At the Charlotte Gynecomastia Center, I see many patients who have struggled with enlarged male breast tissue for years.
One recent case involved a 32-year-old former Division 1 football player and bodybuilder. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 269 pounds at the time of surgery. Despite his athletic background and muscular build, he had dealt with gynecomastia since puberty.
Longstanding Gynecomastia Despite Fitness
This patient had spent years in the gym, working to build strength and definition. However, the shape of his chest did not reflect the rest of his physique. The tissue around his nipples appeared full and projected outward, creating a rounded, pointed shape that did not flatten with exercise. In fact, weight training made the issue more noticeable.
He had been interested in surgery for a while but was concerned about scarring and loose skin due to his size. After a detailed consultation and exam, we decided on a combination of procedures that would address fat, gland tissue, and skin quality in one session.
A Tailored Surgical Plan
We performed an awake gynecomastia surgery using local anesthesia. This allowed the patient to remain comfortable throughout the procedure and return home without the effects of general anesthesia. The procedure took one hour and forty minutes.
The surgical plan included:
- Liposuction volume removed: 500cc of fatty breast tissue was taken out from the chest using power-assisted liposuction.
- Glandular tissue removed: 48 grams of dense glandular tissue was excised through a small incision hidden at the base of the areola.
- Skin tightening: Renuvion was used to contract and tighten the skin, reducing the risk of loose skin after tissue removal.
These techniques worked together to reshape the chest and achieve a flatter, more athletic appearance with minimal scarring.
Four Months After Surgery
At his four-month follow-up, the difference in his chest appearance was clear. The nipple projection had been corrected, and his chest appeared flatter, firmer, and more proportionate to the rest of his frame. He also reported that he had lost 30 pounds since surgery, motivated by his improved appearance and ability to return to training comfortably.
His before and after photos show the improvement from both the front and oblique angles. You can also see how the contour looks with his chest flexed. The surgical scar blends well with the natural border of the areola and is barely visible.
What Made This Case Unique
Several factors contributed to this patient’s successful outcome and smooth recovery. His case reflects the benefits of a thoughtful, multi-layered approach to gynecomastia surgery.
- Significant tissue removal: The combination of fat and glandular tissue removed was substantial, particularly for a patient with such a large frame.
- Skin tightening with Renuvion: This helped avoid sagging or loose skin without the need for larger incisions.
- Awake technique: The patient remained awake and alert throughout the procedure, reducing recovery time and eliminating the need for general anesthesia.
- Minimal recovery: He was able to drive himself home the same day and resume light activity shortly afterward.
Each of these elements helped support a natural-looking result and a confident return to training without the limitations his chest once caused.
Final Notes
This case highlights that gynecomastia can affect men across all body types, even those who are extremely fit. Surgery provided a more natural chest contour and allowed this patient to feel more in line with the hard work he had already put into his body.
For patients who are concerned about scarring or recovery time, the combination of liposuction, gland removal, and Renuvion performed under local anesthesia offers an effective and safe solution.
If you are dealing with similar concerns, we are here to help you understand your options and guide you through a personalized treatment plan.
