Male Breast Reduction Surgery

In a place that gets as much sun as Orange County, surgery for gynecomastia — the development of male breast tissue — can take on even greater importance. After all, you want to be on the beach, but you don’t want to feel self-conscious when you take your shirt off because of your gynecomastia. Male breast tissue can develop for a wide variety of reasons, including hormone changes, weight fluctuations, and genetic variation. 

What is Gynecomastia?

Many men want to reduce the size and appearance of this tissue, so they opt for gynecomastia surgery (sometimes called male breast reduction), which is designed to create a more masculine profile. Dr. Tenley Lawton is an experienced male breast reduction surgeon in the Newport Beach area. She takes the time to listen to each patient, charting the best course to help them achieve a more angular, masculine, and athletic-looking upper body.

Consultations Available Now

The first step is to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Lawton or one of our trusted providers at Tenley K Lawton M.D. in Newport Beach, CA. Simply fill out the form on this page and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.

Am I a Candidate?

Gynecomastia affects men of all ages. Dr. Lawton, a Newport Beach gynecomastia, and male breast reduction surgery specialist, performs gynecomastia surgery on an outpatient basis in her accredited Orange County surgical suite. Gynecomastia surgery is an appropriate procedure for men who are nonsmokers and non-drug users, and who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair or slow healing. Other characteristics that may make you a good candidate for this procedure:

  • Your condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments.
  • You have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia.
  • You have realistic expectations about what gynecomastia surgery can achieve.
  • You are able to maintain a generally stable weight in order to maximize the longevity of your results.


If you meet these conditions, you should seek out a qualified male breast reduction and gynecomastia surgeon. Dr. Lawton is board-certified, and brings a trained eye and an experienced hand to your treatment, helping to ensure you get the results you desire. If you want to know more about how gynecomastia surgery can personally benefit you, contact the offices of Dr. Tenley Lawton in Orange County to set up a confidential consultation. Because a wide variety of causes contribute to gynecomastia, please be prepared to
discuss your detailed medical history during your consultation. You’ll also talk about treatment options and the best way to achieve your desired final results.

How Does It Work?

In any case of gynecomastia, it’s important to first determine the cause, because the treatment will vary depending on the type of male breast tissue targeted for elimination. Gynecomastia tends to manifest in one of three ways: excess skin, excess fat, or a combination of both. The breast tissue’s ratio of skin to fat will inform which technique Dr. Lawton chooses to employ during your male breast reduction surgery. There are three basic approaches to surgical treatment for gynecomastia:

Liposuction-based: If your breast tissue is composed mostly of fat, a liposuction-based approach will be the most suitable. During this procedure, Dr. Lawton will make several small incisions in strategic locations around the chest. These incisions will likely be no longer than 1-2 centimeters. A small tube called a cannula will then be inserted to break up and remove the unwanted fat.

Excision-based: When your gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue or excess skin, liposuction will be ineffective on its own. As a result, an excision-based approach is necessary, using an incision that will enable the removal and repositioning of tissue. The exact nature of this incision will vary depending on the type, amount, and placement of tissue to be removed. Patients who want their nipple(s) reduced or moved to require an excision-based approach.

Liposuction- and excision-based: In many cases, male breast tissue is a combination of fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin. In these cases, only an approach that combines liposuction and excision will be successful. Even in some cases where the breast is composed primarily of fat, somebody contouring may be necessary in order to ensure you end up with a more masculine profile. That’s because while the liposuction will diminish the volume of tissue, your skin may not have the elasticity to bounce back on its own. A combination of liposuction- and excision-based approaches is very common for a wide variety of gynecomastia patients seeking treatment.

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed under either
general or local anesthetic, depending on the requirements of the surgery and the preferences of the patient. During your consultation with Dr. Lawton, you’ll discuss which approach is best for your specific condition. To find out more about what happens during gynecomastia surgery, contact our offices to schedule a conversation with Dr. Lawton.

Real Patients Real Stories

Results*

Almost all of Dr. Lawton’s Orange County-area gynecomastia surgery patients say they feel more confident after the procedure. Once recovery is complete, patients fully appreciate their more proportional, masculine-looking contours. Male breast reduction surgery can make the chest appear flatter and more athletic. With excess breast tissue removed, the overall profile of the upper body often looks much more masculine. Gynecomastia surgery can significantly improve the self-esteem of patients who feel self-conscious about the current size and shape of their chests.

Recovery*

As with any major plastic-surgery procedure, the duration of your recovery will depend on the work performed. Most of Dr. Lawton’s Newport Beach gynecomastia surgery patients can usually expect a recovery window of somewhere between four to six weeks. However, there are different stages of recovery within that period:

Day 1-3: During the first three days or so after surgery, you should concentrate on rest and recuperation. In some cases, patients might have drainage tubes left in place to help with swelling and bruising. Dr. Lawton will ensure you have clear instructions on how to effectively manage any pain and discomfort.

Week 1-2: During the first two weeks of your recovery, you may be required to wear a compression garment in order to effectively control swelling and preserve your desired final results. Many patients can return to work after the first seven days or so, but this should be cleared with Dr. Lawton ahead of time. It’s important to avoid any strenuous exercise during the first two weeks after your surgery.

Weeks 2-4: After the first 14 days of recovery, you can begin light exercise. It’s important not to strain yourself too much, however. Dr. Lawton will provide you with a comprehensive list of exercises you should avoid during this period. It’s particularly important to avoid any exercises that involve the pectoral muscles.

Weeks 5-6: After the sixth week, you should mostly have returned to normal. Most patients no longer require the compression garment; if cleared by Dr. Lawton, you also can begin to return to all normal activities.