Gynecomastia Surgery vs. Liposuction: How Dr. Sobel Helps Men Choose the Right Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia, or the presence of excess breast tissue in men, is an incredibly common concern—and one that can significantly impact confidence. Whether it’s avoiding fitted clothing or never feeling comfortable going shirtless, many men reach a point where they’re ready to take action.
While the desire to “just get rid of it” is understandable, Seattle male breast reduction surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel cautions his patients that a more “aggressive” surgery is not always better. Watch the video below, or read on, to learn why.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia refers to excess glandular tissue in the male chest. While every man has some amount of breast tissue, a visible enlargement of this area can lead men to feel uncomfortable with their appearance. Often, this tissue includes both fat and gland components, and the right treatment depends on the makeup and severity of each individual case.
Choosing the right gynecomastia treatment means finding the approach that best fits your body, your goals, and your vision for your results.
The treatment spectrum: from liposuction to surgical excision
There is a hierarchy of procedures for gynecomastia. On one end is full surgical excision, which may include a horizontal chest incision, complete removal of glandular tissue, and even chest wall reshaping. While this approach can completely remove the tissue, it often trades the natural contours of the male chest for visible scars, which can take a year or more to mature and fade, and creates a less organic appearance that is unlikely to look as natural.
On the other end of the spectrum is fat removal with liposuction. This less invasive approach uses very small, 2mm incisions to target the fatty tissue behind gynecomastia—and in some cases, it can remove enough glandular tissue, as well, to create the desired result. When it works well, liposuction offers an ideal outcome: a sculpted and masculine chest, defined pectoral lines, and nearly invisible scarring.
Note from Dr. Sobel about this patient’s case: Significant weight loss may lead to unresolved breast tissue and breast fat necessitating consideration for specialized liposuction versus direct gland removal and, sometimes, skin removal and lifting. Every patient’s goals are what is most valuable which is why this patient chose specialized liposuction.
Most patients fall somewhere in between
Here’s where it gets tricky: most men are not ideal candidates for either extreme. They may not want—or need—the full surgical approach, but they also may not get their desired outcome from liposuction alone.
Dr. Sobel works to help patients select the right procedure from the start. Many men are understandably hesitant to try liposuction first, and “wait and see” if surgical excision is still necessary after results are fully healed. At the same time, they may not be excited about committing to a longer incision or the more aggressive chest lift techniques sometimes required for full correction.
That’s why informed, realistic decision-making is so important. Dr. Sobel often guides patients through photo comparisons—real before-and-after images of previous patients who chose different levels of treatment. This helps you visualize what results look like depending on the method used, and what “better” might actually look like for you.
Note from Dr. Sobel about this patient’s case: His gynecomastia was particularly bothersome because of pectus excavatum, or sternal depression, of his lower sternum leading to accentuation of his gynecomastia. This underscores the importance of evaluating associated aesthetic structures including the shape and rotation of the chest to best help patients as individuals.
How Dr. Sobel personalizes male breast reduction
Dr. Sobel’s goal is to help each patient feel confident in his own body. This means factoring in anatomy, tissue composition, lifestyle, and preferences for scar placement or future touch-ups. His approach balances aesthetics and precision while helping you understand your options, the likely outcomes, and what trade-offs may be involved.
“Getting any cosmetic surgery is scary especially considering the consequences should something go wrong but Dr. Sobel is the best in his area of expertise! His office staff is AMAZING!! Little to no wait times and they are always friendly and enthusiastic. He is always excited about the follow-ups with his patients and will always give you a honest answer. Every time I go there or call, I’m treated very well and leave feeling confident and wonderful about my decision to choose him to perform my cosmetic surgery. Dr. Sobel’s supporting physicians have an incredible range and depth of medical experience that contribute tremendously overall to his practice. It was money very well spent and I do not regret my decision choosing Dr. Sobel.”
If you are considering male breast reduction and want to explore your options with a compassionate, experienced cosmetic surgeon, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Alex Sobel in Bellevue. Call us at (425) 453-9060 to get started today.