Body contouring for men most often means gynecomastia surgery to flatten the chest and liposuction of the abdomen and love handles. In 2024, US surgeons performed about 26,430 male breast reductions and 21,082 liposuction procedures on men. A tummy tuck treats loose skin, and fat freezing suits small pockets with a modest change.
This guide is part of our body contouring overview, which compares surgical and non-surgical options.
Popular procedures
Male body contouring centres on the chest and waist, where fat tends to collect and resist diet and exercise.
| Procedure | Treats | US men, 2024 | Recovery guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gynecomastia surgery | Enlarged male breast tissue | 26,430 | About 6 weeks to full activity |
| Liposuction | Abdomen, flanks, chest, chin | 21,082 | About 2 weeks off work |
| Tummy tuck | Loose skin, separated muscles | 4,152 | Several weeks |
| Fat freezing | Small, pinchable fat pockets | Not reported by sex | Little or none |
Figures are from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Men made up about 6% of liposuction patients and 2% of tummy tuck patients. An ASPS blog on gynecomastia lists genetics, obesity, marijuana, anabolic steroids and some medicines as causes, and says liposuction treats mostly fatty chests, while excision removes firm gland or loose skin. Surgery takes two to three hours as an outpatient.
In my practice, I examine the chest first, because firm tissue under the nipple won’t respond to liposuction alone and needs a small excision.
Results
Results show as swelling settles, over about six weeks after liposuction and longer after excision or a tummy tuck.
After liposuction, an ASPS blog says results show from weeks three to five, with the full effect at about six weeks and beyond. The NHS says swelling can last up to six months and results last if weight stays stable. Gynecomastia can come back, for example with weight gain, steroid use or some medicines, so removing the cause matters. Fat freezing reduces fat in a treated area by up to 28% at four months, according to UCLA Health. See our non-invasive body contouring guide and the lipo 360 overview for treating the whole waist.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Short answers on chest fat, love handles, recovery time, scars, cost and whether results last for men.
What is the most common body contouring procedure for men?
Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction. ASPS counted about 26,430 in the US in 2024, ahead of liposuction on men at 21,082. Both often treat the chest and waist together.
Can liposuction remove love handles in men?
Yes, if the problem is fat and the skin is firm. The NHS says liposuction suits people near a healthy weight with elastic skin. It doesn’t treat loose skin or visceral fat inside the abdomen.
How long is recovery after male chest surgery?
Most men return to desk work within about a week or two. An ASPS blog says full recovery from gynecomastia surgery takes about six weeks, and drains are sometimes used. Avoid heavy chest exercise until your surgeon clears it.
Will there be visible scars?
Liposuction leaves a few small scars that usually fade. Excision for gland or loose skin adds a scar around the areola or, for larger reductions, across the chest. A tummy tuck leaves a low scar across the abdomen.
How much does male body contouring cost?
In the US, ASPS 2024 figures put surgeon fees at about $5,000 to $9,000 for gynecomastia surgery and $4,300 to $7,500 for liposuction, before anaesthesia and facility fees. See our cost guide for a full table.
Are results permanent for men?
Removed fat cells don’t return, but remaining fat can grow with weight gain. Gynecomastia can recur with steroids, some medicines or weight gain, according to ASPS. A stable weight keeps the result longest.
Prices and clinic checks are in our body contouring cost guide. If you’d like an assessment of your chest or waist, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For all options, return to the body contouring hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedure Trends. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. ASPS. 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- Garza R. How to get rid of gynecomastia. ASPS. 2018. plasticsurgery.org
- Salemy S. What you need to know about your liposuction recovery. ASPS. 2019. plasticsurgery.org
- Liposuction. NHS. 2023. nhs.uk
- Cryolipolysis is the process of freezing fat. UCLA Health. 2022. uclahealth.org
