Are you a man struggling with gynecomastia or prominent breasts? If so, you might be familiar with the anxiety, self-consciousness, and discomfort that may come with being shirtless, especially in public or intimate settings. Gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes breast formation in men. Unlike the more coveted appearance of firm, shapely pectoral muscles, gynecomastia often causes increased fat accumulation on the chest disproportionately to fat accumulation elsewhere on the body.
The appearance of “man-boobs” can be challenging to address, primarily if caused by underlying medical or genetic conditions. Diet and exercise are often the first things people try to address the appearance of unwanted fat on the body. But, as many learn the hard way, this does not always work.
Stubborn fat does not always respond to traditional toning methods, often leading to further stress and dissatisfaction among men who seek a more defined chest contour. At the Bengtson Center for Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, patients can seek out cosmetic solutions to help address gynecomastia and symptoms like excess fat and tissue on the chest. Dr. Bengtson and Dr. Alfonso understand the importance of this procedure and always offer discreet and compassionate services to the residents of Grand Rapids, Birmingham, and Detroit.
When you are ready to make a transformation, you deserve partners on your journey who you trust deeply to deliver the results you want.
The highly experienced team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is led by board-certified surgeons Dr. Brad Bengtson and Dr. David Alfonso. Our surgeons are regularly recognized by patients and colleagues alike for their commitment to innovation, compassionate patient care, and top-quality outcomes. Their work is supported by the thoughtful and passionate collaboration of the entire Bengtson team.
Has consistently been named one of the Best Doctors in America® since 1996 and recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon in Grand Rapids by Grand Rapids Magazine for the last 12 years.
With over two decades of experience, he is respected for his cutting-edge techniques and compassionate patient care. In addition to his work with patients, Dr. Bengtson travels globally to share his knowledge and innovative approaches with fellow plastic surgeons. He is passionate about delivering harmonious, natural-looking results that elevate rather than alter each patient’s unique aesthetic.
Watch Dr. Bengtson’s VideoHas extensive experience performing a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures, with a particular passion for body contouring and facial rejuvenation.
A careful listener and passionate practitioner, he has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a RealSelf Top Doctor since 2015. He also contributes to advancing techniques in the plastic surgery community through regular publications and lectures. Dr. Alfonso is a fluent Spanish speaker, which helps him provide exceptional communication and care to a broader range of patients.
Watch Dr. Alfonso’s VideoUnderstand her patient’s goals, motivations and desires and is always excited to partner with them to achieve safe and exceptional results.
Her philosophy is founded in individuality, enhancement of one’s own natural beauty and in helping her patients restore harmony between their physical body and their truest self. She is committed to excellence and dedicated to using her surgical expertise to help her patients feel strong, beautiful and confident.
What causes gynecomastia in men can vary, and it can begin to affect men at any stage of life. The development of male breasts is not uncommon, but it can be stigmatized and cause men to feel alienated or embarrassed, especially if it develops at a young age.
Breast tissue growth in both men and women depends on hormones, so the risk of gynecomastia is great when testosterone and estrogen balances are in flux and particularly begins at puberty. Hormone changes can occur for many reasons. In adolescence, issues like male breasts tend to balance themselves out as hormone changes settle. However, in men older than 50, hormone fluctuations will have a great chance of leading to breast development. Some prescriptions can also affect your hormone levels, such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medication, opioids, and more. General physical changes, such as weight changes, can also cause excess fat to accumulate.
Some fat on the chest is standard for most patients, but for those who have excessive sagging, jiggling, drooping, loose skin, or fat deposits that resemble female breasts, a Grand Rapids male breast reduction treatment can help to address these concerns.
Eligible patients include men with gynecomastia who are in good general health and can dedicate time and effort to any downtime or maintenance to achieve their desired results. It is important to remember that any gynecomastia procedures are intended for adult men who have finished puberty. To learn more about male breast reduction Grand Rapids area residents can schedule a consultation at the Bengtson Center.
In some cases, gynecomastia is treatable and can be reversed or reduced by eliminating its causes. Lifestyle changes, stopping medications, and addressing whatever is causing the hormonal changes can sometimes reduce male breast tissue.
However, in most cases where the hormone production is happening naturally, the fat is not responding to exercise, or if stopping the medication is not an option, a cosmetic approach and surgery is the best ion. On the subject of male breast reduction Grand Rapids' Bengtson Center offers customizable solutions. Talk to Dr. Bengtson or Dr. Alfonso about our services and whether a surgical or non-surgical approach is best for you.
In cases where patients need further correction or wish to achieve a more dramatic result, Dr. Bengtson or Dr. Alfonso may recommend a more in-depth solution. Cosmetic surgery techniques such as liposuction and male breast reduction might be necessary to help achieve the desired results. When performed by a leading medical professional like Drs. Alfonso & Bengtson, MDs, FACSs, patients can achieve natural-looking results that help to create a more masculine definition in the chest.
Male nipple reduction in height or diameter is also commonly performed with breast reduction or as a stand-alone procedure. Dr. Bengtson has advanced many surgical techniques for nipple reduction which is an extremely common procedure in men.
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For men with mild to moderate cases of gynecomastia, surgery might not be necessary. Instead, patients can see gynecomastia reduction with minimally-invasive CoolSculpting treatments. This in-office treatment can target unwanted fat by freezing it using energy extraction. This cools the cells so the body can eliminate them.
CoolSculpting sessions are pain-free and use precision control to target only the fat cells in the destination area. It’s an excellent solution for men who have lost weight but still have some fat sitting on their chest that won’t budge. It may also help smooth skin to help deliver an improved contour.
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Are you ready to take the next step to a more beautiful you? Plastic Surgeons Dr. Bengtson and Dr. Alfonso, along with the team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, provide advanced plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for patients from Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implants, and tummy tuck surgery, as well as laser hair removal, Micro-Needling, BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers. Results may vary from person to person.