Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
What is male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction treats gynecomastia — firm, enlarged glandular tissue behind the nipple that exercise cannot remove — by excising the gland, restoring a flat, more masculine chest for men and teenage boys. Dr. Wai-Yee Li performs it in Arcadia, Los Angeles.
Gynecomastia — enlarged male breast tissue — is common, rarely talked about, and very treatable. Male breast reduction removes the excess glandular tissue to restore a flat, more masculine chest contour, for men and for teenage boys.
What gynecomastia is
True gynecomastia is firm glandular tissue behind the nipple, not simply weight — which is why exercise often doesn't touch it. It can appear during puberty, persist into adulthood, or develop later. However it arrived, the treatment is direct: excision of the gland, sometimes combined with liposuction to blend the surrounding contour.
Dr. Li's approach
- Direct excision — the firm gland is removed through a discreet incision, typically along the edge of the areola.
- Contouring where needed — liposuction blends the chest so the result looks athletic, not operated on.
- Scars planned like a plastic surgeon's — placement and closure are handled with the same attention Dr. Li brings to every breast operation.
Teenage patients
Gynecomastia during puberty often resolves on its own, so timing matters as much as technique. For teenage boys, Dr. Li draws on her pediatric plastic surgery training — see adolescent & congenital breast surgery — and consultations include the family, with waiting always presented as a legitimate option.
A discreet, straightforward process
Consultations are private and matter-of-fact: an examination, a clear explanation of what is gland and what is not, and an honest recommendation. Book a consultation with Dr. Li in Arcadia or Pasadena, or call 626.888.9728.
Frequently asked questions
No — true gynecomastia is firm glandular tissue behind the nipple, which is why exercise often does not change it. Excision removes the gland; liposuction alone cannot.
The incision typically follows the edge of the areola, where it heals discreetly. Dr. Li closes it with the same layered technique she uses across her breast surgery.
Often, yes — gynecomastia during puberty can resolve on its own, so timing is part of the judgment. Consultations for teens include the family, and waiting is always presented as a legitimate option.

Meet your surgeon
Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS
A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.
Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›Patient reviews
Rated 5.0 from 227+ reviews across Google, Yelp, Healthgrades & U.S. News
Read patient reviews ›Take the next step
Considering breast surgery?
Book a consultation with Dr. Wai-Yee Li, or call the practice to discuss your options.
Visit the practice
Two locations across Los Angeles
Arcadia
Get directions ›Pasadena
Pasadena, CA 91105




