At the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center, we often hear from men who have lived with gynecomastia for years without realizing there is a long-term solution. This condition, characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue, can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally taxing.
Today, we’re highlighting the story of a 29-year-old patient from San Antonio who underwent gynecomastia surgery at our center earlier this year. He’ll walk us through his experience, from the moment he decided to pursue surgery to his recovery and life afterward.
Below, he answers some of the most common questions we hear from patients considering gynecomastia surgery.
What made you finally decide to get gynecomastia surgery?
I’ve had gynecomastia since I was a teenager. At first, I thought it was just leftover “baby fat” that would eventually go away. But by the time I was in my twenties, it was clear that wasn’t happening.
I avoided wearing fitted shirts. I never took off my shirt at the pool or gym. It affected how I saw myself, and honestly, I didn’t even realize how much I had adjusted my life around it until I started thinking seriously about surgery.
How did you find out about the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center?
I started doing research online. At first, I looked for general plastic surgery practices. But then I came across a forum where someone mentioned the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center.
What stood out to me was that they focus specifically on male breast reduction. That made me feel more confident that they had experience with my exact issue. I booked a consultation the next day.
What was the consultation like?
It was more comfortable than I expected. I was nervous going in, but the staff was professional and respectful. I never felt judged.
The surgeon explained everything clearly, such as what causes gynecomastia, how the procedure works, what results to expect, and what recovery looks like. He also examined my chest and confirmed that I was a good candidate for surgery.
I appreciated how honest he was. He didn’t try to “sell” the surgery. He just laid out the facts and let me decide.
What was the surgery day like?
I was scheduled for an early morning procedure. I had followed all the pre-op instructions: no food after midnight, no medications that could cause bleeding, and I arranged for someone to drive me home.
The staff walked me through everything again that morning. The procedure was done under local anesthesia with sedation. I remember feeling a little groggy but not anxious.
The actual surgery took about 90 minutes. When I woke up, I was already wearing a compression garment, and I had a bit of soreness but nothing severe.
What was recovery like?
The first 48 hours were the most uncomfortable, but the pain was manageable. I took the prescribed medication and mostly rested at home.
Here’s a quick breakdown of my recovery experience:
- First 2 days: Mild soreness, some swelling, but nothing alarming. I stayed on the couch and kept the compression vest on as instructed.
- Day 3 to 7: I was able to move around more. I still took it easy but was able to run errands and take short walks.
- Week 2: The swelling started to go down. I went back to work, but avoided heavy lifting or gym workouts.
- Week 3 and beyond: I started seeing results. My chest looked flatter and more defined, even with some swelling left. By week 6, I was back to full activity.
The compression garment was the hardest part to get used to, but it really helped with shaping and swelling.
Did you have any fears going into surgery?
Absolutely. I was afraid of scarring, complications, or that I’d regret doing it. I also wondered if the results would actually look natural.
But now, looking back, those fears were mostly in my head. I have a small, almost invisible scar under each nipple. No one notices it unless I point it out. And the shape of my chest finally looks how I always thought it should.
What changes have you noticed since the surgery?
The biggest change has been psychological. I don’t think about my chest anymore. I can go to the gym, wear tight shirts, or swim with friends without second-guessing how I look.
Even little things like standing up straighter or not tugging at my shirt all the time have made a difference.
Here are a few changes I’ve noticed since the surgery:
- Boost in confidence: I no longer feel like I need to hide my chest.
- Improved posture: I’m not subconsciously slouching to hide my body.
- Better clothing options: I can wear whatever I want without layering up.
- More social comfort: I feel more relaxed around others, especially in group settings like the gym or beach.
These changes didn’t happen overnight, but they’ve made a lasting impact.
Did insurance cover your procedure?
No, it didn’t. I was told up front that gynecomastia surgery is usually considered cosmetic and not medically necessary, so insurance wouldn’t cover it.
I planned ahead and saved for it over several months. The practice offered a breakdown of the cost during the consultation, and I appreciated that there were no hidden fees. It was a financial decision, but 100 percent worth it for how much it improved my life.
Was the surgery painful?
Not really. I wouldn’t call it painful, more like sore and tight. The first couple of days were the most uncomfortable, but I stayed on top of my pain meds and followed all the post-op care instructions.
After about a week, I was just dealing with some tightness and a little tenderness. By week three, it barely registered. The recovery was honestly smoother than I expected.
How noticeable are your scars?
They’re barely visible. The incisions were made around the edge of the areola, so the scars blend into the natural border. At first, they were slightly raised and red, but they’ve faded a lot over the past few months.
I’ve been using scar cream like they recommended, and it seems to help. At this point, I doubt anyone would notice unless they were specifically looking.
What advice would you give someone considering gynecomastia surgery?
If you’ve been dealing with this issue for a while, and it’s affecting how you live your life, talk to a specialist. Don’t wait years like I did. The sooner you take control of it, the sooner you can move on.
Also, do your research. Make sure the surgeon has real experience with gynecomastia. It makes a difference in both results and how you’re treated during the process.
You only get one body. It’s worth investing in feeling good about it.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Right for You?
Gynecomastia is more common than most people realize, and it’s something no one should feel embarrassed about. At the San Antonio Gynecomastia Center, we focus on helping men restore confidence and comfort through advanced surgical solutions.
If you’ve been living with enlarged breast tissue and feel like it’s holding you back, we encourage you to schedule a gynecomastia consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine the right path forward.
