Gynecomastia in NYC
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue in males.
This can cause concern for many individuals, often leading to feelings of embarrassment or social anxiety. The cause of gynecomastia can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and genetic predispositions.
Fortunately, there are many options available for treating gynecomastia, including plastic surgery. If you would like to explore your options, take the first step by scheduling a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, or one of the other expert plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
Our practice has locations in New York City, Princeton, Scarsdale, Woodbury, Smithtown, Southampton, and Boca Raton, and our gynecomastia treatments have made a powerful difference in many lives. Schedule your consultation online today or call us at (888) 680-2090 to learn more.
- Intro
- What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
- What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?
- Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
- What Can I Expect From the Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure?
- What Is Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Like?
- When Will I See My Gynecomastia Surgery Results?
- What Can I Combine With Gynecomastia Surgery?
- Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in NYC
- Gynecomastia Surgery FAQ
If you are considering a gynecomastia surgical procedure or would like to learn more about this transformative surgery, we encourage you to contact our practice at (888) 680-2090. Consultations are available at our New York City location in Manhattan, our office in Scarsdale, or one of our offices on Long Island: Southampton, Smithtown, or Woodbury, as well as Princeton, and Boca Raton. Our staff will be happy to assist you in scheduling a consultation with our team to explore your options and begin your journey toward a more confident and rejuvenated you.
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What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia is a common affliction that can affect men of all ages, from younger boys to adult men. This condition causes men to develop excess breast tissue, resulting in enlarged breasts. During puberty, a hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen can cause temporary gynecomastia that independently subsides within six months to two years. Hormonal imbalances can also occur in adulthood, often due to underlying health conditions or certain medications. (1)
When perceived enlarged breasts in men are primarily the result of excess fat, it is called pseudogynecomastia. This can happen during obesity, but many patients who have already lost a considerable amount of weight can experience pseudogynecomastia that is difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. (1)
There are multiple other causes of gynecomastia besides current and former obesity and hormonal imbalances, such as genetics or the use of alcohol or recreational drugs. The use of anabolic steroids is another common cause. In many cases, gynecomastia is the result of more than one issue. In recent years, the demand for male breast reduction surgery has increased significantly, predominantly driven by societal expectations and personal well-being. Many people seek surgery not only for cosmetic improvement but also to alleviate emotional discomfort and to be self-conscious about their appearance.
Options for treating gynecomastia can include hormonal therapy, medication adjustments, and more, but many men require surgical corrections. Also referred to as male breast reduction or male breast lifts, gynecomastia surgery works to sculpt a flat, broad, masculine chest by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.
Gynecomastia usually affects both breasts (bilateral gynecomastia) but can sometimes affect one breast more than the other (unilateral gynecomastia), resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. Besides treating enlarged male breasts, gynecomastia surgery can also resolve sagging skin, stretched areolas (the dark skin around the nipple), nipple sensitivity (especially against clothing), and discomfort or swelling during running and other physical activities. After undergoing gynecomastia surgery, patients often report increased confidence and quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?
A primary aim of gynecomastia surgery is to remove excess breast tissue and fat to create a flatter, more contoured chest. In addition, gynecomastia surgery offers men countless benefits. At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we help patients improve their lives through:
- Enhanced physical appearance: The most apparent benefit is the improved contour of the chest, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable in their skin.
- Increased self-esteem: Many men experience a boost in confidence levels after resolving physical insecurities about their bodies.
- Improved comfort: Gynecomastia can cause discomfort and embarrassment during physical activities. Surgery can help relieve these issues.
- Better clothing fit: Post-surgery, clothing fits better on the body, allowing individuals a wider choice in styles.
- Reduction in related health issues: Addressing this condition may play a role in improving associated physical complaints, such as skin irritation under the breasts.
- Minimally invasive techniques: Advances in surgical techniques, such as liposuction, allow for less invasive procedures with reduced scarring.
- Long-lasting results: Patients who maintain their weight and overall health usually enjoy long-lasting effects from gynecomastia correction.
- Psychological well-being: Alleviating emotional distress and increasing self-confidence can significantly improve social interactions and quality of life.
Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we recommend male breast reduction surgery for men 18 and older who are near their goal weight and can adopt healthy diet and exercise habits to maintain their surgical results. With glandular gynecomastia, categorized by excess glandular tissue, sometimes hormone therapy or a change in medications or lifestyle may be suggested by your doctor instead of surgery. (2) If your condition persists despite consistent efforts in weight loss, then you may be an ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery.
A personal consultation with one of our talented surgeons will help determine your treatment options.
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What Can I Expect From the Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure?
Consultation
A consultation with one of our expert surgeons is the first step in your male breast reduction procedure. Our board-certified surgeons are experienced in male reduction mammaplasty and have received specialized training in assessing candidacy. To determine if gynecomastia correction is the best option for your specific needs, your surgeon will take note of your medical history and current medications and supplements. Tests may also be ordered to make sure an important underlying health issue is not causing the gynecomastia. If we decide to proceed with male breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will examine your chest and take measurements to determine which technique(s) should be used. We will then discuss suitable options tailored to your unique needs. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure steps, recovery, and expected outcome. This private consultation serves as the foundation for creating an individualized care plan.
Preparing for Your Gynecomastia Procedure
At your consultation, you will be given a specific set of pre- and post-op instructions to ensure a successful procedure and lasting results. If you smoke, you must stop at least one month before your appointment date and abstain for a month or more afterward. You may also be asked to refrain from taking aspirin and anti-inflammatories starting 7–10 days before surgery.
You will also be required to arrange transportation to and from surgery, as you will not be able to drive as the anesthesia wears off. You will most likely receive prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medications to aid in your recovery. Filling these before your appointment will minimize physical discomfort and mental stress.
Gynecomastia Surgery Steps
Male breast reduction is typically performed by starting with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia, and is an outpatient procedure. This will depend on which surgical technique(s) we decide to use and other factors.
For cases that are primarily pseudogynecomastia, your plastic surgeon will make either a transaxillary incision through the armpit or several tiny incisions into the breast itself. Your surgeon will then inject a tumescent solution containing lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline to numb tissue, constrict blood vessels, and loosen fat. A small hollow tube called a cannula is then inserted into the incisions and carefully moved back and forth to break up pockets of fat. This excess fat tissue can then be suctioned out of the body via liposuction to reduce the breast size. (2)
If the gynecomastia is mainly the result of excess breast tissue and/or excess skin, your surgeon will use either the intra-areolar, periareolar, or periareolar and inframammary techniques. These different techniques are determined by the amount of excess fat and skin present on your chest. These all begin with a circular cut around the areola (intra-areolar). From there, your surgeon can make a line descending the breast (periareolar) to create additional access to tissues. If there is a significant amount of breast tissue to be removed, your surgeon will make another incision along the base of the breast (periareolar and inframammary). (2)
A predetermined amount of glandular tissue can then be excised. At this time, your surgeon can also surgically remove any excess skin. If needed, the patients’ areolas can also be resized, reshaped, or moved. Male gynecomastia surgery is highly individualized, so we will map out an exact surgical strategy with you during your initial consultation. We may even be able to combine the alteration of glandular tissue and skin with liposuction for a more comprehensive approach. Once the adjustment process is complete, the incisions are closed.
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Like?
After gynecomastia surgery, you will need someone to drive you home to begin your post-op process. You will have bandages or a support garment to wear for a few weeks (or as directed) for proper healing, especially if liposuction was the primary method of correction. Physical activities should be limited for a set period. Because you will be moving less, it is important to consume a healthy diet during your recovery to prevent fat from repopulating your breasts and subsequent weight gain. Most patients can return to routine activities within one week, although strenuous activities should be avoided for approximately four weeks.
Most patients report minimal swelling at first, which, understandably, can cause them to falsely believe their breast size has not reduced or has even increased. This is a normal part of your body’s healing process and will fade naturally after about two weeks. Full results from male breast reduction surgery can be anticipated after about three months, when a more contoured chest can be seen.
When Will I See My Gynecomastia Surgery Results?
Patients can expect to see noticeable improvements in their chest contours following gynecomastia surgery. As the swelling subsides over the first few weeks, the final results will become evident, and the breasts will appear smaller. Scarring may remain, but can be easily concealed by typical clothing. Scars will also fade over time. These enhancements may significantly strengthen self-confidence, empowering individuals to engage comfortably in social situations. For optimal results, follow your plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions.
What Can I Combine With Gynecomastia Surgery?
Male breast reduction is not the only treatment we offer to men at our practice, and as conversations regarding men’s mental health have become more common, increasing numbers of men have begun to receive cosmetic surgery that improves their lives. Plastic surgery for men is a growing category, for which we have plenty of options.
One of the most common issues men face is hair loss. At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we offer hair transplants with the NeoGraft® method. This option uses follicular unit extraction (FUE) to repopulate the scalp with hormone-resistant hair follicles found in the back of the head.
Other common options for men include chin enhancement, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), and eyelifts.
Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in New York City
Your gynecomastia surgery will be custom-built for your specific aesthetic goals. Once you have created a surgical plan at a consultation, we can determine the exact price. The cost of male gynecomastia surgery usually varies based on the specific techniques used, as well as anesthesia and facility fees. Our practice also offers financing plans for all treatments, so you can pay for your procedure while already benefiting from its results.
If you have any questions about arranging a payment plan, scheduling your consultation, or anything else, please feel free to call any of our offices at (888) 680-2090 and get the information you need.
Gynecomastia Surgery FAQ
Scars are a necessary effect of any plastic surgery procedure. However, you can avoid excessive scarring by following all post-surgical instructions that your surgeon provides you, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using silicone sheets or topical creams to treat scarring. You can also discuss with your doctor how to avoid scars, including during your consultation, to determine whether you need a large or small incision.
References
- Vandeven HA, Pensler JM. Gynecomastia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/
- Swerdloff RS, Chiu Ming Ng. Gynecomastia: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Nih.gov. Published July 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/
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