Baltimore Gynecomastia Surgery
Enlarged male breasts—a condition called gynecomastia—can cause both emotional discomfort and physical self-consciousness. For male patients struggling with excess breast tissue, male breast reduction surgery offers a lasting solution. Dr. Michele Shermak, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, performs gynecomastia surgery to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, restoring a firmer, flatter chest contour.
This outpatient procedure is performed with exceptional precision, aiming for a masculine, natural-looking result with barely visible scarring. Whether caused by hormonal changes, certain medications, recreational drug use, or weight fluctuation, enlarged male breasts can affect men of all ages. Dr. Shermak offers personalized surgical correction tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, health conditions, and goals.
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Most of the time, there is no identifiable trigger. There may be a hormonal imbalance that causes the finding. Some medications, particularly in older men, may cause gynecomastia. Smoking marijuana can cause gynecomastia. There may be causes that are typically associated with other underlying medical conditions. Dr. Shermak will determine if more studies or further workup are needed.
Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, removes excess breast tissue, glandular tissue, and fatty tissue from the chest to treat enlarged male breasts. In some cases, extra skin may also be removed, especially in severe cases or after significant weight loss.
This procedure targets both the physical and psychological impact of male breasts. While liposuction alone may be sufficient for treating fatty tissue in mild cases, most patients require a combination of liposuction and direct excision of glandular tissue for optimal results. Dr. Shermak tailors each male breast reduction to the patient’s body weight, skin elasticity, and the amount of breast tissue and excess skin present.
The way you look and feel directly affects your self-confidence. In addition to treating Baltimore gynecomastia patients, Dr. Shermak takes care of many abdominoplasty, liposuction, and body lift patients. Please visit these pages to learn more about the other cosmetic procedures offered.
Male breast reduction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Gynecomastia treatment ranges from liposuction to removal of the breast tissue through an incision around the nipple, to larger excisional procedures of breast tissue and skin that may be necessary for massive weight loss patients, in particular. Nipple reduction may also be necessary. Most often, only small, inconspicuous incisions are necessary to achieve a flatter chest and a more satisfying contour, either undressed or in fitted clothing.
More individualized approaches may be necessary for men who have undergone significant weight loss. For many men with gynecomastia who suffer quietly, hiding themselves under baggy shirts, male breast reduction in Baltimore can be a powerful experience in increasing a positive self-image, helping men feel more comfortable working out at the gym or enjoying the beach with their chest exposed.
Male breast reduction surgery addresses several concerns tied to excess breast tissue and male breast enlargement:
Male breast reduction is also part of the surgical treatment for male breast cancer survivors in select cases.
Good candidates for gynecomastia treatment in Baltimore are men in good health, both mentally and physically, who are dissatisfied with their appearance and who have realistic expectations about their outcomes. Teenagers may present for the procedure as well as men of advanced age. Dr. Shermak will meet with you to review your medical history, current medications, and any family history of breast cancer during your consultation to ensure it’s a safe option.
Surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery from male breast reduction is generally well-tolerated. One may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, or numbness. Most men resume light activity and drive within a week.
More vigorous activity should wait for one month. After surgery, an elastic bandage or compression garment is worn to reduce swelling and support healing, and oftentimes, Dr. Shermak will provide recommendations for continued compression for about a month.
Some swelling and bruising are normal and resolve within a few weeks. Most patients return to work and light activity in about two weeks, with more strenuous physical activity postponed until cleared by Dr. Shermak.
Pain is manageable with prescribed medication, and post-surgery instructions will be provided to ensure proper care of the incision site and minimize potential risks.
The goal of gynecomastia surgery is a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest. Most patients experience visible improvement immediately after surgery, with further refinement as swelling subsides.
Final results are typically seen within 3-6 months, depending on the extent of tissue removal and your individual healing progress. Dr. Shermak’s patients are beach and gym-ready within 3-4 weeks.
With a stable body weight and healthy habits, the results of breast tissue removal are permanent. Recurrence is rare when contributing factors like drug use or hormone imbalances are addressed.
With over 27 years of experience since establishing her practice in January 1999, Dr. Michele Shermak is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia.
As a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Board of Directors since 2022, she is recognized for her expertise in addressing gynecomastia, a condition characterized by enlarged male breasts.
Dr. Shermak offers personalized treatment plans that may include liposuction, glandular tissue removal, or more extensive procedures for significant weight loss patients. Her compassionate approach and commitment to patient satisfaction have made her a trusted choice for men seeking a more masculine chest contour. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for male breast reduction surgery.
Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancer. Men with a significant family history are more concerning, as well as men who present with findings in only one breast and not both. Dr. Shermak will meet with you to determine if further studies need to be done to determine if cancer is present. It is rare but needs to be considered.
Most surgeries take 1–2 hours, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed.
Small incisions are placed discreetly around the areola or under the breast crease. Scars typically fade over time and are easy to conceal.
It’s rare, but recurrence can happen if the underlying cause—such as hormone imbalance or anabolic steroid use—persists. Maintaining a stable weight and avoiding certain drugs helps prevent recurrence.
As with any surgery, risks include fluid buildup, scarring, bleeding, infection, and changes in nipple sensation. Choosing a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Shermak minimizes the risk of surgical complications.
