02 Jun 2025
Every individual patient’s aesthetic desire is unique. However, there are certain silhouettes that are fairly universal. Most men would like the kind of smooth, flat chest that is commonly seen in antique sculpture. This look, unfortunately, is not part of every man’s genetic lottery. Furthermore, you may be one of the many men with gynecomastia or “man boobs”. This is a common medical condition in which an excess of fatty tissue, glandular tissue or both causes a fullness in the chest that may be making you unhappy and self-conscious about your appearance. Since gynecomastia is typically due to a hormone imbalance, younger patients can often outgrow it. For older patients or those who don’t develop a chest that looks how they’d like, there are procedures for achieving a flatter looking chest. So, what is the best treatment option for gynecomastia? It’s really going to depend on the underlying cause of your “man boobs”.
Liposuction for Gynecomastia
The internet has been a total game-changer in terms of patient education when it comes to all aesthetic procedures, but I think it’s been particularly beneficial for those with gynecomastia. This was something that men used to be embarrassed to even discuss, let alone seek treatment to address. The problem with the web is that it is not discerning, and treating “man boobs” is never one sizes fits all. The treatment options for gynecomastia include:
- Liposuction
- Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Any man who reads about these choices is going to prefer liposuction. Most men abhor the idea of any kind of in-depth procedure, and no one is excited by the idea of incisions on their chest. However, liposuction is only effective if the fullness in your chest is due to excess fatty tissue alone. This is why it is so important to schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, who specializes in body contouring.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery in Boston
During our gynecomastia consultation, I will listen to what bothers you about your appearance, and inquire into your medical history, family history and lifestyle.
Certain drugs can cause gynecomastia so it’s important to be honest. I will also perform an in-depth physical exam. If your chest fullness is the result of excess glandular tissue and/or loose skin in addition to fatty tissue, you will be best served with a male chest reduction. This is a surgical procedure in which I remove any excess fatty deposits and glandular tissue, lift and excise loose skin and reduce and/or reposition the nipples, if necessary, so that they suit your new, improved chest contour.
While many men are understandably nervous about the concept of incisions in such a vulnerable area, I have considerable experience in this procedure. I practice precise surgical techniques that put as little tension as possible on the surface of your skin, which is one of the main drivers of a visible scar There are also a number of scar treatments that I may recommend, if necessary, to reduce the appearance of an incision line. In general, scars in this area heal exceedingly well and most of my male chest reduction patients are so thrilled with their end result that any potential scar is well worth it.
To find out more about gynecomastia, liposuction or any other surgical or non- surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Chestnut Hill office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
