Gynecomastia

Consultations offered at our seven convenient locations in Manhattan New York City, Princeton New Jersey, Scarsdale, Woodbury Long Island, Southampton, Smithtown and Boca Raton, Florida

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg and his dedicated team of highly trained medical professionals have helped countless men achieve more masculine chest contours with male gynecomastia surgery in Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton. Our gynecomastia surgery patients frequently report increased confidence and an improved quality of life as a result of this procedure.

Before and After Photos

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

This surgical procedure is performed to treat gynecomastia, a condition affecting male patients which is characterized by the development of excess breast tissue. Also referred to as male breast reduction surgery or male reduction mammaplasty, the overarching goal is to create flatter chest contours by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and/or skin.

Gynecomastia  usually involves both breasts (bilateral gynecomastia) but can sometimes affect one breast more than the other (unilateral gynecomastia), resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. Besides visual concerns, other symptoms of gynecomastia that can be resolved with this procedure include:

  • Discomfort or swelling during running and other physical activities
  • Sagging
  • Stretching of the areolas
  • Nipple sensitivity against clothes

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a common affliction that can affect men of all ages, from newborns 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.

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.

There are multiple other causes of gynecomastia besides current and former obesity and hormonal imbalances though, such as genetics or usage of alcohol or recreational drugs. It could even be the result of more than one issue.

Ideal Candidate

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.

Consultation

During your initial consultation, you’ll meet with one of our exceptionally skilled plastic surgeons: Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS; Jason M. Weissler, MD; Stephanie A. Cooper, MD. Our surgeons are very experienced in male reduction mammaplasty and will be very thorough in their assessment of your candidacy.

In order 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.

Preparation

At your consultation, you’ll 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 prior to your procedure.

Expectations

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. 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.

If the gynecomastia is mainly the result of glandular tissue and/or excess skin, your surgeon will use one of the following incision methods:

  • Intra-areolar: Bottom of the areola
  • Periareolar: Around the perimeter of the areola
  • Periareolar and Inframmary: Periareolar as well as along the fold of the breast

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’ll 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 whole process is complete, the incisions are closed.

Expectations

After gynecomastia surgery, you’ll 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. Small rubber tubes may be left in place for any post-surgical drainage but will be removed during your next visit.

Continue following your surgeon’s aftercare directions during this time, including taking short walks to encourage healing. However, you should avoid strenuous activities for about a month.

Most patients report minimal swelling at first, which, understandably, can cause them to falsely believe their breast size has not gone down or has even increased. Full results from male breast reduction surgery can be anticipated after about three months.

Additional Provided Surgeries

Male gynecomastia surgery is not the only procedure we offer to men at our practice. Here are just some of the other ways we can enhance your look:

  • NeoGraft Hair Restoration: Hair transplantation for that full head of hair you desire
  • Chin Enhancement: A chiseled look via liposuction or implant
  • Rhinoplasty: A more natural, proportional nasal structure
  • Eye Lift: Correction of droopy upper eyelids and “bags under the eyes”

Cost

Your treatment will be custom-built for your specific aesthetic goals. Once we have your plan in place, we can figure out the exact price. The cost of male gynecomastia surgery usually varies based on the specific techniques used, as well as anesthesia and facility fees.

Contact

Male gynecomastia surgery in Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton has made a powerful difference in the lives of many men. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation for more information.

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