Gynecomastia

Conveniently located in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire

For most men, gynecomastia is more than a purely cosmetic concern. It’s a personal issue that can affect your confidence and sense of masculinity as well. This is why Dr. Compoginis approaches every case with empathy and discretion.

Whether your gynecomastia is the result of hormonal changes, medications, weight changes, or other factors, gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Compoginis delivers a permanent solution.

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About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a common, benign condition, which is characterized by enlargement of the male breast and/or the collection of fatty tissue in the chest area. It usually begins in adolescence as a result of normal hormonal changes and typically resolves within two years. If it does not resolve within several years, many males choose surgical correction and obtain excellent results.

USC-trained, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Compoginis has significant training in performing treatments that correct gynecomastia. During the procedure, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed directly by liposuction techniques if possible or by surgical excision if necessary. The result is a flatter, firmer, and more normally contoured chest.

Who Is Gynecomastia Surgery For?

Ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who have been struggling with excess tissue around the breast area for at least one to two years. You should be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes this surgery can provide. The procedure works well for men whose gynecomastia causes physical discomfort or psychological distress, including negatively affected self-esteem.

Strong candidates have good skin elasticity, which allows the chest skin to contract smoothly after tissue in the area is removed. If you have significant skin laxity or excess skin from major weight loss, Dr. Compoginis may recommend additional techniques to remove redundant skin and establish more masculine contours.

Gynecomastia surgery may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions or if you are on certain medications. Men who smoke will need to abstain from smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. Dr. Compoginis will review your medical history, current medications, and previous treatments to determine your candidacy for this surgery.

Understanding Gynecomastia Correction

Gynecomastia surgery requires a tailored approach based on the specific composition and extent of the unwanted tissue. Dr. Compoginis evaluates three primary tissue types during your consultation: excess glandular tissue, fatty tissue, and skin. These factors, along with skin laxity, age and others, influence which approach Dr. Compoginis takes.

Glandular Tissue Excision

True gynecomastia involves firm, dense glandular tissue located directly beneath the nipple and areola. This tissue cannot be removed through liposuction alone and requires direct surgical excision. Dr. Compoginis creates a small, discreet incision typically along the lower border of the areola where the scar will be well-concealed within the natural color transition.

Combined Liposuction and Excision

Many men present with both glandular tissue and excess fat, requiring a combination approach. Dr. Compoginis typically begins with liposuction to remove fatty tissue from the chest and surrounding areas. This reduces overall chest volume and allows better access to the underlying glandular component.

After liposuction, he proceeds with glandular excision through periareolar incisions. This two-step approach creates the most natural-looking results for patients with mixed tissue types.

Symmetry: The Make-or-Break Factor

Even with more subtle correction, we can’t overstate the importance of achieving symmetrical results with gynecomastia surgery. With or without redundant tissue, most people naturally develop minor asymmetries in the chest and other parts of the body. The onset of gynecomastia can sometimes exaggerate this asymmetry. Dr. Compoginis meticulously measures and marks both sides of your chest before beginning the procedure to ensure he removes exactly the right amount of tissue from each side to produce symmetrical results.

Recovery and Aftercare

Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgery takes two to three hours, though more extensive cases requiring skin removal may need additional time. You’ll go home once you’ve recovered from anesthesia (typically the same day), with specific aftercare instructions and prescribed pain medication.

Recovery from gynecomastia surgery requires patience and careful adherence to aftercare guidelines.

Immediate Post-Operative Period

Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness across your chest during the first few days after surgery. Discomfort is typically moderate and well-controlled with prescription pain medication.

You’ll leave surgery wearing a compression garment, which you must wear as directed. This garment minimizes swelling, supports healing tissues, and helps skin conform to your new chest contours. While the garment feels restrictive initially, most men quickly adapt to wearing it.

Surgical drains are sometimes placed to prevent fluid accumulation. If drains are used, they typically remain for three to five days before removal at a follow-up appointment. Dr. Compoginis will provide detailed instructions for drain care.

First Two Weeks

Most men return to non-physical work within five to seven days after surgery. Physical jobs or careers requiring heavy lifting necessitate two to three weeks off. During this initial healing phase, avoid raising your arms above shoulder height, as this motion can stress incisions and increase swelling.

You’ll notice significant bruising during the first week, with discoloration potentially extending down to your abdomen due to gravity. This is completely normal. Bruising gradually fades over two to three weeks, transitioning from dark purple to yellow-green before disappearing entirely.

Weeks Three to Six

The swelling will mostly resolve during this period, though some residual swelling will likely remain. You can gradually resume light activities, but you must continue avoiding heavy lifting and other more intense activities. Walking and lower-body exercises are encouraged, as movement promotes circulation without stressing the chest.

Long-Term Healing

While you’ll see dramatic improvement within weeks, final results emerge gradually over three to six months as residual swelling resolves and tissues settle completely. Incision lines initially appear pink or red but fade significantly over six months to a year. Following proper scar care recommendations, including sun protection, helps minimize scar visibility.

Maintaining Results

Removed glandular tissue and fat cells don’t regenerate, making gynecomastia surgery results permanent under normal circumstances. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight at any point after your procedure, the remaining fat cells can enlarge, potentially reproducing the original issue.

Surgery Preview

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Will insurance cover gynecomastia surgery?

Insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery varies significantly between providers and individual policies. Most insurers classify the procedure as cosmetic and don't provide coverage. However, if your gynecomastia causes physical symptoms such as pain, skin irritation, or postural problems, some policies may offer partial or full coverage.

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What's the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia?

True gynecomastia involves the proliferation of firm glandular tissue beneath the nipple and areola. You can often feel this tissue as a rubbery or firm mass when pressing on the chest. Pseudogynecomastia refers to breast enlargement caused solely by excess fatty tissue without glandular development.

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How visible will my scars be?

Scar visibility depends on the extent of surgery required. For cases treated with periareolar incisions only, scars are typically very discreet, hidden within the natural color transition at the areolar border. These incisions heal well and become barely noticeable within a year. More extensive cases requiring skin removal involve longer incisions that may be more visible, though Dr. Compoginis strategically places all incisions to minimize their appearance.

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When can I return to the gym after gynecomastia surgery?

Light cardio, such as walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bike, is typically permitted after two weeks. However, you must avoid upper body exercises, heavy lifting, and any activity that significantly elevates your heart rate or blood pressure for six weeks. These are general guidelines; always defer to your provider’s instructions.

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What if I have asymmetry between my chest sides?

Pre-existing asymmetry is extremely common, with one side typically showing more enlargement than the other. Dr. Compoginis addresses this during surgery by adjusting the amount of tissue removed from each side to create balanced results.

Reclaim Your Confidence With Gynecomastia Correction in Los Angeles

Living with gynecomastia affects more than your appearance. It shapes how you interact with the world, influencing the clothes you wear, the activities you feel confident taking part in, and how you feel about yourself. Dr. Compoginis has helped countless men from the Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire areas and beyond break free from these limitations through expertly performed gynecomastia surgery.

His double board certification, USC training, and years of experience ensure you receive the highest level of surgical care. More importantly, he understands the personal nature of this decision and approaches each consultation with sensitivity and respect for your concerns.

If you’re ready to resolve the problem once and for all, we invite you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations. Call (949) 659-3599 for our Newport Beach or Redlands offices, or (661) 537-3030 for Palmdale. You can also book your consultation online. Dr. Compoginis will evaluate your specific case, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized surgical plan that delivers masculine chest contours.

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