Georgia man spends thousands on gynecomastia surgery after bullying, says it changed his life

ATLANTA, Ga. — Kelbin Cordova, 32, of Atlanta, spent about $7,000 for gynecomastia surgery last June after years of taunts about his chest left him in tears.

From his teenage years, Cordova carried a diagnosis of gynecomastia, a condition characterized by enlarged breast tissue in men. He recalls relentless comments—mocking his appearance and singling out his chest—cycles of humiliation that made ordinary activities, like trying on clothes, emotionally draining. He tried to cope by losing weight and intensifying exercise, hoping the issue would disappear; he shed pounds, yet the chest remained stubbornly prominent, underscoring that the problem went beyond being overweight.

In June last year, Cordova privately funded gynecomastia surgery to remove excess breast tissue and fat and reshape his chest. The operation was performed by North Carolina–based plastic surgeon Dr. Walter Dutton and was not covered by insurance. Since the procedure, Cordova says his self-confidence has surged, his approach to clothes and shopping has changed, and he feels more comfortable in spaces where his chest once drew unwanted attention.

"It has completely changed everything," Cordova said of the results. "I love shopping now. I feel good in my clothes. I feel more like a man—this is what I always wanted to look like."

Before the surgery, Cordova described going to great lengths to conceal his chest. He often wore thicker clothing or jackets even in hot summer weather to hide his condition and avoid drawing looks in public spaces. Now he says he no longer hides, and he no longer experiences the anxiety that used to accompany trips to the gym or fitting rooms.

The trend Cordova’s case exemplifies is part of a broader uptick in cosmetic procedures among men in the United States and the United Kingdom. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says gynecomastia surgery is the most popular cosmetic procedure for men in the United States, with 26,430 procedures performed in 2024, up from 20,955 in 2019. In the United Kingdom, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reports a two-percent rise in male breast reductions from 2023 to 2024, rising from 242 to 248, though overall male plastic-surgery numbers declined about 1.5% in that period.

Cordova attributes the shift in part to greater openness about cosmetic surgery and better education on gynecomastia. "There’s more education out there now about gynecomastia, and we’re becoming less judgmental when it comes to plastic surgery," he said. "A lot of guys used to say it was gay or only for women—but I think men are now more open about wanting to feel comfortable in their own bodies."

Health systems describe gynecomastia as typically benign, with potential causes including hormonal changes, puberty, or underlying medical conditions. The NHS notes that while the condition can resolve on its own, some cases cause distress or pain and may require treatment. Treatments may include medication or lifestyle changes when appropriate, and surgery is considered when other options fail, though such procedures are rarely offered and typically tied to strict criteria, including long-standing gynecomastia and significant impact on quality of life—even then often under exceptional circumstances.

Cordova’s experience and the rising numbers in the U.S. and UK reflect a broader cultural shift in which male cosmetic procedures are increasingly perceived as personal-health or confidence tools rather than vanity. As more men seek solutions for conditions like gynecomastia, observers say the conversation around body image, masculinity, and medical choices continues to evolve, with patients and clinicians alike emphasizing informed decision-making and greater acceptance across communities.