Is Liposuction Alone Effective For Gynecomastia?
You’ve been working out, eating right, and staying active, yet your chest still doesn’t look how you want. If excess fat or tissue in your chest makes you self-conscious, you’re not alone. Many men struggle with gynecomastia, a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue.
While liposuction is often suggested as a solution, is it enough? The answer depends on the cause of your chest enlargement and your skin’s ability to tighten after fat removal.
Our board-certified surgeons provide customized treatment plans for gynecomastia at the Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre, one of British Columbia’s most established plastic surgery clinics. Whether liposuction alone is enough or additional surgical excision is needed, we focus on achieving natural, long-lasting results.
Understanding the Difference: Fat vs. Glandular Tissue
Not all cases of gynecomastia are the same. There are two primary causes of chest enlargement in men:
- Pseudogynecomastia: Caused by excess fat accumulation, often due to poor dietary choices, a sedentary lifestyle, and weight gain.
- True Gynecomastia: Involves excess glandular tissue, often linked to estrogen and testosterone hormone imbalances. Many men with gynecomastia also have excess chest fat, but the central problem is firm, rubbery glandular tissue. It’s highly dense and fibrous and thus requires a different removal technique than excess fat.
When Liposuction Alone Works
Liposuction is a great option when:
- The chest fullness is primarily due to excess fat
- The skin is firm and elastic enough to retract after fat removal
- There is no significant glandular tissue or loose skin present
Your surgeon creates small, strategically placed incisions during the procedure. They use a thin cannula to break up fat deposits, then suction the fat to streamline your chest area. The result is a flatter, more sculpted chest with minimal scarring.
However, patients with loose or stretched skin may not achieve optimal results with liposuction alone, as the skin may not retract fully after fat removal.
When Surgical Excision Is Necessary
With true gynecomastia, surgical excision is the only way to remove the glandular tissue causing your enlarged chest. Similarly, in cases where excess skin contributes to chest enlargement, surgical excision is the most efficient and effective treatment path.
With glandular excision, your surgeon removes firm breast tissue through a small incision near the areola. Depending on how much loose skin you have following glandular excision, your surgeon may also remove excess skin to enhance your chest contour.
Many patients benefit from a mix of liposuction and surgical excision to achieve the best results.
Gynecomastia Surgery in Surrey, BC
If you’re considering gynecomastia treatment, the experienced surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre can help determine the right approach. Call 604-589-6021 to schedule a consultation today.