Male Breast Reduction
(Gynecomastia Surgery)
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Gynecomastia and Male Breast Reduction Surgery NYC
When men develop enlarged breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, it can cause significant social embarrassment. Some men with enlarged breasts may not be comfortable wearing tight fitting shirts, or may limit activities they love, such as sports, swimming, and even intimate relations, in order to avoid taking their shirt off in public. But there’s no need to suffer in silence. There are a variety of ways to treat gynecomastia.
Before deciding on the best treatment option, it’s important to try to determine the underlying cause of your condition. In most cases, gynecomastia is the result of a genetic predisposition, but in certain instances men may develop enlarged breast tissue for other reasons, including hormonal imbalances, alcohol or drug abuse, side effects from certain medications, and various health conditions. Sometimes adjusting medications or treating underlying medical conditions can reduce enlarged male breasts. But, if these measures don’t affect your condition, cosmetic male breast reduction may be an excellent option for you.
At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we are keenly aware of the desire to minimize scarring from male breast reduction. Dr. Levine takes a carefully considered approach designed to remove excess fat and breast tissue, while limiting scars. In many cases, Dr. Levine can use advanced liposuction techniques requiring only minimal incisions and limited patient downtime. If tissue excision is necessary, Dr. Levine takes care to place the incisions where they will be least noticeable.*
| WHAT CAN MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY) DO FOR ME?* |
| Reduce the size of male breasts |
| Remove excess fat in male breasts |
| Remove excess glandular tissue in male breasts |
| Improve contours of the male chest |
| Correct asymmetry in male breasts |
Who is a good candidate for male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery)?
Men who have enlarged male breasts that cannot be treated through medication or lifestyle changes may be excellent candidates for cosmetic male breast reduction. Although gynecomastia commonly develops during adolescence, the condition often resolves after puberty when hormonal fluctuations are better balanced. Usually, Dr. Levine will recommend teenagers wait until after puberty before considering male breast reduction, although in certain cases surgical correction may be indicated earlier. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations, and help you determine if male breast reduction would be right for you.
| MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY) AT A GLANCE | |
| Male Breast Reduction with Liposuction Only* | Male Breast Reduction with Liposuction and Tissue Excision* |
| Performed in our in-office surgical facility | Performed in our in-office surgical facility |
| Go home same day | Go home same day |
| Procedure time about 1-2 hours | Procedure time about 2-3 hours |
| Twilight or general anesthesia | Twilight or general anesthesia |
| Only minimal sutures needed | Sutures will dissolve on their own |
| Back to work varies, ranging from 1-5 days, depending on extent of procedure | Back to work in 3-5 days |
| Light exercise in 1 week | Light exercise in 1 week |
| More strenuous exercise in 2 weeks | More strenuous exercise in 2 weeks |
| Compression garment may be recommended for 2 weeks post procedure | Compression garment recommended for 2 weeks post procedure |
| Mild bruising and swelling possible for 1 week | Mild bruising and swelling possible for 1-2 weeks |
Can male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery) be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Male breast reduction is often combined with additional liposuction to enhance body sculpting in the abdomen, flanks, and other areas. In addition, male breast reduction may be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as tummy tuck, blepharoplasty, fat grafting, rhinoplasty, and facelift surgery. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery)?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your breasts to determine the distribution of excess fat and glandular tissue. He will also address your medical history to determine whether there could be underlying causes for your condition, such as hormonal imbalances or medical conditions. Specific tests may be recommended to rule out certain conditions. Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
.jpg "Male Breast Reduction Before And After Quarter View")
.jpg "Male Breast Reduction Before And After Side View")
What type of anesthesia will be used for male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery)?
The type of anesthesia will vary according to the extent of your procedure. If you are having liposuction alone, we may use twilight or general anesthesia. For liposuction combined with tissue excision, we may recommend general anesthesia. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What can I expect during male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery)?
Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on whether you are having male breast reduction with liposuction only, or liposuction combined with tissue excision. In general, male breast reduction with liposuction alone will require a shorter procedure time, usually about 1-2 hours. The procedure time for liposuction combined with tissue excision will vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but on average, the surgery usually takes 2-3 hours.* After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You may return home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery)?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you can expect to have mild bruising and swelling for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Most patients report mild pain after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
