CRANTFORD COSTA PLASTIC SURGERY
247 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 755-6591
Fax: 854-201-2400
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Skin Clinic hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

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BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY Restore a Masculine Chest Contour

Effective male breast reduction performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford. Restore your confidence with a sculpted, masculine chest contour.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION or call (843) 755-6591

Board
Certified

Plastic Surgeon

2025

Best of Charleston
Awards Winner

Joint Commission

Accredited Facility

ERAS

Enhanced Recovery
Protocol

✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD | Last updated: 2026-02-24

Gynecomastia Surgery at a Glance

💉

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

⏱

Procedure Time

1–2 Hours

📅

Recovery

1–2 Weeks

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Results

Permanent

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Key Takeaways

Reduces enlarged male breast tissue for a flatter, more masculine chest
Combines liposuction and glandular tissue excision for optimal results
Addresses both true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia (fat deposits)
Minimally visible scarring around the areola
Boosts confidence — most patients return to full activity in 2–3 weeks

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is a surgical procedure that addresses enlarged male breast tissue. Whether caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, weight gain, or certain medications, gynecomastia can significantly impact a man’s confidence and comfort.

Dr. Clayton Crantford specializes in creating natural-looking results that restore a sculpted, masculine chest contour. The procedure removes excess breast tissue and fat, revealing the strong, defined chest you desire. With personalized surgical planning and advanced techniques, Dr. Crantford helps men regain their confidence and enjoy the physique they’ve been working toward.

Ready to restore a masculine chest contour? Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Crantford.

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AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Gynecomastia affects men of various ages and body types. Here are common reasons men choose this procedure.

Common Concern

ENLARGED BREAST TISSUE

Excess glandular tissue that creates a feminine appearance or fullness in the chest area, impacting your masculine silhouette and confidence.

Common Concern

EXCESS CHEST FAT

Stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise, creating a padded or soft appearance in the chest region despite efforts to build definition.

Common Concern

PUFFY OR PROTRUDING NIPPLES

Enlarged areolas or nipple projection that creates an unflattering appearance and makes you avoid certain clothing or activities.

Common Concern

SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS

Emotional impact of gynecomastia affecting your confidence at the gym, beach, or intimate moments. Many patients report dramatic improvements in self-esteem after surgery.

GYNECOMASTIA TREATMENT OPTIONS

Dr. Crantford offers two primary surgical approaches, tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.

When Appropriate

LIPOSUCTION ONLY

For Fibrous Fat Removal

Liposuction alone is effective when gynecomastia is primarily caused by excess fatty tissue without significant glandular enlargement. Using advanced liposuction techniques, Dr. Crantford removes unwanted fat while preserving natural chest contours.

Minimally invasive approach
Smaller incisions and less visible scars
Faster recovery
Effective for primary fat-based gynecomastia
Excellent skin retraction results

Ideal For

Men with primarily fatty tissue enlargement and good skin elasticity who desire minimal scarring and faster recovery.

Most Common

EXCISION WITH LIPOSUCTION

Comprehensive Approach

This combined approach removes both excess glandular tissue through surgical excision and fatty deposits through liposuction. This comprehensive method delivers superior results for moderate to severe gynecomastia.

Addresses both glandular and fatty tissue
Significantly reduces nipple projection
Creates defined pectoral contours
Low recurrence rate
Provides lasting, natural results

Ideal For

Men with moderate to severe gynecomastia or significant glandular tissue who want comprehensive, permanent correction and dramatic improvement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about gynecomastia surgery and recovery.

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can result from hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, weight gain, certain medications (including some steroids and hormone treatments), or liver disease. In many cases, the exact cause may be unclear. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford will evaluate your specific situation and discuss contributing factors.

Can gynecomastia return after surgery?

When tissue is surgically removed, it does not regrow. However, significant weight gain or certain medications can cause new tissue growth. Maintaining a stable weight and avoiding medications known to cause gynecomastia significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. Dr. Crantford’s surgical technique ensures lasting results.

Will there be visible scarring?

Scars depend on the surgical approach. Liposuction-only procedures involve tiny incisions that leave minimal scarring. Excision with liposuction typically involves small incisions around the nipple/areola that fade well over time, typically becoming nearly imperceptible within 12-18 months. Dr. Crantford’s meticulous technique minimizes scarring.

When can I return to exercise?

Most patients can resume light activity after 1-2 weeks. Moderate cardiovascular exercise can typically resume after 3-4 weeks. Full chest exercises and weightlifting should be avoided for 6-8 weeks to allow proper healing and avoid complications. Dr. Crantford will provide detailed activity guidelines during your recovery consultation.

How long is the recovery period?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Complete healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. During the initial recovery, you’ll wear a compression garment to support healing and minimize swelling. Following post-operative instructions carefully ensures optimal results and faster healing.

What is the surgical procedure like?

Under general anesthesia, Dr. Crantford makes small incisions (typically around the nipple-areola complex) to access and remove excess glandular tissue and/or fat. Liposuction may be used to refine contours. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the extent of tissue to be removed. You’ll be monitored during anesthesia recovery before discharge.

What should I expect immediately after surgery?

You’ll experience swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort in the chest area, which is normal and expected. A compression garment helps control swelling and supports healing. Pain management medication will be prescribed. Most patients report significant improvement in discomfort by day 3-5 after surgery.

Can I drive after surgery?

No. Due to anesthesia and pain medications, you cannot drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you that first night. Most patients are comfortable driving after 3-5 days once they’ve stopped taking narcotic pain medication.

Will my nipples be permanently altered?

No. Dr. Crantford preserves normal nipple sensation and function. In excision cases, the nipple-areola complex position may be slightly adjusted for better proportion, but the appearance remains natural and masculine. You’ll maintain complete nipple sensitivity and function post-surgery.

How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?

Cost varies based on the extent of tissue removal and surgical technique required. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed cost estimate that includes surgeon fees, facility fees, anesthesia, and any post-operative care. Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, though we discuss all options during your consultation.

What are the risks of surgery?

All surgery carries some risk. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with aesthetic results. Dr. Crantford minimizes these risks through careful surgical technique and thorough post-operative care. During your consultation, all risks and benefits will be discussed in detail.

How soon will I see final results?

You’ll notice dramatic improvement immediately after surgery once swelling subsides. Most swelling resolves within 2-3 weeks, revealing your new chest contour. Final results become fully apparent at 3-6 months as all swelling completely resolves and scars mature. Improvements continue gradually for up to one year.

Ready to Transform Your Chest? Start with a Private Consultation

Dr. Clayton Crantford specializes in creating natural-looking male breast reduction results. Schedule a private consultation to explore your options and begin your transformation.

SCHEDULE CONSULTATION (843) 755-6591