Gynecomastia

Remove excess tissues to flatten and enhance the contour of your chest

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to treat gynecomastia, a medical condition characterized by the presence of abnormally large breasts in men. This procedure is extremely effective and results in flatter breasts with a smooth contour to the chest.

Before And After Gynecomastia Photos

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast tissue caused by an imbalance between estrogen and androgen activity. It can affect one or both sides of the chest and often develops during puberty, with hormonal changes, certain medications, or as a side effect of weight gain. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), male breast reduction recorded the sharpest growth of any male procedure in 2024, climbing 11 percent year-over-year. Beyond the physical contour, gynecomastia frequently affects confidence, posture, clothing choices, and willingness to participate in activities like swimming or gym training.

Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Ideal candidates for male breast reduction in Richmond are men who are bothered by excess chest tissue that has not responded to diet, weight loss, or strength training. Dr. Kitto looks for patients who are in good overall health, at or near a stable weight, and have a BMI in a range where surgery is safe and predictable, generally under 30. Age is less important than tissue maturity — most surgeons prefer to operate after age 18, when hormone levels and breast development have stabilized.

Strong candidates are non-smokers (or willing to stop nicotine for at least four weeks before and after surgery), have firm skin elasticity for a smooth post-operative contour, and hold realistic expectations about results, scars, and recovery. Men with persistent gynecomastia despite a healthy lifestyle are usually the best fit.

I have no apparent scar under my eye because of Dr. Kitto’s expertise. I highly recommend Dr. Kitto for all your plastic surgery needs. I have recommended her to my dermatologist, my PCP, and the wellness nurses at Brandermill Woods.

Steve D

The Procedure: Liposuction vs. Surgical Excision

Gynecomastia is typically corrected using one of two techniques or a combination of both depending on what is causing the chest fullness. Liposuction alone is best when the enlargement is mostly fatty tissue with good skin tone. Through tiny incisions (often hidden in the armpit), the excess fat is suctioned away to flatten the chest while preserving a natural shape.

Surgical excision is required when there is dense, fibrous glandular tissue, a prominent areola, or stretched skin that liposuction cannot address. In these cases, the firm gland directly behind the nipple is carefully removed and the area is sculpted to match the surrounding chest. Many patients need a blended approach — liposuction to contour the chest and flanks, plus targeted excision for the dense tissue under the nipple.

Dr. Kitto evaluates tissue composition, skin quality, and chest proportions during your consultation to recommend the right technique for your anatomy. Most gynecomastia procedures are completed in approximately two hours under anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. A surgical dressing and a compression garment are applied at the end of surgery to reduce swelling and support the new chest contour.

Before And After Gynecomastia Photos

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from male breast reduction is generally smoother than patients expect, but it follows a clear timeline. Days 1–3 are the most uncomfortable — expect soreness, tightness across the chest, mild swelling, and bruising. Pain is well controlled with prescribed medication, and walking around the house is encouraged from day one to support circulation.

By the end of Week 1, most men are able to return to a desk job or remote work, though heavy lifting is still off-limits. During Weeks 2–4, swelling steadily improves, the contour becomes more visible, and light walking or stationary cycling can usually resume. The compression garment is worn around the clock for the first several weeks (typically 4–6) to control swelling, support healing, and help the skin redrape evenly.

Strenuous activity — chest workouts, weightlifting, running, and contact sports is usually cleared at the 6-week mark, once tissues have healed and the risk of fluid collection has passed. Final results continue to refine for up to six months as residual swelling resolves.

My confidence is back. Of all the things that Dr. Kitto fixed on me, I think repairing my self-image was the most important.

Vinnie P

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gynecomastia and what causes it?

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and androgens. Common triggers include puberty, aging, weight changes, certain medications (steroids, antidepressants), and underlying medical conditions.

Am I a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Richmond?

You are likely a good candidate if you are over 18, in good health, near a stable weight with a BMI under 30, a non-smoker, and bothered by chest tissue that has not improved with diet or exercise.

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Richmond, VA?

Cost varies based on technique (liposuction, excision, or both), anesthesia, and facility fees. Dr. Kitto’s office provides a personalized quote at the time of consultation.

Is male breast reduction covered by insurance?

Most insurers consider it cosmetic and do not cover it. Coverage is occasionally approved when gynecomastia causes documented physical symptoms — your insurer can confirm requirements.

What's the difference between liposuction and surgical excision for gynecomastia?

Liposuction removes excess fat through tiny incisions. Surgical excision removes dense glandular tissue and skin. Many patients need a combination of both for the best contour.

How long is the recovery after gynecomastia surgery?

Most men return to desk work within 3–7 days, resume light activity at 2–4 weeks, and are cleared for full workouts at around 6 weeks. Final contour continues to refine for up to six months.

Will there be visible scars after the procedure?

Dr. Kitto places incisions in discreet areas, often the armpit or along the lower edge of the areola, so scars typically fade and remain well concealed once fully healed.

When can I return to the gym and exercise after surgery?

Light walking is encouraged immediately. Cardio usually resumes around 2–3 weeks. Chest workouts, heavy lifting, and contact sports are cleared at approximately 6 weeks post-op.

Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?

Results are generally long-lasting. However, significant weight gain, anabolic steroid use, or new medications that affect hormones can cause recurrence in a small number of patients.

Does Dr. Kitto treat teenage patients with gynecomastia?

Surgery is usually deferred until age 18 to allow puberty-related hormonal changes to stabilize. Younger patients may be evaluated case-by-case if gynecomastia is severe and persistent.

Contact our practice

If you would like more information about male breast reduction with Dr. Kitto, or wish to schedule a consultation, call us today.

Call 804-294-1777

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MEET DR. KITTO

A highly skilled surgeon with an artist’s touch

"I strive to provide natural results to enhance my patients' unique beauty".

Dr. Kitto is a BOARD CERTIFIED trained plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures of the face, breast and body. She also performs procedures for men and offers a wide variety of non-surgical options. Procedures she commonly performs are facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement and body contouring. She empowers patients to make educated decisions about their procedures and helps them feel comfortable throughout their transformation.

Inzhili Kitto, MD, FACS