Male Breast Reduction in Tampa

Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, is a very common occurrence that can sometimes worsen with age. For men living with gynecomastia, our Tampa cosmetic surgeons are able to perform a surgical male breast reduction to produce a more masculine chest. Male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men, and the number of men choosing surgical treatment to resolve their gynecomastia is on the rise.

Request a consultation to meet with one of our cosmetic surgeons if you feel self-conscious about your gynecomastia. Our practice is committed to ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for every patient with exceptional results.

Gynecomastia develops when there’s an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, leading to the enlargement of male breast tissue. This shift can stem from natural hormonal changes during puberty or aging, genetics, certain medications, anabolic steroids, marijuana use, underlying medical conditions or weight fluctuations that affect hormone levels.

It’s also important to distinguish true gynecomastia from pseudogynecomastia, or “faux” gynecomastia. True gynecomastia involves an actual increase in firm glandular breast tissue caused by hormonal imbalance, while pseudogynecomastia is simply excess fat in the chest area, often related to weight gain. Although they may look similar, the causes and treatments can differ.

Many men who are self-conscious about an enlarged chest area could be good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates for this procedure:

• Understand both its benefits and limitations and have realistic expectations about their results.
• Are in good physical and mental health.
• Are at or close to a healthy target weight.
• Do not smoke or use recreational drugs.
• Have good skin elasticity.

In some cases, enlarged male breasts may resolve on their own with lifestyle changes. If this could be the case for you, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend trying lifestyle changes prior to committing to surgery. If these changes do not result in your desired body shape, gynecomastia surgery may then be recommended.

Pricing for male breast reduction (gynecomastia) depends on your personalized treatment plan (technique, anesthesia, and whether procedures are combined). For current starting points, see our Pricing page.

Many men choose gynecomastia surgery because the condition not only affects their appearance but also their confidence, comfort and daily life. Enlarged breast tissue may make certain clothes feel uncomfortable or create self-consciousness during activities like swimming, working out or even changing in a locker room. For others, physical discomfort may hinder certain activities.

Common reasons men seek gynecomastia surgery include:

• Improved confidence in fitted shirts, T-shirts and swimwear.
• Improved comfort while exercising without chafing, bouncing or discomfort.
• A more masculine chest contour that improves overall body image and self-esteem.
• Relief from embarrassment or self-consciousness in social or intimate settings.
• Fine-tuned results from following a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals in detail with your cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Castellano or Dr. Giglio will carefully listen to your needs and determine whether gynecomastia surgery could be the right option for you. Your surgeon will also review your medical history, medications and any lifestyle factors that may contribute to symptoms of gynecomastia.

You can also expect a physical examination to determine whether you’re dealing with true gynecomastia (glandular tissue) or pseudogynecomastia (fat), as this can shape your customized surgical plan. Your surgeon will explain the recommended technique, what to expect before and after your procedure and realistic outcomes so you know exactly what to anticipate. This is also your opportunity to ask questions, look at before-and-after photos and get a clear sense of the process.

Male breast reduction surgery is most often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you should plan to return home the same day. The surgery itself typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete, although the exact time can vary depending on how extensive the necessary correction is and whether or not you choose to include additional procedures.

Your cosmetic surgeon will take care to create small, inconspicuous incisions whenever possible. These are usually placed either underneath the arm or hidden in the areola, outside the edge of the nipple. During the surgery, your doctor will remove excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the sides and bottom of the breast. More involved tissue removal may require a larger incision for better access and precision.

In some cases, gynecomastia can be addressed through a combination of surgery and liposuction. Liposuction removes fat cells from the chest area through the use of a small surgical wand called a cannula. Once these cells have been removed, the breast should appear much less prominent. However, using liposuction alone to treat the problem is not always possible, due to the muscular nature of male breast tissue.

Following surgery, you will need to continuously wear a compression garment for the first week or two to help minimize swelling and promote healing. In extreme cases, drains may be inserted for a short time as well.

Swelling, bruising and some discomfort are very common following gynecomastia surgery, though these effects should gradually improve over the coming days and weeks. Most men are able to return to light activities fairly quickly, sometimes as early as a few days later. However, you will need to wait at least a month or until you get clearance from your surgeon to resume more vigorous activities.

Swelling and bruising may disguise the results of your procedure at first. Although these symptoms should dissipate within the first few weeks, it can take up to a few months to truly see the permanent results of your reduction surgery. Your chest will gradually take on a flatter, more defined shape and tone as swelling subsides and your final results are revealed.

Results are typically long-lasting, as long as you maintain a stable weight and avoid factors that can trigger glandular regrowth.

Still have questions? Check out our male breast reduction FAQs on our dedicated page to get answers to the most common questions we hear.