Gynecomastia surgery, also called male breast reduction, removes excess glandular tissue and fat to create a flatter, firmer, more masculine chest contour. At SVIA® Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu perform this procedure for men throughout Silicon Valley.
A Trusted Option for Men Across Silicon Valley
Enlarged male breast tissue is more common than most men realize, and it rarely resolves with diet or exercise alone. Dr. Tom Liu, MD, MBA, and Dr. Jerome Liu, MD, MSHS are both board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellowship-trained in aesthetic plastic surgery, giving patients seeking gynecomastia surgery in Silicon Valley a level of surgical precision built on advanced training at institutions including UCLA Medical Center and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an increase in glandular breast tissue in men, most often triggered by a drop in testosterone relative to estrogen. According to Mayo Clinic, an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone causes the condition, which can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Natural hormone shifts during puberty, aging, certain medications, and some health conditions can all contribute.
A related but distinct condition, pseudogynecomastia, involves fat accumulation without true glandular growth. Mayo Clinic notes that about 24% to 65% of men ages 50 to 80 develop gynecomastia, though most adults with the condition report no symptoms. Distinguishing true glandular gynecomastia from pseudogynecomastia during a consultation determines which surgical technique will deliver the best result.
Interest in this procedure has grown quickly nationwide. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction in males rose 10.9% from 2023 to 2024, and gynecomastia surgery saw the sharpest growth of any procedure among male plastic surgery patients that year.
Why Choose SVIA® for Gynecomastia Surgery in Silicon Valley?
Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu bring complementary expertise to gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Tom Liu's fellowship training included a sub-specialty in microsurgery, refined through advanced study at the Plastic Surgery Institute of San Francisco, while Dr. Jerome Liu completed additional fellowship training at UT Southwestern and the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications.
Both surgeons are active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and patients can be treated at SVIA® locations in Silicon Valley.
What to Expect
Consultation and Cost for Gynecomastia Surgery
Every gynecomastia surgery begins with a consultation to evaluate the ratio of glandular tissue to fat, skin quality, and any underlying medical causes. Cost varies based on technique, the amount of tissue removed, and whether skin excision is needed, and is discussed in detail after this evaluation.
The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure
Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu tailor the surgical approach to each patient's anatomy. According to Cleveland Clinic, gynecomastia surgery may include liposuction, excision using larger incisions, or a combination of both, depending on whether the enlargement is primarily fatty or glandular. The procedure is typically performed using local or general anesthesia through small, carefully placed incisions.
Recovery and Results Timeline
Patients usually wear a compression garment for several weeks after surgery to support healing and minimize swelling. Most men return to non-strenuous work within a week, while they gradually introduce more vigorous exercise over four to six weeks. Final results become visible as swelling resolves over the following three to six months.
Gynecomastia FAQs
Will gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Will I have visible scarring?
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?
How soon can I resume exercise?
Will gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Results are generally permanent once glandular tissue is removed and weight remains stable, though significant weight gain or hormone-altering medications can affect long-term results.
Will I have visible scarring?
Incisions are placed to be as inconspicuous as possible, often along the edge of the areola, and typically fade significantly over time.
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Coverage is uncommon for cosmetic gynecomastia surgery, though rare cases tied to a diagnosed medical condition may qualify; this is confirmed during consultation.
What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, risks can include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, or the need for a secondary procedure. Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu review individual risk factors during consultation.
How soon can I resume exercise?
Most patients can resume light activity within a week and full exercise, including chest workouts, within four to six weeks, depending on the technique used.
