Gynecomastia Treatment

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlarged male breasts. This condition can affect men at any stage in their life, with prevalence ranging from 50% to 70% in adolescents and elderly men. (1) Gynecomastia treatments have risen in popularity over the last several years as more men choose to improve the appearance of their chest, with more than 26,000 procedures performed in 2024 alone. (2)

Dr. Michael A. Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon in the greater Chicago area who specializes in breast procedures. Since 2005, he has helped more than 10,000 patients enhance their confidence and appearance using both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques.

If you are ready to restore a more masculine appearance, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Howard by calling (224) 271-4250.

About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a relatively common condition in which the male breasts become enlarged. (3) This condition primarily develops due to a hormonal imbalance, primarily the dominant presence of estrogen over testosterone. Several underlying medical conditions can also contribute to its development, as well as medication side effects, genetics, aging, diet, lifestyle habits, and more. (3,4) Gynecomastia is commonly experienced by obese or overweight patients, but it may persist even for those who have lost weight. By performing gynecomastia treatment, Dr. Howard can help you restore your sense of masculinity and confidence.

Benefits

Gynecomastia treatment offers numerous advantages. These may include:

  • Chest Contouring: This procedure can create a flatter, more masculine chest, enhancing your overall physique and proportions.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients report an improvement in their self-esteem and body confidence after seeing the results of their gynecomastia treatment.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Howard places incisions in inconspicuous areas to help hide any scarring.
  • Lasting Results: Gynecomastia treatments are designed to produce long-lasting effects, allowing you to benefit from your results for years to come.

Candidates

Candidates for gynecomastia treatment typically consist of men with enlarged breasts who have been unable to improve their condition through other means, such as dieting, exercise, hormone therapy, and starting or stopping certain medications.

Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight should reach a stable and maintainable weight before seeking this treatment. Patients should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period of time.

Anyone interested in our gynecomastia treatment should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations for their results.

Dr. Howard will determine each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your gynecomastia treatment, you will need to attend a personal consultation. Dr. Howard takes the time during each consultation to learn about the potential cause of your gynecomastia, as well as your aesthetic goals. He will ask about your medical history, current prescriptions, and concerns. Along with a physical evaluation, he will use this information to create your personalized treatment plan.

To schedule this consultation and receive your treatment plan, please call (224) 271-4250.

Preparation

You will receive a set of detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your gynecomastia treatment.

  • Dr. Howard may ask you to undergo lab testing to confirm your physical readiness for treatment.
  • Refrain from taking blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Arrange transportation to and from the procedure.
  • Take time away from your career and social commitments.
  • Fill any necessary prescriptions ahead of time.
  • Cease nicotine use several weeks before the procedure, if applicable.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption both before and after the procedure.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, you will be taken to a private surgical room where we cleanse and sanitize the treatment area before administering anesthesia. Dr. Howard will then begin performing the procedure using one of two methods, or a combination of the two:

  • Liposuction: Liposuction is primarily performed when fat is the primary cause of breast enlargement. Dr. Howard will place small incisions in the chest, through which he will inject a tumescent solution composed of epinephrine, lidocaine, and saline. This helps constrict the blood vessels, numb the area, and swell the fat cells, making them easier to remove. He will then use a suctioning cannula to gently remove the fat, creating a more sculpted chest.
  • Surgical Excision: If glandular breast tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, Dr. Howard will perform surgical excision. During this approach, he will place an incision on the lower half of the areola and then remove the excess tissue to create a flatter appearance.

The duration of each procedure will vary depending on the method employed and the extent of correction. Oftentimes, Dr. Howard combines these approaches for optimal results.

Recovery

Gynecomastia treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be released home on the same day as your procedure.

You may experience temporary swelling or bruising, as well as soreness and discomfort, which can be managed using the pain medications prescribed to you and by following aftercare instructions.

During your recovery, you will also need to wear a compression garment, which will be provided to you by Dr. Howard. This garment is designed to minimize swelling and support the new sculpt of your chest as you heal.

Depending on the nature of your job, you may return to work within one to two weeks; however, you will need to continue avoiding strenuous activities or physical exercise until you are cleared to return by Dr. Howard. Dr. Howard will see you at follow-up appointments to ensure you are progressing well and that the results are developing as planned.

Any further recovery instructions will be discussed with you before your procedure.

Results

You may be able to see significant improvements in your appearance right after your procedure, but the full results of your gynecomastia treatment will become more noticeable as you continue to heal. You can enjoy a flatter, more masculine chest, as well as a more proportionate appearance. Patients often report feeling more confident in their bodies and feel more comfortable going shirtless to the beach or pool. The results of gynecomastia treatments are designed to be long-lasting, but they should be paired with healthy lifestyle habits, as weight gain can swell the fat cells in the chest.

Cost of Gynecomastia Treatments in Chicago

Because each treatment plan is designed around your specific concerns, goals, and anatomy, the price of your gynecomastia treatment may vary. Dr. Howard will provide a comprehensive price estimate during your consultation after crafting your personalized procedure.

To learn more about the cost of your gynecomastia treatment, please call (224) 271-4250.

FAQ

What causes gynecomastia in men?

Gynecomastia is mainly associated with a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, notably the dominant presence of estrogen. Other contributing factors may include genetics, aging, lifestyle habits, weight, certain medications, and more.

Will my gynecomastia return after my procedure?

Gynecomastia rarely returns after a properly performed procedure, but it can recur under certain circumstances. The underlying cause determines long-term results.

Will there be any visible scarring after my gynecomastia treatment?

Most patients experience minimal, discreet scarring after gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Howard places incisions in naturally hidden areas, typically along the edge of the areola, to make them as unnoticeable as possible. Over time, these scars usually fade significantly, especially when paired with proper post-treatment scar care. Dr. Howard will also provide personalized guidance to help your incisions heal smoothly and remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Will my gynecomastia treatment hurt?

You will receive anesthesia before your procedure begins to keep you comfortable. During your recovery, you may feel tenderness around the treatment area, but Dr. Howard will provide you with instructions to help guide you through any discomfort. Following all aftercare instructions and taking medications as directed will ensure a smooth recovery process.

Can I combine my gynecomastia treatment with another procedure?

Yes, patients may combine their gynecomastia treatment with another body contouring procedure. For more information on combined treatments, we ask that you either schedule a personal consultation or call our office to speak to a member of our team.

How long is the recovery after gynecomastia surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the extent of your procedure, but most patients return to light activities within a few days and resume normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should generally be avoided for 4–6 weeks to ensure proper healing. Dr. Howard will provide detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care to support a smooth and safe recovery.

References

  1. Bailey SH, Guenther D, Constantine F, Rohrich RJ. Gynecomastia Management: An Evolution and Refinement in Technique at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2016;4(6):e734-e734. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000000675
  2. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Swerdloff RS, Chiu Ming Ng. Gynecomastia: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Nih.gov. Published July 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/
  4. Soliman AT, Vincenzo De Sanctis, Yassin M. Management of Adolescent Gynecomastia: An Update. Acta Bio Medica Atenei Parmensis. 2017;88(2):204-213. doi:https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v88i2.6665