Will surgery make my chest even with the other side? I have unilateral gynecomastia (Photo)

Question

I’m 20 and I have had unilateral gynecomastia on my left side for a little over a year now and it’s just been getting worse. I just want my chest to be even with my right. Am I able to get surgery just on my left side so it’s even with my right. And will the results be permanent and not go back to being unilateral.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photo you provided. My answer is limited because I am unable to examine you in person. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.  The body is completely asymmetric when comparing the left and right sides, so unilateral gynecomastia can happen. And yes, you can have just one side of your chest reduced. Good luck!

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

Unilateral gynecomastia is common and treatable. Gland and fat would be removed to make both sides as symmetric as possible.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It is difficult to fully determine what is going on with that single view. I believe that you actually might have bilateral gynecomastia. I would recommend liposuction with direct gland excision using an incision directly at the border of the nipple-areola complex. I would recommend seeing a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon with aesthetic surgery training and experience to tackle this type of problem in a safe and efficient manner. Best of luck!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Asymmetric gyno is very common. Most people are uneven in either their bodies and faces. In about 5% of gyno cases that I see the guy has little to no gyno on one side. In these cases surgery can be done on just one side. Some guys don’t think that there is any breast tissue on the smaller side but there usually is enough that I advise getting rid of it at the same time. So in summary it really requires a good exam to determine how much, if any, breast/fat is present on the smaller side of guys with gyno before accurate advise can be given. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Considerate806161,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, in case of gynecomastia surgery is made in order to remove glandular tissue so your breast should be more symmetrical. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leland Webb, MD · Answer

Asymmetry of the chest is often a very common complaint. First and foremost if there is a significant change in one side, then it is worth having this evaluated by your doctor through laboratory evaluations as well as imaging. However, if you choose to undergo surgery often, it is recommended that surgeries performed on both sides to provide the best symmetry. Operating on one side can result in favorable results on that side but then progression on the contralateral side. Make sure to discuss your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Antonios Mitsakos, MD · Answer

The picture you have used is very blurry and what it could be translated as is a natural asymmetry to the midline to nipple distance on the 2 sides. To your question though, and although there is no perfect symmetry guarantee, gynaecomastia excision (whether this involves gland excisions, liposuction, skin excision or combination of these) can address unilateral or bilateral gynaecomastia

J. Michael Morrissey, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Only a good physical exam can determine how much or how little needs to be done. A component of gynecomastia is widening of the areola and this is best dealt with symmetrically and bilaterally. Consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Best Wishes,Dr. Morrissey

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

there is no reason, why you cannot have surgery just on the one side. remember they will not be identical but they should become much more similar. you need to a see a board certified plastic surgeon (not a cosmetic surgeon) who does a lot of gynecomastia surgery.

david berman md, frcsc

david berman md, frcsc

Will surgery make my chest even with the other side? I have unilateral gynecomastia (Photo)

Answers (9)

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