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Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia is a common condition in which male breast tissue becomes enlarged. It can occur at any time of life, affecting newborns, adolescents and older men, usually as a result of decreased testosterone production. Gynecomastia is also caused by certain medications. While it’s not physically harmful in itself, gynecomastia may be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition such as testicular cancer. The tissue is often tender or painful, but the most common problem for men are the social and psychological problems associated with enlarged breasts.

Despite affecting between 40 and 60 percent of men, it is rarely discussed. Many men feel embarrassed to talk about it, and they may not be aware of the medical solutions available to them. In New York City, male breast reduction surgery can be performed to help eliminate the problem.

Planning male breast reduction in New York City

The process of gynecomastia correction begins with a private consultation. Dr. Loeb, a leading NYC-based plastic surgeon, will discuss your condition and explain the various surgical options available to you. Measurements will be taken to determine your skin laxity and elasticity, the symmetry of your breasts, and the volume of excess tissue.

After conducting an examination and a comprehensive review of your medical history, he will recommend the correct type of surgery for your body type and lifestyle. The consultation is designed to help you prepare for surgery, and will include specific advice about diet and medication, both pre- and post-op.

Male breast reduction surgery

As a New York City plastic surgery specialist, Dr. Loeb employs several of the latest surgical techniques, each designed to meet your needs with the fewest incisions possible. The method will depend on the specific cause of your condition. If the primary reason for your gynecomastia is an excess of fatty breast tissue, liposuction will be used to remove the fat. If there is excess glandular tissue, a small incision will be made immediately beneath the areola to suck tissue directly from the breast gland.

If there is excess of skin, or an enlarged areola, incisions may be made around the areola to help reduce excess skin and to make the chest firmer. Most gynecomastia correction procedures take between two and three hours. Dr. Loeb can perform the surgery in his Manhattan office as an outpatient procedure, so there is no need for lengthy hospital stays.

If necessary, you will be given an anesthetic solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine to minimize pain and reduce the amount of bleeding. In some cases, patients will be given a sedative to help them relax during treatment. Dr. Loeb usually performs the surgery within a couple of hours. 

Recovery from gynecomastia correction surgery

This type of procedure will require a short recovery period. An elastic pressure garment is worn to prevent thickening of the scar tissue, and should be worn continuously for two weeks. After this, it can be removed during the day and worn at night for a few more weeks. Light exercise can be resumed after a week, and more strenuous exercise after three. Most patients can return to work within a week of undergoing surgery.

Post-op bruising is normal after surgery. It may be confined to the breast area, or expand into the chest and abdomen, and can appear bright red, blue, purple or black (or a combination of these). The intensity of the bruising may increase over the first three days, but will then diminish, turning a yellow-ish colour for another week, before fading altogether over the next couple of weeks. Patients should avoid exposure to the sun, as this may permanently discolor the skin.

Swelling is also common. For diffuse swelling, a cold compress will work for the first two days and a warm compress thereafter. More localized swelling will not require treatment.

Related procedures

In New York City, this surgery is most often performed as an isolated procedure. However, some men prefer to combine the procedure with other surgeries, particularly liposuction. Many patients seeking plastic surgery in New York City will want to undergo all their selected procedures at the same time, or within a very short period of time.

Dr. Loeb performs a number of surgical procedures, including breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts. The majority of procedures are performed at his Manhattan office, in his private surgical suite.

If you’d like to learn more about Manhattan male breast reduction surgery, contact Dr. Loeb’s Fifth Avenue office at 212-327-3700. A one-on-one consultation can help you decide whether the procedure is right for you.

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    New York, NY 10028
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