GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY IN SEATTLE

An enlarged male chest can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to talk about. Many individuals try exercise, weight loss, or lifestyle changes without any improvement. It often leads to continued dissatisfaction with chest appearance. This ongoing struggle can impact self-confidence and daily comfort. Male breast reduction surgery offers a way to restore a flatter, more masculine chest by removing excess tissue and reshaping the chest contour. 

At Seattle Plastic Surgery, gynecomastia surgery in Seattle is offered by board-certified surgeons Dr. Tarak Patel and Dr. Craig Jonov. Dr. Patel’s experience as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon is shaped by 25 years of complex surgical care during his service in the U.S. Army. Dr. Jonov offers more than 20 years of experience practicing in a fully JCAHO-accredited surgical facility. Together, their expertise helps patients determine whether gynecomastia surgery is the right step.

Gynecomastia is a condition where men develop extra breast tissue, making the chest look fuller or swollen. It happens most often because of hormone changes, especially when estrogen is higher than testosterone. It’s common and can affect teens and adult men. Unlike chest fat, gynecomastia usually doesn’t go away with diet or exercise.

Most cases of gynecomastia happen due to a hormone imbalance in the body. This is why gynecomastia is common during puberty or with health problems that cause hormone issues. A few of the conditions and situations that can cause gynecomastia include:

• Natural Hormone Shifts: Common during puberty and aging (andropause).
• Health Conditions: Such as hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney disease, and tumors.
• Medications: Including treatments for anxiety, depression, heart conditions, and anabolic steroids.
• Substance Use: Alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and heroin.
• Other Factors: Genetic predisposition, malnutrition, or certain herbal products.

It’s important to identify the underlying cause of gynecomastia for long-term relief. For some, addressing the root issue, like changing a medication or treating a health condition, may reduce breast tissue.

However, when gynecomastia is long-standing or the cause cannot be reversed, the glandular tissue remains. Diet and exercise cannot remove this firm, fibrous tissue. In these cases, gynecomastia surgery in Seattle is the only permanent solution to remove the tissue and contour the chest for a natural, masculine appearance.

Since surgery for gynecomastia in Seattle often includes liposuction, many men choose to add on other areas of liposuction such as the abdomen, flanks, and legs. Tacoma male breast reduction surgery is easy to combine with other procedures and and Dr. Patel or Dr. Jonov can help you decide if it is compatible with your specific surgery.

Other surgeries or procedures often combined with gynecomastia include: 

• Tummy tuck (or mini tuck)
• Facelift
• CO2 Laser Resurfacing
• Neck lift
• Injectable Fillers

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery for Patients in Seattle and Tacoma

Male breast reduction surgery treats many aspects of gynecomastia you may see in yourself. And, while it reduces the size of overdeveloped breasts in men, it can also treat other abnormalities of the chest gynecomastia causes. 

Along with a flatter and more masculine chest, this procedure can help give men more confidence. Instead of hiding their chest or avoiding removing their shirt at the beach, male breast reduction in Tacoma can renew their confidence and self esteem.

While reducing the size of male breasts, other benefits you may see from Tacoma gynecomastia surgery include: 

• Repositioning the nipples
• Removal of extra skin and fat
• Balance asymmetrical proportions/breasts
• Treat puffy nipples
• Reshape and flatten chest

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

As the surgical technique varies from patient to patient, your Tacoma male breast reduction will also depend on your surgery. For patients who only received liposuction, recovery is generally easy and requires little downtime. With male breast reduction surgeries that require incisions or larger removal of breast tissue, a longer recovery time is required. 

What to Expect After Surgery

• Mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and tenderness during the first few days
• Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication
• Staying in contact with your plastic surgeon helps ensure smooth healing and quick answers to questions

Most patients return to work after about a week with their plastic surgeon’s approval and more strenuous activities and exercise after an average of six weeks. 

Results Over Time

You will immediately notice a difference in your chest after surgery. It will appear flatter and more in line with your body. Your final results will become visible as your swelling goes down and your incisions heal. Within a few months, you can fully enjoy your new chest.

During your recovery, your cosmetic surgeon will recommend using our proprietary scar treatment to help reduce future scarring and lead to an all around more comfortable recovery. In addition, you can help your recovery by attending all post-operative appointments and staying in contact with your Seattle cosmetic surgeon. 

Wearing loose, comfortable clothing the day of surgery and ensuring you have a caregiver for the first day or two after surgery will help you heal comfortably and optimally. Other recovery instructions will be given by your plastic surgeon before surgery.

Understanding Risks & Safety

Gynecomastia surgery is considered safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon. However, like any surgery, it carries some level of risk. Your surgeon will take every precaution to minimize these, and discussing them is a key part of informed consent. Potential risks include:

• Common, Temporary Effects: Swelling, bruising, soreness, and temporary numbness.
• Asymmetry: Slight differences in contour or nipple position between sides.
• Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): A build-up of fluid under the skin that may require drainage.
• Scarring: Incisions will fade over time but are permanent. We provide a proven scar care protocol.
• Contour Irregularities: Uneven skin or residual tissue requiring a minor revision.

How We Prioritize Your Safety:

• Expertise: Our surgeons are trained to anticipate and manage risks.
• Accredited Facility: Surgery is performed in a JCAHO-accredited surgical facility.

Detailed Pre- & Post-Op Plans: Clear instructions before and after surgery are provided to minimize the risk of complications.

The cost of gynecomastia surgery begins at $7,485. This price varies depending upon your needs and the techniques required.

We work with medical financing companies, like Care Credit to help you make your male breast reduction surgery affordable. For more information on the companies we work with, their options, and to apply, visit our Financing page.

Still Have Questions?

Give us a call at 206-324-1120. Chat by clicking the icon in the lower left hand corner of your screen, or Contact Us by filling out the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Seattle?

Gynecomastia surgery Seattle cost depends on the complexity of the case. Factors like whether liposuction alone is needed or if gland removal is required can affect the price. Surgeon experience, facility fees, and anesthesia are usually included but should always be confirmed during consultation. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, gynecomastia surgery starts at $7,485.

Is it worth getting gynecomastia surgery?

For many men, gynecomastia surgery in Seattle, WA, is worth it because it addresses a problem that diet and exercise often can’t fix. Patients frequently report improved confidence, better posture, and feeling more comfortable in fitted clothing. The results are long-lasting when the root cause of gynecomastia is managed well. For those bothered daily by chest appearance, the emotional relief can be just as significant as the physical change.

What is the main cause of gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is most commonly caused by a hormonal imbalance, specifically higher estrogen levels relative to testosterone. This can happen during puberty, aging, weight changes, medication use, or certain medical conditions. In many adults, the glandular tissue remains even after hormones stabilize or weight is lost. That’s why surgery is often the only permanent solution.

How risky is gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is considered low-risk when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Like any surgery, risks include swelling, bruising, infection, or temporary numbness, but serious complications are uncommon. Following post-op instructions greatly reduces risks. Most patients recover without any major issues.

What age is best for gynecomastia surgery?

There isn’t a single best age, but surgery is usually recommended after puberty, once hormone levels have stabilized. Many patients undergo the procedure in their late teens, 20s, or 30s, though men well into adulthood also see excellent results. The best age is really when the condition has been stable and is causing physical or emotional distress. A consultation helps determine readiness.

How painful is gynecomastia surgery?

Most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate. Soreness, tightness, and swelling are common in the first few days but are usually controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Pain typically improves significantly within the first week. Many patients are surprised by how manageable recovery feels.

How long are you out of work for gynecomastia surgery?

Most people return to desk or light work within 3 to 7 days. If your job involves physical labor, you may need closer to two weeks off. Swelling and soreness gradually improve, but you’ll still be functional fairly quickly. Your surgeon will tailor guidance based on your job demands.

What can’t you do after gynecomastia surgery?

After Seattle gynecomastia surgery, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, chest workouts, and strenuous exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks. You’ll also be asked to wear a compression garment to support healing. Activities that stretch or strain the chest should be limited early on. Following these restrictions helps ensure smoother healing and better final results.

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