Gynecomastia Surgery in Delafield
A flatter, firmer chest you stop thinking about.
Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and sometimes skin to correct overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men. Techniques include liposuction for fatty tissue, direct excision for glandular tissue, or a combination of both approaches. The procedure flattens and enhances chest contours, and systematic reviews report high patient satisfaction rates with significant improvements in psychosocial well-being.
At a Glance
- Gynecomastia surgery experienced the sharpest growth of any procedure among male patients, with 11 percent more surgeries performed in 2024 than in 2023[1]
- A systematic review of six studies found that patients consistently reported high satisfaction rates, with some studies showing scores above 9 on a 1-10 scale across all quality-of-life domains[5]
- Approximately 94.8 percent of patients reported psychological stress because of their gynecomastia before surgery, with significant improvement documented postoperatively[5]
- The majority of patients present with idiopathic gynecomastia, meaning no identifiable underlying cause is found[4]
Overview
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the overdevelopment of male breast tissue, resulting from excess localized fat, excess glandular tissue, or a combination of both. The condition can affect one breast (unilateral) or both (bilateral) and may result from hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or certain medications. In severe cases, excess skin may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola.
Surgical correction is typically considered when the condition has persisted for more than 12 months, underlying causes have been addressed, and conservative management has not resolved the issue. Gynecomastia is classified by severity, ranging from Grade I (small enlargement without excess skin) through Grade III (marked enlargement with extra skin), which guides the surgical approach.
The condition can cause significant emotional distress, including impaired self-confidence and avoidance of physical activities and social situations. Research consistently demonstrates that surgical correction is associated with substantial improvements in quality of life and psychosocial well-being.
What to expect
- Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate the degree of gynecomastia, discuss goals, and determine the appropriate surgical approach
- Preoperative evaluation including medical history review, physical examination, and any necessary blood work or imaging
- Medications that increase bleeding risk are discontinued as directed by the surgeon
- On the day of surgery, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is administered
- The surgical site is prepared and marked for incisions
- Liposuction is performed through small incisions if fatty tissue predominates
- Glandular tissue is excised through a periareolar incision (around the border of the areola) if needed
- Excess skin is removed and the chest is contoured for a natural male appearance
- Incisions are closed with sutures and a compression garment or dressings are applied
- The patient is monitored during recovery and typically goes home the same day with postoperative care instructions
How a gynecomastia surgery works
- For cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques may be used alone. A cannula (thin hollow tube) is inserted through several small incisions and moved in a controlled motion to loosen excess fat, which is then removed by vacuum suction.
- When glandular breast tissue or excess skin needs to be removed, excision techniques are used. This is also necessary when the areola needs to be reduced in size or the nipple repositioned for natural male chest contours. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.
- In many cases, both liposuction and excision are combined. Liposuction addresses the fatty component while direct excision removes the dense glandular tissue that cannot be suctioned effectively.
- For Grade IIb and III gynecomastia with significant skin excess, additional skin removal and contouring may be performed to achieve a flat, masculine chest profile.
When it's recommended
- Persistent gynecomastia lasting more than 12 months after underlying causes have been addressed
- Excess glandular breast tissue that does not respond to medical management
- Excess fatty tissue in the chest creating a breast-like appearance
- Cosmetic concerns about chest appearance affecting self-confidence
- Breast tenderness or discomfort
- Difficulty participating in physical activities due to chest appearance
- Skin excess or sagging in the chest area (Grade IIb or III)
- Psychological distress related to chest appearance
Is a gynecomastia surgery right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Concerns it addresses
Recovery & aftercare
- A compression garment is typically worn for several weeks to minimize swelling and support the healing chest contour
- Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks
- Swelling and bruising are expected during the first few weeks and gradually subside
- Strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting are restricted for approximately four to six weeks
- Final chest contour may take three to six months to become fully apparent as swelling resolves
- Scars continue to fade and improve over several months to a year
Alternatives
- Observation without treatment if the condition is recent (less than 12 months) and mild
- Medical management with medications such as tamoxifen (limited effectiveness in chronic cases)
- Weight loss and exercise for cases primarily related to excess body fat (pseudogynecomastia)
- Addressing underlying causes such as discontinuing offending medications or treating hormonal imbalances
How much does a gynecomastia surgery cost?
A gynecomastia surgery at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $9,350. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is a procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and sometimes skin to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. Depending on the type of tissue involved, the surgeon may use liposuction, direct tissue excision, or a combination of both techniques.
- The procedure is performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Mild to moderate soreness and tightness are typical during the first week of recovery and can generally be managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Gynecomastia surgery is generally considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Systematic reviews report high patient satisfaction rates with significant quality-of-life improvements. As with any surgical procedure, potential risks are discussed during consultation.
- Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks. A compression garment is worn for several weeks to support healing. Strenuous activity is typically restricted for four to six weeks, and final chest contour develops over three to six months as swelling resolves.
- The procedure typically takes one to three hours under sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon removes excess fat through liposuction, excises glandular tissue if present, and contours the chest. Most patients go home the same day wearing a compression garment.
- People who actively smoke, have uncontrolled medical conditions affecting wound healing, or have untreated hormonal imbalances causing gynecomastia may not be suitable candidates. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine individual eligibility.
Gynecomastia Surgery risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Active infection at the surgical site
- Uncontrolled medical conditions that impair wound healing
- Active smoking (compromises blood flow and increases complication risk)
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use without medical clearance
- Untreated underlying endocrine or hormonal conditions contributing to gynecomastia
- Unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Current use of medications known to cause gynecomastia that have not been discontinued or substituted
- Obesity that may be the primary cause (weight management may be recommended first)
Possible risks
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Bleeding or hematoma formation
- Infection at the surgical site
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Breast asymmetry
- Unfavorable scarring
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Fat necrosis (fatty tissue death)
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, or muscles
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Reactions to sutures, tapes, or other surgical materials
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 5 sources, including peer-reviewed research.
Government & research
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13