Male breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure which improves the appearance of an enlarged male chest. This is a medical condition known as gynecomastia and it is a common request for male body contouring. During surgery excess fat, glandular tissue and sometimes skin are removed to restore a firmer, flatter chest appearance and improved contour.

Male breast reduction may be right for you if you are looking to improve an enlarged male chest. While many cases of gynecomastia have no known cause, some cases may result from impaired liver function, the use of certain drugs, steroid use, or alcohol or marijuana use. If a cause can be determined, your gynecomastia should first be treated prior to surgery.

Dr. Khalifeh performs male breast reduction surgery at either Sibley Memorial Hospital, where he holds privileges, or at the Surgery Center of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Surgical times average two hours and general anesthesia is commonly used. An inconspicuous incision is located either around the edge of the areola or in the underarm. Working through this incision, Dr. Khalifeh will remove excess fat, glandular tissue and occasionally skin from around the areola and the sides and bottom of the breasts. In cases involving just excess fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be used through a very small incision made around the edge of the areola.

Following your surgery, a small drainage tube may be inserted at the incision site to collect excess fluid, and a bandage or dressing will be applied to the chest. You may experience some degree of swelling and bruising, with most of the swelling fading within several weeks. A special compression garment will need to be worn for approximately one to two weeks to help support the new chest contours and minimize swelling. While discomfort is generally minor, it can be treated with oral medication if necessary. Our patients are often able to return to their normal work routine within three to four days of their surgery, though strenuous exercise and activities will need to be postponed for at least three weeks.