Gynecomastia

Most Los Angeles-area patients are surprised by how tolerable recovery feels. There’s soreness, tightness, and a little pressure in the chest for the first few days, but it’s not the kind of pain that keeps you down.

Dr. Marshall provides medication to keep you comfortable, and most men describe the experience as more of a deep workout soreness than anything sharp or overwhelming.

You’ll start with a consultation to make sure surgery is the right fit for you. Then you’ll come back for a pre-op visit to review your plan, take photos, and finalize your instructions.

After surgery, Dr. Marshall schedules a few follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing as it should.

You’ll notice a change almost immediately. Once the swelling starts to settle, the chest looks flatter, cleaner, and more sculpted. The first big improvement shows within the first two to three weeks.

Your final shape continues to refine over the next few months as the tissues heal and the skin adjusts. By the three-month mark, most patients have a fully settled, natural-looking result.

Yes, and many men do. Liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, or lower chest is a popular pairing because it helps create a stronger overall contour. Some Los Angeles area patients choose to address stubborn fat in other areas at the same time, which saves recovery time and creates a more cohesive final look.

During your consultation, Dr. Marshall will tell you what combinations are safe and what will give you the most balanced result.

Los Angeles area patients can expect swelling, bruising, and chest tightness in the early stages of healing, which tend to resolve as the body recovers. Temporary changes in nipple sensation can occur as the nerves adjust, and scarring is possible, though Dr. Daly’s approach helps keep it discreet.

Infection and anesthesia-related complications remain rare but are still important to be aware of, which is why he takes every precaution and provides detailed guidance throughout the process.

Gynecomastia develops in men when there is a disruption in hormone balance. Most often, gynecomastia is connected to the long-term use of anabolic steroids or androgens. It can also be caused by substances such as marijuana. Gynecomastia might also be triggered by certain health conditions (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors) or some medications (for example, highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).

Gynecomastia occurs in men when breast tissue grows excessively, leading to swelling, tenderness, and pain. Some men might have pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia), so Dr. Marshall suggests patients try to lose weight by following an exercise plan and a healthy diet before considering surgery.

If you still have enlarged breasts when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Marshall will perform an examination and tests to diagnose gynecomastia correctly.

The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. Although they are not approved for the treatment of gynecomastia, some breast cancer medications (Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) may have limited effects. Upper-body weight training to increase pectoral muscle mass will not reduce excess breast tissue and may make the breasts appear larger.

Glandular gynecomastia can cause puffy or pointy nipples. If you are concerned about this, please discuss it with Dr. Marshall during your consultation. He will personalize your treatment plan to use the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be reduced in male breast reduction surgery. It is crucial to be open with Dr. Marshall about all your needs and wants during your consultation so he can ensure you get the best results.

Incisions for gynecomastia surgery are placed in natural creases or along the edge of the areola to keep them as discreet as possible. Dr. Marshall uses refined techniques that help minimize visible scarring while allowing effective tissue removal. Early on, scars may appear slightly raised or pink, but with proper aftercare and sun protection, they gradually soften, fade, and blend naturally with the surrounding skin over time. Most patients find that their incision lines become barely noticeable as healing progresses.