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Gynecomastia Table of Contents:

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What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an overdevelopment of male breast tissue and fat. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, obesity, steroid use, marijuana use, metabolic disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications.

The excess tissue sometimes fails to respond to diet or exercise and can become a stressful burden. Male breast reduction at Hill Country can help by removing excess breast tissue.

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What can gynecomastia reduction surgery do?

Gynecomastia (male breast formation) can be a source of low self-esteem. Men who have gynecomastia are often unwilling to go without a shirt in public. Gynecomastia reduction surgery can help men with the following:

  • Improve chest definition
  • Correct breast asymmetry
  • Improve overall appearance and restore confidence

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia develops when excess glandular tissue forms in the male chest, often due to hormonal changes involving testosterone and estrogen. While it can occur during puberty or aging, other contributing factors may include genetics, weight fluctuations, certain medications, anabolic steroid use, marijuana use, and underlying medical conditions. In some men, enlarged breast tissue persists despite exercise and a healthy lifestyle, making gynecomastia surgery an effective option for restoring a flatter, more masculine chest contour.

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Gynecomastia vs. Chest Fat:
What’s the Difference?

Many men struggle with excess fullness in the chest, but not all cases are true gynecomastia. Pseudogynecomastia is primarily caused by excess fat in the chest and may improve with weight loss, exercise, and overall body fat reduction. True gynecomastia involves enlarged glandular breast tissue beneath the nipple, which typically does not respond to diet or exercise alone.

In many cases, patients have a combination of both fat and glandular tissue. Male breast reduction surgery may be recommended when persistent chest fullness remains despite a healthy lifestyle, helping create a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest contour.

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Gynecomastia Before & After Photos

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Gynecomastia Surgery

Why choose Hill Country Plastic Surgery for your male breast reduction surgery?

Two board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Scott J. Farber and Dr. Amita Shah founded Hill Country Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Farber and Dr. Shah each bring years of experience in an academic setting, tertiary care hospital, and skill in performing some of the most complex procedures in the field to Hill Country Plastic Surgery.

We believe the relationship between patient and surgeon is at the core of every successful procedure and that the foundation of our exceptional results is based on the understanding and open communication between our surgeons and the men they treat in cases of gynecomastia in San Antonio

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What should I expect during my gynecomastia (male breast reduction) procedure?

At Hill Country Plastic Surgery, we perform male breast reduction surgery in San Antonio to remove excess breast tissue; this may involve liposuction, surgical removal of excess glandular tissue and skin, or both. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about one to two hours. After the procedure is complete, you will have a slim, contoured, and more masculine chest. The scars are hidden in the shadow of the pectoral muscle and will be barely visible.

You will be able to return to your normal activities within a few days. There is usually some swelling and bruising that resolves within a few weeks; however, results will be visible immediately.  Your results will be completely natural-looking, and you will no longer need to wear loose-fitting shirts to disguise excess breast tissue. This procedure may be life-altering if you have struggled with an excess of breast tissue.

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What should I expect at my initial consultation for male breast reduction surgery?

Before your consultation for gynecomastia in San Antonio & Boerne, TX, we recommend you review the procedures on our website to familiarize you with the terms we will use during our discussion. You will be thoroughly examined during your consultation with Dr. Scott Farber or Dr. Amita Shah. The factors contributing to your gynecomastia will be carefully considered, and a surgical plan will be drawn up. This may include tissue removal, liposuction, and skin tightening.

Is gynecomastia surgery one-size-fits-all?

Once we identify your concerns and surgical goals, we will discuss all the treatment options regarding your gynecomastia in San Antonio that are available to you. Every patient is unique, and we will develop a tailored surgical plan that addresses your specific goals. In addition, we will thoroughly review your medical history, surgical history, medications, allergies, family medical history, and other essential details.

We must obtain accurate information in all areas as it may impact the outcome of your surgery. While discussing different treatment options, we will perform a physical exam and take measurements that are necessary for planning your surgery. Pre-operative (before surgery) photos will be taken either at your initial consultation or during your pre-operative visit.

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Complementary Procedures for Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery can be combined with other procedures to create a more sculpted, masculine appearance. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Farber and Dr. Shah may recommend liposuction to refine the chest further and surrounding areas, skin-tightening treatments after weight loss, or additional body contouring procedures to improve overall definition. Some patients also choose to combine male breast reduction with a tummy tuck to address excess abdominal skin or stubborn fat and achieve more comprehensive body rejuvenation. Explore our male plastic surgery procedures to learn more about personalized treatment options.

What happens after my consultation?

After your consultation, you will receive access to your notes on the patient portal in addition to information about your specific surgery. If you have not activated your patient portal, this can be done at your appointment by asking any of our staff to assist you.

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Is gynecomastia caused by hormones?

Yes, gynecomastia is often linked to hormonal imbalances involving estrogen and testosterone. It may also be associated with genetics, certain medications, weight gain, steroid use, or underlying medical conditions that contribute to enlarged male breast tissue.

Can exercise get rid of gynecomastia?

Exercise can help reduce excess chest fat, but it typically cannot eliminate firm glandular breast tissue caused by gynecomastia. When enlarged tissue does not respond to diet and exercise, male breast reduction surgery may be the most effective solution.

What is the difference between chest fat and gynecomastia?

Chest fat is caused by excess fatty tissue and may improve with weight loss, while gynecomastia involves enlarged glandular tissue beneath the nipple area. Many men have a combination of both, which is why a professional evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Does gynecomastia surgery remove gland tissue?

Yes, gynecomastia surgery removes excess glandular tissue and may also include liposuction to contour the chest. This creates a flatter, firmer, and more masculine appearance that typically cannot be achieved through exercise alone.

How long do gynecomastia results last?

Results from gynecomastia surgery are considered long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, future weight gain, hormonal changes, or steroid use can potentially affect the chest over time.

Can gynecomastia affect one side only?

Yes, gynecomastia can develop unevenly and may affect one side of the chest more than the other. Asymmetrical gynecomastia is common and can be corrected with a customized surgical approach.

Will I need drains after gynecomastia surgery?

Some patients may require temporary drains after gynecomastia surgery, depending on the amount of tissue removed and the surgical technique used. Dr. Shah and Dr. Farber will discuss whether drains are necessary during your personalized treatment planning.

Can weight gain cause gynecomastia to return?

Significant weight gain can increase fat accumulation in the chest and may affect your results after gynecomastia surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight can help preserve a flatter, more sculpted chest long-term.

What is the cost of Gynecomastia? 

The cost of male breast reduction surgery in San Antonio starts at $3,100, but it varies based on individual considerations. Your precise price will be determined during your consultation.

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Personalized care just for you in San Antonio

At Hill Country Plastic Surgery, you will work directly with one of our founding board-certified plastic surgeons throughout every stage of your gynecomastia journey. From your initial consultation through post-operative care, Dr. Farber and Dr. Shah provide highly personalized treatment and direct communication to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your procedure.

When you contact our office after surgery, you will speak directly with your surgeon, not an answering service. All follow-up visits are performed by your surgeon to ensure continuity of care and meticulous attention to your results. Our commitment to personalized male breast reduction surgery in San Antonio is one of the many reasons patients throughout South Texas trust Hill Country Plastic Surgery for natural-looking, confidence-restoring outcomes.

From your initial consultation through your post-operative appointments, you will always work directly with one of our founding board-certified plastic surgeons. We are committed to working with you to achieve your cosmetic goals and have a reputation for delivering highly personalized, meticulously performed procedures, setting us apart from other plastic surgery practices in South Texas. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Farber or Dr. Shah.

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Book Your Gynecomastia Consultation

Are you interested in learning more about Gynecomastia? To schedule a consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call us today. Hill Country Plastic Surgery is the premier plastic surgery center in the San Antonio and Austin area. Our friendly team members are ready to help and will reach out promptly. We can’t wait to meet you!

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