Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) in Gig Harbor, WA
Achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, resulting in a chest that appears fuller, rounder, or softer than desired. It is more common than many men realize, and can significantly affect confidence — in clothing, at the gym, or in everyday situations. For men who have lived with this concern, surgical correction can be a straightforward and highly effective solution.
Dr. Larsen offers male breast reduction using liposuction, tissue excision, or a combination of both, depending on the composition and extent of the enlargement.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Male breast reduction may be appropriate for patients who:
Have excess breast tissue, fat, or skin on the chest that creates a fuller or rounder appearance
Are bothered by the appearance of their chest in clothing, at the gym, or without a shirt
Have not seen improvement through exercise or lifestyle changes
Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
During consultation, Dr. Larsen evaluates the composition of the enlargement — whether primarily fatty tissue, glandular tissue, or a combination — to determine the most appropriate surgical technique for your anatomy.
Procedure Overview
Male breast reduction is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
In general:
Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours
Performed under general anesthesia
Liposuction is used where excess fat is the primary component — small, discreet incisions are placed and a thin cannula removes unwanted fat to flatten and contour the chest
Tissue excision is used where firm glandular tissue is present — a small incision is placed at the lower border of the areola to remove the tissue directly, leaving a scar that blends naturally with the areola edge
A combination of both is used where fat and glandular tissue are present together, which is common
Patients return home the same day. The appropriate technique is determined based on your individual anatomy during consultation.
Recovery
Most patients find male breast reduction recovery very manageable. Most patients follow a general pattern:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and chest tightness are normal. A compression vest or garment is worn. Light activity around the home is comfortable for most patients within a few days.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising fades and swelling begins to improve. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities. Avoid upper body exercise and lifting.
Weeks 3–4 Chest contour continues to improve as swelling subsides. Light lower body exercise may resume as directed.
Week 6+ Most normal activities and workouts, including upper body exercise, can fully resume.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits to monitor healing throughout recovery.
Results
Male breast reduction produces an immediate and noticeable improvement in chest contour and flatness.
Swelling resolves gradually over several weeks
Final chest contour is typically fully apparent at 3–6 months
Where excision is performed, scars are positioned at the natural border of the areola and fade considerably over time
Results are long-lasting when weight remains stable
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be visible scars? When liposuction alone is used, incisions are very small and typically leave minimal scarring. When tissue excision is required, the incision is placed at the lower border of the areola where it blends with the natural color transition. Dr. Larsen will discuss what to expect for your specific technique during consultation.
Can gynecomastia come back after surgery? Removed fat and glandular tissue do not return. Significant weight gain after surgery can affect chest appearance, so maintaining a stable weight helps preserve long-term results.
Can liposuction alone address gynecomastia? Liposuction is effective when excess fat is the primary component. Where firm glandular tissue is present, excision is needed to achieve a flat result — liposuction alone will not remove glandular tissue. Dr. Larsen will assess your anatomy and recommend the right approach during consultation.
What does male breast reduction cost? Pricing depends on the technique required and the extent of correction. Financing options are available
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if male breast reduction is right for you.