Male Breast Reduction

Male Breast Reduction at a Glance

Potential Benefits: Male breast reduction corrects gynecomastia to create a flatter, firmer chest contour. For many patients it also relieves the self-consciousness that can come with the condition.
Candidates: Good candidates are men whose enlarged breast tissue has persisted beyond puberty, or those whose gynecomastia developed as a result of medication use, steroid use, marijuana consumption, or weight gain.
Procedure: Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis at a fully accredited hospital. It usually combines liposuction through a small incision below the chest crease with an incision around the areola to remove excess glandular tissue. In cases with more significant excess skin, larger incisions may be required.
Recovery: Some swelling is normal and can persist for several weeks. Patients are advised to wear a compression vest during early recovery and to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until fully healed.
Surgeons: Gynecomastia surgery is performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Trefor Nodwell and Dr. Sean Smith, based in Ottawa, Ontario.

All men have some amount of naturally occurring breast tissue. Occasionally, this tissue can enlarge to a point that becomes distressing. Male breast reduction with our experienced plastic surgeons at The Ottawa Clinic can be very effective at correcting this condition and helping men achieve a tighter, flatter, more masculine chest.

What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition where glandular breast tissue is enlarged in men. It can affect one or both sides of the chest and may appear as a puffy or rounded chest, swelling beneath the nipple, or a firm, rubbery mound of tissue behind the areola. Some men also notice tenderness in the area, particularly when it first develops.

The condition is very common and is usually linked to a shift in the balance between estrogen and testosterone. It often arises during puberty and, in many cases, resolves on its own within a few years. In some men, however, the enlarged tissue persists into adulthood. Gynecomastia can also develop later in life due to certain prescription medications, anabolic steroid use, marijuana consumption, weight gain, or the hormonal changes that come with aging.

Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia

It’s important to distinguish true gynecomastia from pseudogynecomastia, which is an enlarged chest caused mainly by excess fat rather than glandular tissue. Many men have a combination of both. Because glandular tissue does not respond to diet and exercise, men with true gynecomastia often find that the fullness remains even after reaching a healthy weight.

During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your chest, review your medical history, and determine which type of tissue is contributing to your concerns so the right surgical approach can be planned. In some cases, a medical assessment may be recommended to rule out an underlying cause before surgery.

What Does the Male Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?

Male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is designed to restore a more masculine and balanced chest contour. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients return home the same day. All procedures are performed at one of our fully accredited hospitals to ensure the highest standards of care and safety. Most male breast reduction procedures involve a combination of techniques tailored to the type and amount of tissue present.

Chest Liposuction

The procedure often begins with chest liposuction performed through a small incision placed discreetly below the chest crease. Liposuction removes excess fatty tissue that contributes to the enlarged appearance and helps sculpt a flatter, more contoured chest.

Removal of Glandular Tissue

When there is an excess of glandular breast tissue, an additional incision is made around the nipple (areola) to remove it. This step is critical for achieving a more masculine and proportionate form, since glandular tissue cannot be removed with liposuction alone.

Removal of Excess Skin

When significant excess skin is present, larger incisions may be required to remove it and create a more natural male chest contour.

For men who have been dealing with the physical and emotional discomfort of enlarged breasts, gynecomastia surgery can make a meaningful difference. By reducing excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, the procedure helps patients achieve a more masculine appearance and greater confidence.

What Can I Expect in My Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery?

Understanding what to expect during recovery will help you heal comfortably and achieve the best possible results. Here’s what most patients can expect after male breast reduction:

Swelling: Swelling in the treated area is common and a normal part of healing. It is caused by fluid buildup and the body’s natural inflammatory response to surgery, and it should gradually subside over the weeks following your procedure.
Compression vest: Patients are asked to wear a compression vest for the first several weeks after surgery. The vest applies steady pressure to the chest, which helps the body reabsorb fluid, supports healing, and encourages the tissues to settle evenly into their new contour.
Activity restrictions: Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided until you have fully healed, since they strain the chest and can delay healing or lead to complications. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance on which activities to avoid and for how long.
Follow-up appointments: Regular visits with your surgeon allow us to monitor your progress, address any concerns early, and answer your questions along the way.

Our team will guide you through each step of your recovery.

How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost?

Gynecomastia surgery at The Ottawa Clinic typically starts at $9,000. This amount is not fixed and will vary according to each patient’s needs. Several factors influence the final cost, including the complexity of the surgery, the length of the procedure, operating room fees, and surgeon’s fees. Some men need liposuction alone, while others require more extensive removal of glandular tissue or excess skin. During your consultation, we will assess your specific needs and provide an accurate quote for your procedure.

When considering any significant expense, it’s natural to look for the best price. With surgery, however, the lowest cost is not always the best choice. Choosing experienced plastic surgeons certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada helps support safe care and high-quality results. At The Ottawa Clinic, we use modern techniques and advanced equipment, and every patient receives attentive post-operative follow-up. Many patients find that the value of gynecomastia surgery extends well beyond the initial cost, with lasting improvements in comfort, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.

Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation in Ottawa

If you have questions about the treatment for gynecomastia, or if you would like to schedule a private consultation, please contact us today.