ll either dress the area or leave it open to the air. You should avoid submerging yourself in water for at least two days.

Of course, sleeping on your back is optimal after breast reduction surgery, but if you end up on your side, it’s not the end of the world. Sleeping in an inclined position with your torso elevated is the best, but it may be too extreme for many. Instead, try sleeping in a recliner or using a foam wedge. Above all, avoid sleeping on your belly.

Post-surgery diet is crucial for optimal healing. Dr. Alderman recommends a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Temporarily avoid eating meat products, because these take much longer to digest and may cause your system excess stress.

You should wear your compression garment faithfully after surgery to support breast tissue and incision wounds. Consider purchasing several to have an available clean supply. Wear loose-fitting clothing – specifically, shirts that will not require you to raise your arms to put them on.

As your body goes through the natural healing process, you can expect random twinges in your chest area. These typically signify post-surgery numbness is subsiding. If you feel any discomfort, you can manage it with oral medication.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of gynecomastia surgery is slightly over $4,000. This estimate does not include anesthesia, operating room facility, or other related costs. Please consult with Dr. Alderman for a detailed cost analysis of your male breast reduction surgery.