The Quiet Frustration of “Extra”
If you’re a man who works out, eats right, and still sees a soft bulge under every fitted shirt, you already know the sting of gynecomastia. “You’re just out of shape,” friends joke—never mind the hours you log in the weight room. In truth, gland-based breast tissue doesn’t care how clean your macros are. It’s driven by hormones, genetics, medications, and sometimes plain bad luck.At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery in Bellevue, Dr. Craig Jonov treats dozens of men a year who want the freedom to stand tall at the pool instead of hunching forward or planning outfits around loose hoodies. If that sounds like you, here’s a straightforward look at your surgical—and non-surgical—options for a flatter, more defined chest.Why Diet and Cardio Fall Short
Cardio shreds fat cells, but it can’t shrink glandular tissue; in fact, sudden weight loss can make puffy nipples look more pronounced as surrounding fat disappears. Supplements may promise “estrogen blockers,” yet rarely move the needle. When the culprit is dense gland, only direct removal fixes the contour.Option 1: Liposuction-Only Contouring
Best for: Soft, fatty fullness with firm overlying skinA micro-cannula is passed through a tiny incision near the armpit or edge of the areola to suction fat. Good skin elasticity lets the chest wall retract smoothly without extra tightening steps. Most patients return to desk jobs in three days and gym work at two weeks.Internal link: Learn more on our gynecomastia liposuction page.Option 2: Gland Excision + Liposuction
Best for: Firm disc-shaped tissue behind the nipple, often called “rubber coin” gynecomastiaA crescent incision along the bottom half of the areola hides the scar in natural pigment change. Dr. Jonov excises the gland, uses liposuction to blend edges, and often finishes with Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) for crisp definition. A compression vest is worn for three weeks to control swelling.Option 3: Skin-Tightening Add-Ons
When you’ve lost 50 lbs+ or have loose skinRadio-frequency or helium-plasma (Renuvion) wands go under the skin to contract collagen. The result: a shrink-wrap effect that avoids bigger incisions typical of a full chest lift.What Recovery Really Feels Like
- Day 1: Soreness similar to post-workout chest DOMS; prescription pain meds usually needed only 24 hours.
- Day 3-5: Back to Zoom meetings; low-sodium diet helps swelling.
- Week 2: Light cardio; most bruising gone.
- Week 6: Compression vest retired, scar gel started, final contour emerging.
Confidence Beyond the Mirror
Patients almost always mention non-physical wins:- No more double-tapping the shirt pocket to check for “puff.”
- Finally comfortable wearing a single layer in summer.
- Better posture—chest out, shoulders back—without thinking about it.
Cost & Financing
Male breast reduction at our Bellevue clinic starts around $7,500 for liposuction-only and $9,000–$10,500 when gland excision or skin tightening is included. Monthly plans through CareCredit® can bring payments below the cost of a gym membership.Ready to Flatten Your Chest?
Book a private, judgment-free consultation:- (425) 775-3561
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