Gynecomastia Surgery Beverly Hills

Male breast reduction surgery eliminates excess chest tissue to restore a flatter, more masculine chest contour. If enlarged breasts have kept you from taking off your shirt or feeling confident, this life-changing procedure can help.

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What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, affecting up to 60% of men at some point in their lives. It's caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone and can result in a chest that appears more feminine than masculine.

Despite diet and exercise, true gynecomastia won't go away on its own—the glandular tissue simply doesn't respond to lifestyle changes. Male breast reduction surgery removes this tissue permanently, restoring a flat, contoured chest.

Understanding Your Condition

Not all enlarged male chests are the same. Determining which type you have is the first step toward the right treatment.

True Gynecomastia

Glandular Tissue

Caused by actual breast gland development due to hormonal imbalance. The tissue feels firm or rubbery, especially beneath the nipple.

  • Firm, dense tissue under nipple
  • Won't respond to diet/exercise
  • Caused by hormones, medications, genetics
  • Requires surgical excision
  • Often combined with liposuction

Pseudogynecomastia

Fat Only

Enlarged chest appearance caused by excess fat deposits, not glandular tissue. More common in overweight individuals.

  • Soft, fatty tissue throughout chest
  • May improve with weight loss
  • Caused by weight gain, genetics
  • Treatable with liposuction alone
  • Easier, faster recovery

We Understand the Impact

Gynecomastia affects more than appearance—it affects confidence, lifestyle, and self-image. You're not alone.

Avoiding Certain Clothes

Wearing compression shirts, dark colors, or loose clothing to hide your chest

Never Going Shirtless

Avoiding the pool, beach, or gym locker room out of embarrassment

Poor Posture

Hunching or slouching to make your chest less noticeable

Avoiding Exercise

Skipping workouts because chest exercises make it more visible

Relationship Anxiety

Feeling self-conscious about intimacy or taking your shirt off

Years of Teasing

Dealing with jokes, nicknames, or unwanted comments since adolescence

Grades of Gynecomastia

Severity is classified into four grades, which helps determine the best surgical approach for your situation.

1

Mild

Small amount of excess tissue concentrated around the areola. No excess skin.

Liposuction ± Minor Excision
2

Moderate

Moderate tissue enlargement extending beyond the areola. Minimal to no excess skin.

Liposuction + Gland Excision
3

Significant

Significant tissue enlargement with moderate excess skin. Visible when shirtless.

Excision + Skin Tightening
4

Severe

Marked enlargement with significant excess skin, resembling a female breast.

Excision + Skin Removal

Treatment Options

Your treatment is customized based on the type and grade of your gynecomastia.

Liposuction Alone

Best for: Pseudogynecomastia, Grade 1

Removes excess fat through small incisions using a thin cannula. Ideal when glandular tissue is minimal.

  • Smallest incisions
  • Fastest recovery (1 week)
  • Requires good skin elasticity
  • Often under local anesthesia

Excision + Liposuction

Best for: True Gynecomastia, Grade 2-3

Combines fat removal with direct excision of glandular tissue through a small incision at the areola border.

  • Removes firm glandular tissue
  • Most common approach
  • Scar hidden at areola edge
  • 2-3 week recovery

Excision + Skin Removal

Best for: Severe Cases, Grade 4

For significant enlargement with excess skin that won't retract. May include nipple repositioning.

  • Removes tissue and skin
  • May reposition nipple/areola
  • More visible scars
  • 4-6 week recovery

Benefits of Male Breast Reduction

The results go far beyond physical appearance—patients consistently report life-changing improvements.

Wear Any Shirt

T-shirts, fitted clothes, and thin fabrics without compression or hiding.

Go Shirtless Again

Confidence at the pool, beach, gym, and in intimate moments.

Work Out Without Worry

Build your chest muscles without making the problem more visible.

Stand Tall

Stop hunching—confident posture without trying to hide.

Improved Self-Image

Finally see the masculine chest you've wanted in the mirror.

Permanent Results

Removed glandular tissue doesn't come back.

I spent 20 years avoiding pools and beaches. Now I actually look forward to summer. I wish I had done this years ago.

Gynecomastia Patient
Dr. Tim Neavin, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Why Choose Dr. Neavin for Gynecomastia Surgery

"I understand how much this condition affects men—not just physically, but emotionally. My goal is a flat, natural-looking chest that lets you live without thinking about it."

Gynecomastia surgery requires more than just tissue removal—it requires artistic contouring to create a masculine chest shape. Remove too little, and the problem remains. Remove too much or unevenly, and you're left with craters or asymmetry. The nipple-areola complex must be preserved and properly positioned.

I take the time to understand both the physical and emotional aspects of your condition. Every consultation is private and confidential. I'll examine your chest, determine whether you have true gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, and recommend the most effective treatment approach for your specific situation.

Board Certified, ABPS (2010)
20+ Years Experience
Body Contouring Expert
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Castle Connolly Top Doctor
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The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure

Here's what to expect from consultation through recovery.

1

Private Consultation

We examine your chest to determine whether you have true gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, assess the grade, and discuss your goals. If there's any concern about underlying causes, we may recommend lab work or referral to an endocrinologist before surgery.

2

Surgery Day

Depending on the approach, surgery takes 1-2 hours under general or local anesthesia with sedation. For most patients, I use a combination of liposuction and direct excision through a small incision at the areola border where the scar will be virtually invisible.

3

Immediate Recovery

You'll go home the same day wearing a compression vest. This garment supports healing and minimizes swelling. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness—like a chest workout—manageable with prescription pain medication for the first few days.

4

Results

Most patients return to desk work within 1 week. The compression vest is worn for 2-4 weeks. Exercise resumes at 4-6 weeks. While results are visible immediately, final contour emerges over 3-6 months as swelling resolves and tissues settle.

Recovery Timeline

What to expect in the weeks after your procedure.

Day 1-3

Rest & Recover

Soreness, swelling. Compression vest 24/7. Light activity only.

Week 1

Back to Work

Most return to desk jobs. Continue compression vest. No heavy lifting.

Week 2-4

Increasing Activity

Swelling subsides. Light exercise OK. Compression as directed.

Week 6+

Full Activity

Resume all exercise including chest workouts. Final results emerge 3-6 months.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Gynecomastia surgery can help men of all ages who are bothered by their chest appearance.

Ideal Candidates

  • Enlarged breast tissue that hasn't responded to diet/exercise
  • Firm tissue under or around the nipples
  • Self-consciousness about chest appearance
  • Good overall health
  • Stable weight
  • Non-smoker (or willing to quit temporarily)
  • Realistic expectations

Special Considerations

  • Adolescents (may resolve naturally by age 18)
  • Active steroid or hormone use (address first)
  • Medications causing gynecomastia (may need adjustment)
  • Significant obesity (may benefit from weight loss first)
  • Underlying medical conditions (may need evaluation)
  • Active smokers (healing complications)

Gynecomastia Surgery FAQ

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
In Beverly Hills, gynecomastia surgery typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the complexity. Grade 1 cases requiring only liposuction are on the lower end, while Grade 3-4 cases requiring excision and skin removal are higher. This includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, and facility costs. I'll provide a detailed quote after your consultation.
Will there be visible scars?
For most patients, scars are minimal and well-hidden. Liposuction requires only tiny incisions (less than 1cm). Excision is performed through an incision at the lower edge of the areola, where the scar blends with the natural color change between areola and skin. For severe cases requiring skin removal, additional scars may be necessary, but we plan incision placement carefully to minimize visibility.
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may provide coverage if you can document physical symptoms (such as pain or tenderness), psychological distress, or if there's an underlying medical cause. I can provide documentation to support your insurance claim if you want to pursue coverage.
Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Recurrence is rare because the glandular tissue is permanently removed. However, if the underlying cause persists—such as continued steroid use, certain medications, or hormonal imbalances—some regrowth is possible. Significant weight gain can also cause fat accumulation in the chest. We address these factors during consultation to minimize recurrence risk.
How is gynecomastia different from just being overweight?
True gynecomastia involves actual breast gland tissue, which feels firm or rubbery, especially concentrated under and around the nipple. This tissue doesn't go away with weight loss. Pseudogynecomastia (fatty chest enlargement) is softer, distributed more evenly, and may improve with weight loss. During your exam, I'll determine which type you have and recommend the appropriate treatment.
What causes gynecomastia?
Common causes include hormonal imbalances during puberty (often resolves naturally), aging (testosterone decreases), certain medications (anti-androgens, antidepressants, heart medications), anabolic steroids, marijuana use, excessive alcohol, and some medical conditions affecting hormone levels. In many cases, no specific cause is identified. We may recommend blood tests if there's concern about an underlying condition.
How long until I can work out again?
Light cardio (walking, stationary bike) can resume at 2 weeks. Lower body exercises at 3-4 weeks. Chest exercises and heavy lifting at 6 weeks. Building your chest muscles after surgery is encouraged—unlike before, exercise will now enhance your results rather than making the problem more visible.
At what age can you get gynecomastia surgery?
There's no strict age limit. However, for adolescents, we typically recommend waiting until age 18 since puberty-related gynecomastia often resolves naturally as hormones stabilize. If the condition persists past 18, or if it causes significant distress in younger patients, surgery can be considered. Adults of any age are candidates if they're in good health.

Ready to Reclaim Your Confidence?

Take the first step toward the masculine chest you deserve. Every consultation is private and confidential.

Schedule Consultation (310) 858-8811