What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the presence of excess tissue in the male chest — producing a fuller or rounder appearance that many men feel does not reflect how they see themselves. It can be caused by hormonal changes, certain medications, weight gain or genetics, and persists despite diet and exercise. Surgery is the only reliable, permanent solution.

Am I a good candidate?

Good candidates are in good general health with excess chest tissue that has not responded to lifestyle changes. The procedure suits men across a wide range of ages and body types. A consultation will determine what tissue is present and the most effective approach for your anatomy.

What does the surgery involve?

Gynecomastia can be caused by excess fat, firm glandular tissue, or both. When it is primarily fat, liposuction removes it through very small access points that are nearly invisible once healed. When firm glandular tissue is present — felt as a disc behind the nipple — a small incision around the lower edge of the areola removes it directly. Most patients have a mix of both, so the approach is typically combined. Your surgeon will assess and explain the specific plan at consultation.

Will there be visible scars?

Liposuction access points are a few millimetres and heal invisibly. When glandular tissue is removed, the incision sits along the lower edge of the areola, where it blends naturally with the change in pigmentation. Scarring is minimal and well-positioned in skilled hands.

What does recovery look like?

Most patients return to desk work within one week. Strenuous upper body activity is restricted for four to six weeks. Swelling is expected for several months as the final contour continues to refine.

Can gynecomastia return after surgery?

Surgical correction permanently removes the tissue. Significant weight gain, hormonal changes, or the use of certain performance-enhancing compounds can contribute to new tissue development over time. Maintaining a stable weight and discussing relevant medications with your surgeon helps protect the long-term result.

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Most issues that arise after a male breast reduction are minor and resolve with proper care. Serious complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will walk through everything relevant to your specific health history before surgery so you feel fully informed going in.

In the weeks before surgery, we provide a personalized preparation plan. This typically covers optimizing your health, pausing medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, and avoiding nicotine, which impairs healing. We’ll also help you plan the practical details — time off work, prescriptions, and arranging a ride home with some support for the first day or two.

What should I expect during the consultation?

Your consultation begins with a conversation. Dr. Armstrong wants to understand what you see and what you hope to change. She examines the area and walks you through your options with complete candour, including what surgery can and cannot achieve. You leave with a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, a personalized quote, and answers to every question you came in with.

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Katie Armstrong is a Royal College–certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon (FRCSC) with hospital affiliation in Toronto. Certification reflects years of accredited surgical training and a commitment to ongoing standards of safety and excellence.

Where is it performed?

Surgery is performed at GraceMed Mississauga, in partnership with the McLean Clinic — Dr. Armstrong’s primary practice, home to a fully accredited surgical facility and an experienced surgical team, with dedicated anesthesia care throughout. Your consultation, pre-operative appointments and follow-up care all take place at the same location: 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Suite 343, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C2.

Male Breast Reduction Toronto | Gynecomastia Surgery

Overview

What is male breast reduction?

Male breast reduction treats gynecomastia — enlarged male breast tissue — using liposuction and/or direct removal of glandular tissue to create a flatter, firmer chest contour.

Dr. Armstrong tailors the approach to your anatomy, with attention to discreet incisions and a natural masculine result.

Male Breast Reduction imagery

The process

What to expect

Step 1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Armstrong to discuss your goals, explore your options, and receive personalized recommendations and a detailed quote.
Step 2
Surgical planning
We confirm your procedure, select your surgery date, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Step 3
Pre-operative appointment
About one month before surgery, our RN reviews your medical history in detail and explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect on the day, and how to manage your post-operative care.
Step 4
Surgery day
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Armstrong and her surgical team, with your safety and comfort closely monitored throughout.
Step 5
Recovery & follow-up
Dr. Armstrong and her team monitor your healing, answer your questions, and support you throughout your recovery.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

A male breast reduction tends to suit patients who recognize themselves in most of the points below. The only way to know for certain is an in-person assessment, and Dr. Armstrong will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.

Enlarged or puffy chest tissue persists despite exercise and a healthy weight
Your weight is stable
You are in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop around surgery)
You want a flatter, natural masculine contour with discreet incisions
You have realistic expectations about scars and recovery

Healing, step by step

Recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. This is the typical arc, and your personal plan and follow-ups are tailored to you.

Day 1
Home the same day in a compression vest that supports the new contour.
Week 1
Swelling eases; most patients return to desk-based work within about a week.
Weeks 2–4
Light exercise resumes — chest-focused workouts stay on hold.
Weeks 4–6
Cleared gradually for full activity, including chest training.
Months 3–6
The flatter, firmer contour settles as residual swelling fully resolves.

Before & after

Male Breast Reduction results

A few of Dr. Armstrong's most recent male breast reduction results, shared with patient consent. She'll walk you through more — matched to your goals — at your consultation. Every result is individual.

Before

After

Patient 1

Male Breast Reduction

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 2

Male Breast Reduction

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 3

Male Breast Reduction

Individual results may vary.

View the full Male Breast Reduction gallery →

Your investment

Planning for Male Breast Reduction

Every surgical plan is individual, and your exact quote is provided after your consultation. Starting prices are listed on our pricing page, and financing is available through our partner, Beautifi, should you wish to spread the cost over time. To begin, we invite you to book a consultation.

Male Breast Reduction

What is male breast reduction?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline