GYNECOMASTIA

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition where men may develop enlarged breasts. This often makes patients feel self-conscious avoiding shirtless situations. Dr. Diamantis is aware how this condition can affect the psychology of men and is ready and willing to help them with this problem with gynecomastia surgery.

Similar to a female patient, male breasts are a mix of fat and breast tissue. If male breasts become too enlarged, it may be necessary for gynecomastia treatment. Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery offers several treatments to address gynecomastia.

GYNECOMASTIA PATIENT TESTIMONIAL

Meet James, 34

Computer programmer and gamer

“I look in the mirror, and think: finally, I can take my shirt off.”

Photo of patient James from side before gynecomastia procedure.

BEFORE

James loves the beach. So much so that he plans to move to Florida in the upcoming year. While he’s embraced many parts of beach living, he wasn’t a fan of taking his shirt off in public places. So, he sought out treatment with Dr. Diamantis at Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery, and now James is thrilled with his new body and can’t wait for his move to the Beach.

James’ Recommended Treatments
MALE GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY to surgically remove misplaced breast tissue and fat from the chest. The goal is to remove unwanted fat while leaving the pectoralis major muscles intact.

“I can’t wait to go to the beach…shirtless.” – James

Photo of patient James from side after gynecomastia procedure.

AFTER

CAUSES

Some of the first instances of gynecomastia are seen in infants and newborns. Hormones from the mother (estrogen and progesterone) may continue to affect the baby after birth, stimulating enlargement in both male and female newborns. This is usually resolved within the first few weeks after birth.
Puberty is another main cause of gynecomastia for males. When males enter puberty, hormone levels fluctuate and can alter their physical appearance.
Endocrine or hormonal issues can also cause male breast enlargement, but is a rare condition. However, if this is suspected, doctors may order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Gynecomastia can also be caused by drugs and medications. Frequent use of marijuana and alcohol can lower testosterone levels in males. There are also certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat prostate hypertrophy, that can also cause gynecomastia.
When evaluating male breast enlargement, tumors are also considered. If there is a new, discrete lump or mass identified during an exam, a complete work-up with mammography, ultrasound, or MRI might be needed.

CAUSES

Some of the first instances of gynecomastia are seen in infants and newborns. Hormones from the mother (estrogen and progesterone) may continue to affect the baby after birth, stimulating enlargement in both male and female newborns. This is usually resolved within the first few weeks after birth.
Puberty is another main cause of gynecomastia for males. When males enter puberty, hormone levels fluctuate and can alter their physical appearance.
Endocrine or hormonal issues can also cause male breast enlargement, but is a rare condition. However, if this is suspected, doctors may order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Gynecomastia can also be caused by drugs and medications. Frequent use of marijuana and alcohol can lower testosterone levels in males. There are also certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat prostate hypertrophy, that can also cause gynecomastia.
When evaluating male breast enlargement, tumors are also considered. If there is a new, discrete lump or mass identified during an exam, a complete work-up with mammography, ultrasound, or MRI might be needed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Since several different gynecomastia surgery treatments can be effective in correcting the physical deformity of male breast enlargement, Dr. Diamantis offers multiple types of gynecomastia surgery treatments in our offices. Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery examines the amount of fat in relation to the breast/glandular tissue, as well as if there is any significant amount of loose skin. These may play roles in determining which gynecomastia treatment will be recommended. Every recommended gynecomastia treatment is performed at our AAAHC boutique facility.

SMALL OR MILD

Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery may use liposuction to treat a small or mild deformity. Removing fatty tissue (adipose) for a gynecomastia treatment is performed in our office with minimal downtime. Patients may need to wear a medical garment for some time after the gynecomastia treatment.

MODERATE

Liposuction may be combined with open removal of tissue if the gynecomastia is deemed moderate. Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery uses ultrasonic liposuction (Vaser® liposculpture) to break up fat and tissue and create skin tightening.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Since several different gynecomastia surgery treatments can be effective in correcting the physical deformity of male breast enlargement, Dr. Diamantis offers multiple types of gynecomastia surgery treatments in our offices. Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery examines the amount of fat in relation to the breast/glandular tissue, as well as if there is any significant amount of loose skin. These may play roles in determining which gynecomastia treatment will be recommended. Every recommended gynecomastia treatment is performed at our AAAHC boutique facility.

SMALL OR MILD

Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery may use liposuction to treat a small or mild deformity. Removing fatty tissue (adipose) for a gynecomastia treatment is performed in our office with minimal downtime. Patients may need to wear a medical garment for some time after the gynecomastia treatment.

MODERATE

Liposuction may be combined with open removal of tissue if the gynecomastia is deemed moderate. Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery uses ultrasonic liposuction (Vaser® liposculpture) to break up fat and tissue and create skin tightening.

Overlapping photos of man's torso with hand on chest on top of photo of shirtless young man looking downward off camera.

RISKS

A gynecomastia treatment, just like any surgery, carries some risk for problems afterward. These risks are uncommon, and the most common problems after a gynecomastia treatment are:

Skin irregularities
Asymmetry
Nipple numbness
Scarring
Residual glandular tissue
Healing problems
Pain

Schedule a cosmetic consultation at Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery, call now at (216) 227-3333.

FAQ FOR GYNECOMASTIA

Gynecomastia is a common condition in men characterized by excess fat and/or glandular breast tissue in the chest, creating a fuller, puffy, or feminine chest appearance. It can affect one or both sides and is frequently seen in adolescents and young men, though it can occur at any age.

Gynecomastia is caused by hormonal imbalance (estrogen/testosterone), genetics, weight gain, medications, or health conditions, leading to excess fat and/or glandular tissue and a puffy chest. Treatment options include weight loss, medical hormonal management, and male breast reduction surgery for permanent fat and gland removal. If present for 6–9 months, it is unlikely to resolve on its own. A more advanced approach, Vaser Chest Lipo (gynecomastia liposuction), uses high-energy ultrasound to target and remove fat and glandular tissue through small, inconspicuous incisions, offering less scarring, faster recovery, and high patient satisfaction.

Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) typically costs $3,500–$7,500+ based on fat and glandular tissue volume and whether Vaser Liposuction or excision surgery is performed. Pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, covering surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees — with no hidden costs.

Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) delivers permanent fat and gland removal with long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Liposuction alone can be effective when male chest enlargement is due to fat only (pseudo-gynecomastia). However, most men have true gynecomastia, which includes glandular breast tissue — in these cases, liposuction alone is not sufficient. Optimal treatment requires Vaser Chest Lipo (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) or male breast reduction surgery (gland excision) to remove both fat and glandular tissue, delivering a flatter, more masculine chest with long-lasting results.

Most patients return to daily activities within 3–7 days after gynecomastia surgery, with exercise typically resumed around 2 weeks. Wearing a compression garment for several weeks after surgery is essential to reduce swelling, support healing, optimize chest contour, and achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Gynecomastia surgery is performed under anesthesia, ensuring no pain during the procedure. After surgery, most patients experience mild soreness, tightness, or chest pressure — similar to a workout. Post-operative discomfort is typically minimal and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medications, supporting a comfortable recovery and quick return to normal activities.

Vaser gynecomastia liposuction uses small, strategically placed incisions in the natural chest crease, resulting in minimal, well-hidden scars that fade within 3–6 months. Traditional gynecomastia surgery with excision requires larger incisions around the areola and chest fold, which may be more visible and take 12–24 months to mature. Overall, Vaser Chest Lipo offers less scarring, faster recovery, and more natural-looking chest contour results.

Gynecomastia surgery results are visible immediately, with continued chest contour refinement over weeks as swelling decreases. Final results are typically achieved by 6 months, revealing a flatter, natural-looking chest with long-lasting results.

Gynecomastia surgery is often life-changing, improving self-confidence, body image, and comfort in clothing, while allowing men to go shirtless with confidence. This cosmetic procedure has high patient satisfaction, with many patients reporting they wish they had done it sooner. It delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results with meaningful physical and emotional benefits.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

"*" indicates required fields

By filling out and submitting this form, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.
Agree*
I am granting permission for your company to contact me by phone, email, and SMS for service, sales and/or marketing purposes.

LAKEWOOD
14700 Detroit Ave Lakewood, OH 44107

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS
7232 Pearl Rd Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

(216) 227-3333

dr.diamantis@clevelandcosmeticsurgery.com