Gynecomastia Surgery on Long Island & NYC
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, or large male breasts, can be treated by removing excess breast tissue to create a flatter and more masculine, contoured chest. Patients with gynecomastia typically have had this condition since adolescence.
Problems with Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia causes extreme embarrassment in most cases and patients avoid social situations such as being seen on the beach or in the locker room. Adolescents and adults with gynecomastia suffer the emotional consequences of being teased by others, and can unfortunately experience a profound lack of self-esteem. By restoring a natural-looking, masculine and contoured chest, gynecomastia surgery can dramatically increase the patient’s self confidence.
A Variety of Treatment Options
Dr. Arnold Breitbart tailors the procedure to treat specific problems of each individual. Liposuction is usually used in conjunction with gynecomastia surgery to finely sculpt the breast and eliminate any excess fat. For some patients, Liposuction alone can reduce the breast fullness. In other patients, excess breast tissue or skin may need to be directly excised. The goal in all patients is to create a flatter masculine chest, while minimizing scars. In virtually all patients, scars can be placed at the edge of the areola. These scars are typically hardly visible, or not visible at all.
Recovery & Results
Patients can usually return to school or work within a few days after surgery. Most patients have very little pain. A compression garment is worn for a few weeks after surgery in order to reduce swelling and expedite the final appearance. Gynecomastia surgery causes an immediate dramatic improvement of the chest shape, and the contour continues to improve over the following weeks as all swelling resolves.
Benefits of Gynecomastia
Following gynecomastia surgery, patients typically experience a dramatic improvement in self-esteem and a newly found confidence among their peers. It is common for patients to become more social and less introverted following gynecomastia surgery, as their self-confidence significantly improves and they no longer are afraid of revealing their chest in public.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
The healing process and timeline for male breast reduction to treat gynecomastia vary from patient to patient. Each procedure is customized to suit your individual needs, and the recovery depends on your natural healing properties, pain tolerance and the extent of the breast surgery.
In most cases of gynecomastia, there is an excess of both fatty tissue and breast glandular tissue. These cases typically involve liposuction of the fatty component and direct excision of the glandular component. Incisions are usually made at the lower edge of the areola. They generally heal with a scar that is barely visible or not visible at all. When there is skin excess or substantial drooping of the breasts, skin excision may also be required. In cases where there is only fatty tissue excess, liposuction alone may adequately treat the condition. The type of procedure will directly impact your recovery.
Initial recovery from male breast reduction takes less than a week, and most patients can return to work or school after a few days. During this time, you need to avoid strenuous activity to promote healing and prevent complications. You will have a compression garment to help ease swelling. You need to wear the support garment for a few weeks for the best results.
A drain (thin, hollow tube) may be placed to drain fluid that may accumulate under the skin. Drains are typically removed the day after surgery. Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches under the skin, so no stitch removal is required. Itchiness is common following surgery but be sure not to scratch the area.
You may use over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to ease the discomfort during recovery, which will depend on your pain tolerance and the type of procedure. Most patients do not require prescription pain medication.
Post-Op Recovery Tips
Our board-certified plastic surgeon has these tips to help you through the recovery process after male breast reduction:
- Follow post-operative instructions
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Wear compression garments as directed
- Eat a nutritious diet
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Take the appropriate amount of time off work or school
- Wear loose-fitting clothing initially that does not require substantial raising of your arms
- Have a caregiver for the first 24 hours
- Limit strenuous physical activity until cleared to do so
Male Breast Reduction Results
Men typically see an immediate, dramatic improvement in their chest shape, which continues to look even better as the swelling subsides. The goal of male breast reduction is to provide a masculine contour with minimal scars. Dr. Breitbart usually places the incisions at the edge of the areola, so they are hardly noticeable, or not noticeable at all after recovery. Most of the swelling is gone within a few weeks after the surgery.
Gynecomastia FAQs
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the male breast. It is quite common, and for most patients, develops during adolescence and can persist. Although rarely associated with hormone problems or certain medications, it usually has no specific cause and can be treated effectively with surgery.
Can gynecomastia surgery be performed with Liposuction?
Liposuction is usually used to remove the fatty component of the enlarged breast tissue. In some patients, Liposuction alone can effectively treat the gynecomastia. In other patients, a small incision is made at the edge of the areola to remove any firm breast tissue that cannot be effectively treated with Liposuction alone.
Where are the scars?
The scars are placed at the edge of the areola. These scars generally heal well and are either invisible or barely visible.
How long do I have to wear a compression garment?
A compression garment is worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery. This helps to reduce swelling and expedite healing.
What Is the Recovery Timeline for Male Breast Reduction?
Following the post-op instructions provided by Dr. Breitbart and attending your follow-up visits are vital for the recovery process and your results. The general timeline for healing includes:
- 1-3 Days: You can expect to experience some tightness, tenderness and discomfort in your chest right after surgery, managed with pain medications. Drains are removed the day after surgery. Wear your compression garment, and avoid getting the area wet for the first 72 hours.
- 1 Week: Pain and swelling decreases. Return to work within a few days and resume light physical activity. Continue to use the compression garment and avoid strenuous physical activity.
- 2 Weeks: You may start to feel like your usual self with little to no pain performing daily activities. Continue avoiding vigorous exercises, especially ones that involve the pectoral muscles. Wear compression garments at least 12 hours a day.
- 3-4 Weeks: Dr. Breitbart may clear you for regular exercise. You may stop wearing compression garments, and the swelling from the procedure should be mostly gone after four weeks.
- 4-6 Weeks: Most patients are fully recovered and free to resume all activities. You may have slight residual swelling in the chest that resolves in the coming weeks or months.
