Gynecomastia
Evaluation and surgery for persistent glandular breast enlargement in men.
Consult with Dr. Henry Huson at Queen City Plastic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati area.
- Setting
- Confirmed with your treatment plan
- Anesthesia
- General, or local with sedation
- Procedure time
- Individual estimate at consultation
- Recovery
- Days to weeks for desk work; longer for chest exercise
- Results
- Develop over months; results vary
General planning information. Your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and results depend on your health and treatment plan. Returning to work does not mean full healing.
About the procedure
Gynecomastia is enlargement of glandular breast tissue. It differs from chest fullness caused mainly by fat, although both can coexist. Hormonal changes, medications, supplements, and some medical conditions may contribute, so evaluation should come before cosmetic treatment.
Surgery can use liposuction, gland excision, skin removal, or a combination. The amount of excess tissue and skin determines the approach. A new hard lump, nipple discharge, or a rapid one-sided change needs prompt medical assessment. Surgery does not prevent every future breast change, especially when an underlying cause continues.
Good candidates
- Enlarged or puffy male breasts that persist past adolescence
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple that exercise cannot reduce
- Self-consciousness in shirts or at the pool
- A stable weight and healthy medication review
Candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Dr. Huson will tell you honestly if a different approach would serve you better.
Before & after
Coming soon
Before and after photos for gynecomastia will be added here.
What to expect
Your consultation
The consultation reviews your goals, medical history, medications, nicotine use, and examination findings. Discuss alternatives, the proposed setting and anesthesia, realistic changes, costs, and the support you will need during recovery.
The procedure
Liposuction treats fat, while excision removes selected glandular tissue. Loose skin may also need removal. The balance and scar pattern depend on examination findings.
Recovery
A support garment may be advised. Bruising and swelling settle over time, and chest exercise must wait for clearance. Persistent swelling, discharge, or a new lump needs reassessment.
Risks and limitations
- Uneven contour, a depression beneath the nipple, visible scars, and persistent enlargement can occur.
- Bleeding, infection, nipple sensation changes, or impaired nipple blood supply may need treatment.
This is not a complete list. Your clinician should explain the risks of the specific procedure and anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, healing problems, and any medical factors that change your risk.
Other options
Observation or treatment of a contributing medical cause may be appropriate first. Weight management can help fat-related fullness, but does not always resolve glandular enlargement.
Planning your consultation
Bring your medication list and relevant medical history. Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, follow-up, time away from work, and help at home. Request an itemized estimate covering the procedure, anesthesia, facility, and any additional care; confirm coverage directly if insurance may apply.
Common questions
Bring the rest to your consultation. There is no such thing as too many.
Can breast enlargement recur?
Yes. Remaining tissue can respond to hormonal changes, medications, or weight gain, so the underlying cause matters.
Where are the scars?
They can include small liposuction incisions, an incision around part of the areola, or longer scars when skin removal is required.
Should the cause be checked before surgery?
Yes. Review medications, supplements, symptoms, and whether further examination, imaging, or laboratory testing is needed.
Related procedures
View all 4Sources and further reading
Patient education from Queen City Plastic Surgery. Updated . General information does not replace a personal medical assessment. Sources explain general procedures and do not establish the services or protocols of this practice. Contact the practice with questions or to request a correction.
Ready to talk about Gynecomastia?
Consultations are free, unhurried, and educational. Bring your questions and your goals; leave with an honest plan.