Gynecomastia is a serious, but correctable condition. Manhattan-based plastic surgeon Dr. Preminger can help.

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BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY
34 year old male complained of excess breast tissue. The excess tissue was removed using power assisted liposuction.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

The overdevelopment of male breast tissue, otherwise known as gynecomastia, is a major source of embarrassment for many. The condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance and can be a result of an underlying condition or the side effect of certain prescription medications, as well as steroid use. If you have some degree of excessive breast tissue and feel insecure about your appearance, gynecomastia surgery is a safe and effective solution.

Dr. Preminger offers gynecomastia surgery for adolescent and adult patients in her Manhattan surgical suite. The procedure has proven especially helpful for those patients who are reluctant to take their shirts off in public, or have intimacy issues stemming from a psychological discomfort with their enlarged breasts. By contouring the chest and removing excess fat and tissue, the surgery will create a firmer and more masculine looking chest. Many men who have breast reduction report a significant boost in self-esteem and confidence.

BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY
34 year old male complained of excess breast tissue. The excess tissue was removed using power assisted liposuction.

QUICK FACTS

LENGTH

1-3 hours (depending on extent of procedure)

ANESTHESIA

General

IN/OUT PATIENT

Usually outpatient

SIDE EFFECTS

Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain

RISKS

Pain, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, incomplete improvement

RECOVERY

Back at work in 1-2 weeks
Resume light exercise at 2 weeks
Resume strenuous activity at 6 weeks
8-12 weeks for swelling to resolve

DURATION OF RESULTS

Usually permanent if weight is maintained and any other hormonal/medication factors have been identified and controlled

Preparation for male breast reduction

Every male breast reduction consultation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Dr. Preminger needs to determine if patients are good candidates, have realistic expectations, are in overall good health and are free of illness or conditions that would impair proper healing.

After confirming that breast growth has stabilized, Dr. Preminger may ask patients to do the following in preparation for the surgery:

  • Abstain from taking anti-inflammatories, aspirin and certain herbal supplements
  • Stop smoking
  • Take certain medications or adjust current medications

The doctor will also explain possible complications with gynecomastia surgery, which although rare, can occur. These include:

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Changes in nipple sensation
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Blood clots
  • Improper healing and unfavorable scarring

Gynecomastia surgical procedure

Surgery for gynecomastia requires exceptional skill to perform properly, thus ensuring patients have just the right amount of contouring done to give a normal, natural looking appearance. There are several techniques available to address abnormal male breast tissue, and the method chosen will depend on the amount of skin, fat and tissue involved. Many cases can be effectively performed using a combination of liposuction and excision, with minimal scarring.

If excessive skin and glandular tissue are present, Dr. Preminger may make excisions, or use a combination of excision and chest liposuction, taking care to minimize visible scars. Depending on the extent of the breast reduction needed, the surgery will last between one and three hours, and is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

Recovery & results

Even though your gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our NYC surgical suite, it’s important to have a friend or family member accompany you. After the surgery is complete, the doctor may insert a drainage tube to collect accumulated fluids. This is only a temporary measure and will be removed after one or two days. A special compression garment will help keep swelling down, and should be worn for three to four weeks.

Patients should plan at least one week off of work, and expect bruising, swelling and some pain after the surgery. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Most men are back at work within 7-14 days, and able to resume light exercise about two weeks post-operatively. Dr. Preminger encourages patients to refrain from vigorous physical activity for at least six weeks following breast reduction surgery.

In most gynecomastia surgeries, it takes a solid 6 to 8 weeks for all swelling to resolve, revealing a firmer and flatter chest. Once the final results are evident, patients typically find themselves with a renewed confidence to sport fitted T-shirts, or even go swimming at the beach without a shirt.

The results are permanent, but can be affected by some medications like steroids or atypical antipsychotics. To maintain your results, exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet, as dramatic weight gain can lead to a recurrence of the condition.

"When I tell my male patients that I can remove their breast growth, I can see their anxiety begin to fade almost immediately. It is wonderful to give these men a renewed sense of confidence."

- B. Aviva Preminger, MD

Male breast reduction in NYC

As a respected New York City plastic surgeon, one of Dr. Preminger’s greatest pleasures is derived from her daily interactions with patients. She understands the frustration and life-altering implications of gynecomastia and is committed to helping male patients overcome this hurdle.

There are times when no amount of diet or exercise can correct a hormonal problem that causes emotional distress and constant embarrassment. Learn how male breast reduction surgery can improve your self-esteem and quality of life. To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Preminger in her Park Avenue office, please submit the online contact form or call 212.706.1900.

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