Gynecomastia

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 treatments available for gynecomastia. If you would like to explore your options, take the first step by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg or one of the other expert surgeons at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.

Our practice has locations in Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton, and our gynecomastia treatments have made a powerful difference in the lives of many men. Schedule your consultation online today or call us at (844) 568-6717 to get more information.

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About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a common affliction that can affect men of all ages, from younger patients to older adults. 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 during adulthood, such as from underlying health conditions or certain medications. ⁽¹⁾

When gynecomastia is 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 usage of alcohol or recreational drugs. 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 distress associated with their appearance.

Treatments 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 visual concerns, gynecomastia surgery can also resolve sagging skin, stretched areolas, nipple sensitivity (especially against clothing), and discomfort or swelling during running and other physical activities. After receiving gynecomastia surgery, patients also often feel their confidence and quality of life increase.

Benefits

Gynecomastia surgery offers men countless benefits. At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we help patients improve their lives through:

Candidates

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, 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 treatment. A personal consultation with one of our talented surgeons will help determine your treatment options.

Personal Consultation

A consultation with one of our expert surgeons is the first step in your gynecomastia treatment. Our surgeons are experienced in male reduction mammaplasty and will be very thorough in their assessment of your candidacy. To determine if gynecomastia surgery is the best treatment 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 treatment options tailored to your unique needs. This meeting serves as the foundation for creating an individualized care plan.

Preparation

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 surgery 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 your procedure.

You will also be required to arrange transportation to and from your procedure 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 procedure will minimize physical discomfort and mental stress.

Procedure

Male breast reduction surgery begins with administering general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. This will depend on which surgical technique(s) we decide to use and other factors.

For cases that are primarily pseudogynecomastia, your 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. ⁽²⁾

If the gynecomastia is mainly the result of glandular tissue and/or excess skin, your surgeon will use either the intra-areolar, periareolar, or periareolar and inframammary incision techniques. These different incision techniques are determined by the amount of excess fat and skin present on your chest. These all begin with a circular incision around the areola (intra-areolar). From there, your surgeon can make an incision descending the breast (periareolar) to create additional access to tissues. If there is a significant amount of tissue to be removed, your surgeon will make these incisions and incisions 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 patient’s areolas can also be resized, reshaped, or moved. Male gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure, so we will map out an exact treatment 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.

Recovery

After gynecomastia surgery, you will need someone to drive you home to begin your post-op recovery. You will have bandages or a support garment to wear for a few weeks (or as directed) for proper healing. 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. Most patients can return to routine activities within one week, although strenuous exercise 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. Full results from male breast reduction surgery can be anticipated after about three months.

Results

Patients can expect to see noticeable improvements in their chest contours following gynecomastia surgery. As the swelling subsides over several weeks, the final results will become evident. 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.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Male gynecomastia surgery is not the only procedure 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 procedures that improve their lives.

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 procedure uses follicular unit extraction (FUE) to repopulate the scalp with hormone-resistant hair follicles found in the back of the head.

Other common procedures for men include chin enhancement, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), and eye lifts.

Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in Long Island

Your treatment will be custom-built for your specific aesthetic goals. Once you have created a treatment plan at a consultation, we can figure out the exact price. The cost of male gynecomastia surgery usually varies based on the specific techniques used and the scale of the procedure 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 (844) 568-6717 and get the information you need.

References

1. Vandeven HA, Pensler JM. Gynecomastia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/
2. Swerdloff RS, Chiu Ming Ng. Gynecomastia: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Nih.gov. Published July 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/