Gynecomastia Surgery in Charleston, SC

Name: Gynecomastia Surgery
Brand: Ulm Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.8 (26 reviews)

Restore a flatter, more masculine chest by treating excess breast tissue, fat, or glandular enlargement. Dr. Jason Ulm, our double board-certified plastic surgeon, delivers precise, individualized gynecomastia surgery guided by uncompromising surgical excellence.

Restore a Flatter, More Masculine Chest

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure that aims to correct excess male breast tissue, fat, or glandular enlargement that does not improve with weight loss or exercise. If you are bothered by chest fullness or a feminized contour, gynecomastia surgery can restore a flatter, more masculine shape. Treatment is customized and may involve liposuction, direct gland removal, or both. When appropriate, male breast reduction in Charleston, SC, also addresses skin laxity to improve overall chest proportion and definition.

Gynecomastia Surgery Overview

What Does Gynecomastia Surgery Treat?

Gynecomastia surgery targets the underlying causes of male breast enlargement that create unwanted fullness or a feminine chest appearance, including:

Excess glandular breast tissue
Localized fat deposits in the chest
Enlarged or puffy areolas
Asymmetry between the left and right chest
Mild to moderate skin laxity
Chest contour resistant to diet and exercise

Why Choose Dr. Jason Ulm for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Dr. Jason Ulm is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in aesthetic and craniofacial surgery at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital.

This depth of training matters when addressing gynecomastia, where precise tissue handling, thoughtful contouring, and careful scar placement influence long-term chest shape and symmetry.

At Ulm Plastic Surgery, you are always treated as an individual. Dr. Ulm is known for conducting extended, unhurried consultations where your goals are discussed in detail and translated into a clear, realistic plan. Patients consistently share that their results match exactly what was agreed upon, even in complex or revision cases.

Types of Gynecomastia Surgery in Charleston

Liposuction (For Pseudogynecomastia)

When chest fullness is primarily caused by excess fat rather than glandular tissue, liposuction may be the appropriate solution. During this procedure, small, discreet incisions are made for targeted fat removal and careful contouring. The goal is to create a flatter, smoother, and more masculine profile while preserving natural definition.

Glandular Excision (For Actual Gynecomastia)

True gynecomastia involves the presence of firm glandular tissue that cannot be removed with liposuction alone. In these cases, excision is performed to remove the gland through carefully placed incisions, often along the areolar edge. This approach allows precise removal of dense tissue while shaping the surrounding chest for natural, proportional results.

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Gynecomastia Before & After

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Words from Our Clients "It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm."

I cannot say enough amazing things about my breast reduction and brachioplasty with Dr. Ulm. From the very first consultation, I felt completely heard, respected, and cared for. Dr Ulm took the tim...

Melanie

5 star rating

It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm. He is kind, compassionate, and incredibly talented. His super power is his unique ability to listen to your concerns and desir...

Tabatha

5 star rating

I had lip fillers done by the doctor Jason Ulm and I loved the results! The shape is beautiful and natural, not fake or stiff at all. The doctor was very gentle and gave great advice. After the pro...

Buddhawajana

5 star rating

Dr Ulm took the time listen and provide guidance on what to expect during and after surgery. He was recommended to me by a friend and I am so thankful to him for changing my life for the better! He...

Denise

5 star rating

My experience with Dr. Ulm and his staff was outstanding. Their communication was clear and supportive throughout the entire process, and the results exceeded my expectations. Truly professional, c...

Gina

5 star rating

I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Jason Ulm! He is an amazing surgeon, very professional and gave me exactly what I wanted! My breast augmentation went smoothly and my scars are almost gon...

Hailey

5 star rating

Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Charleston, SC, if you have persistent male breast enlargement caused by excess glandular tissue, fat, or both, and have not seen improvement with weight loss, exercise, or medical management.

Dr. Ulm carefully evaluates your chest anatomy, skin elasticity, medical history, and contributing factors. You discuss your concerns and goals in detail, and he explains what approach can safely and predictably achieve the outcome you’re seeking.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery offers both physical and psychological benefits for men who are bothered by chest fullness or a feminized contour, including:

Flatter, more masculine chest appearance
Improved chest definition and proportion
Clothing that fits more comfortably and confidently
Reduced self-consciousness in social or athletic settings
Results not achievable with diet or exercise alone
Long-lasting correction of excess tissue

Your Complete Gynecomastia Surgery Experience

Gynecomastia Surgery

On the day of surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Ulm creates detailed preoperative markings that define areas of fat removal, gland excision, and final chest contour. Small incisions, typically along the edge of the areola or in natural skin creases, are made to minimize visible scarring. A thin cannula is used to gently break up and suction out excess fat while preserving smooth transitions.

If firm glandular tissue is present, it is carefully separated from surrounding structures and removed through the same incision. Dr. Ulm then sculpts the remaining tissue layer by layer to establish a flat, masculine contour with even thickness across the chest. Meticulous bleeding control is performed, incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a compression garment is placed to limit swelling and support shape as healing begins.

Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation

You meet directly with Dr. Ulm for an unrushed, in-depth consultation focused on understanding what specifically bothers you about your chest. He performs a detailed physical examination, evaluates tissue type and skin quality, and explains whether fat removal, gland excision, or a combination is appropriate. You will then review expected outcomes, limitations, risks, and recovery in clear terms. Photographs may also be taken for planning purposes.

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery

You can expect swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness across the chest for the first one to two weeks. Mild drainage and temporary numbness around the incisions are common early on. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 3 to 5 days, but strenuous exercise and chest training are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks. A compression garment is worn continuously for several weeks to control swelling and ensure optimal recovery and healing.

Gynecomastia Surgery Results

You may begin noticing early improvements once swelling starts to subside within the first few weeks. Chest contour continues to refine as residual swelling resolves and tissues settle over several months. The final results are typically apparent within 3 to 6 months. When underlying glandular tissue is removed, the results are considered long-lasting. However, maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your outcome over time.

Possible Alternatives to Gynecomastia Surgery

Not every patient requires surgical correction to address chest fullness. In some cases, the underlying cause may be fatty tissue related to weight changes, medications, or hormonal imbalance, or mild enough to respond to non-surgical or medical management.

During your consultation, Dr. Ulm helps determine whether an alternative approach may be appropriate based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health. Depending on your evaluation, potential alternatives may include:

Weight management for chest fullness driven primarily by generalized fat
Chest-focused liposuction for mild fatty enlargement without glandular excess
Non-surgical body contouring devices for subtle fat reduction in select cases

What Is the Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in Charleston, SC?

Cost depends on a multitude of factors, including your anatomy, surgical technique, facility fees, anesthesia, and location. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery) nationally is about $5,587, not including anesthesia or operating room costs. Nationwide averages reported by other sources range from about $3,250 to more than $12,000, depending on complexity and provider. Because every case is unique, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ulm is the best way to receive an accurate quote tailored to your goals.

Gynecomastia Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have visible scars?

Incisions are placed in discreet locations, often along the edge of the areola or within natural skin creases. Scars start pink and firm, then gradually soften and fade over several months. Dr. Ulm uses meticulous closure techniques to promote the best possible scar quality.

When can I return to exercise?

Light walking is encouraged within a few days of your surgery. Most patients resume lower-body workouts after 2 weeks and gradually return to full activity, including chest training, after about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on healing progress.

Are the results permanent?

When true glandular breast tissue is surgically removed, it does not grow back. This means the structural cause of gynecomastia is permanently corrected. However, the chest can still change over time due to factors like significant weight gain, use of anabolic steroids, hormone-altering medications, or untreated hormonal imbalances, which may increase fatty tissue in the area. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results.

What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?

Every surgical procedure involves some level of risk, but serious complications are uncommon when gynecomastia surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ulm. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), asymmetry, temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation, and visible scarring. Dr. Ulm explains each risk in clear terms, outlines the steps taken before, during, and after surgery to reduce them, and reviews how any issues would be managed should they occur.

Gynecomastia Surgery in Charleston, SC

Restore a Flatter, More Masculine Chest

Gynecomastia Surgery Overview

What Does Gynecomastia Surgery Treat?

Why Choose Dr. Jason Ulm for Gynecomastia Surgery?