Things you should know before Gynecomastia Surgery

Men have just as many body standards as women to live up to, and one of those standards is not to have excessive breast tissue. Gynecomastia or excessive breast tissue is common among men. The National Institute of Health says that gynecomastia affects 31.2 percent of men between the ages of 21 and 30—a stage in life when physical appearance and fitness are emphasized. This condition can come and go for some people due to influencing factors such as weight gain and hormone changes during puberty. For some, this excess breast tissue will resolve itself over time as hormones rebalance, or after weight loss. However, that’s not always the case. For men who are embarrassed, less confident, or uncomfortable with their bodies because of gynecomastia, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger can help. At Preminger Plastic Surgery, we can help men just like you achieve a more contoured, muscular chest by removing the unwanted fat tissue in one simple procedure. If you live in New York City, let us help you decide if gynecomastia surgery is right for you by looking at three key factors of this procedure.

Understanding the causes of gynecomastia

No two people are identical, and what causes gynecomastia in one man may not influence it at all in another. In most cases, the man experienced a fluctuation of hormones at some point during his life—usually during puberty or later in life when testosterone rates drop. Estrogen rates also can fluctuate, and when they increase, men are more likely to suffer from both weight gain and gynecomastia. Certain medications, such as for blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and heartburn have been known to cause gynecomastia as a side effect. You may have tried losing weight, waiting out your hormonal flux, or even talked to your doctor about changing medicines. If none of these have worked for you, gynecomastia surgery in Manhattan may be your only option to achieve that masculine chest you desire.

What should I expect from gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is a rather straightforward procedure to remove the underlying layer of fat. At Preminger Plastic Surgery, we usually perform this by combining liposuction and excision. With liposuction, saline is injected into the breast tissue to break up stubborn fat deposits. Next, a thin metal cannula is attached, with a vacuum at the other end to suck out the excess fat. In cases of excessive skin and glandular tissue, Dr. Preminger may need to excise the tissue. Regardless of the technique used, she will take care to leave as little visible scarring as possible. The surgery typically lasts one to three hours, is performed under general anesthesia, and can be completed on an outpatient basis.

What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?

As with all types of surgery, there are potential risks and complications associated with having a male breast reduction procedure.

Though rare, the most common gynecomastia surgery risks include:

• Blood clots
• Blood thinning or excessive bleeding
• Numbness or sensitivity in the nipples
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infection
• Asymmetry in breasts
• A chest shape that is aesthetically unappealing due to changes in size or shape

Patients who undergo gynecomastia surgery can expect bruising, swelling, and some pain. You should avoid vigorous activity for about six weeks after surgery. All swelling should subside within 8-12 weeks, giving you a firmer, flatter chest.

Is gynecomastia surgery right for you?

If you have struggled with resilient excess breast tissue for an extended period of time despite trying naturally to get rid of it, then gynecomastia surgery may be for you. You don’t have to be uncomfortable taking off your shirt. Trust an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan such as Dr. B. Aviva Preminger to perform this procedure and help you regain your self-confidence.

Gynecomastia Surgery in New York City

Dr. Preminger prides herself on warmth, honesty, compassion, and patience. She is here to help you find confidence and love your body again. She wants to help you decide what options are best for your gynecomastia. She focuses on the individual patient and takes her time to tailor her expertise to each patient’s unique needs. If you want to know if gynecomastia is right for you, then contact Preminger Plastic Surgery today by calling (212) 706-1900 or request a consultation online.