Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynecomastia is the medical term for the development of enlarged male breasts caused by excess fat, glandular tissue, or a combination of both. Although common, gynecomastia can lead to significant self-consciousness and affect your self-esteem. At New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, we offer advanced gynecomastia treatment options to help male patients restore a flatter, more masculine chest contour.
Our experienced plastic surgeons provide confidential, compassionate care and use state-of-the-art surgical techniques tailored to your needs. We perform male breast reduction surgery at our fully accredited NYC and Long Island facilities, ensuring safety, convenience, and a high standard of care.
To schedule a consultation for male breast reduction surgery, please contact NYPS Group today.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia affects up to 70 percent of men, often beginning during adolescence.1 The condition results in the appearance of excess breast tissue, which may include fatty tissue, excess skin, and/or glandular tissue. In some cases, hormonal imbalances, obesity, or certain medications contribute to the development of gynecomastia.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
The cause of gynecomastia is often multifactorial and can include:
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., increased estrogen or decreased testosterone)
- Obesity or weight gain
- Use of anabolic steroids or certain prescription medications
- Herbal testosterone supplements
- Puberty-related hormonal changes
- Testicular or liver-related medical conditions
- Genetic conditions such as Klinefelter Syndrome or Gilbert’s Syndrome
- Alcohol or marijuana use2
- Idiopathic – no identifiable cause
Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for male breast reduction if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Maintain a stable weight
- Do not smoke or use recreational drugs
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Are bothered by the appearance of enlarged male breasts3
It’s important to disclose your full medical history during your initial consultation so your plastic surgeon can assess any medical conditions or medications that may be contributing to gynecomastia.
Preparing for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
During your consultation, we will design a personalized treatment plan and explain every step of the process. To prepare for your male breast reduction procedure:
- Complete any requested lab work or medical evaluations
- Stop smoking and avoid medications that may increase bleeding
- Arrange transportation for your same-day surgical procedure
- Follow pre-operative instructions closely
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery can help optimize results and minimize side effects. Our team will guide you through each stage to ensure a smooth experience.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
Depending on the underlying cause and severity, male breast reduction surgery may involve liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both. Our surgeons use small incisions, often placed discreetly around the areola or in the armpit, to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin.
- Liposuction is ideal when fatty tissue is the primary cause of enlargement
- Surgical excision is recommended when there is a significant amount of glandular tissue or sagging skin
Male breast reduction can typically be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation in an outpatient setting. Most procedures take 1 to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
Recovery After Male Breast Reduction
After your surgical procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. These side effects are temporary and can be managed with medication and proper post-operative care.
- Most patients return to light activities within a few days
- A compression garment may be worn to minimize swelling and support the chest area
- Sutures are usually removed during a follow-up visit
Healing timelines vary, but final results begin to take shape within a few weeks as swelling subsides and the new chest contour becomes more visible.4
Risks and Considerations
As with any cosmetic surgery, gynecomastia surgery carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, asymmetry, or scarring. Choosing a highly experienced plastic surgeon significantly reduces these risks. We will review all potential side effects and safety measures during your consultation.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
At New York Plastic Surgical Group, every treatment plan is customized based on your anatomy, goals, and medical history. We may use advanced tools such as 3D imaging to help you visualize your potential results before surgery. Your surgeon will guide you through pre-operative preparation, surgical options, and follow-up care to help you achieve the best outcome.
FAQs About Gynecomastia Surgery
How do I know if I have gynecomastia or just excess fat?
Gynecomastia usually involves both fatty tissue and glandular tissue, which can make the chest feel firm and protruding beneath the nipple. A plastic surgeon can diagnose the condition during your consultation.
Will the results of my male breast reduction surgery be permanent?
Yes, in most cases the results are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and avoid drugs or substances that can trigger recurrence.
Can liposuction alone treat my gynecomastia?
Liposuction is effective for cases primarily involving fatty tissue. If there is significant glandular tissue or skin laxity, surgical excision may be needed.
How visible will my scars be?
Surgeons place incisions strategically, often around the areola or in natural creases, to minimize visible scarring. Typically, the scars are designed at the border of the pigmented skin of the areola. Patients with significant excess skin may require longer scars along the lower breast fold and possibly replacement of the nipple as a full-thickness skin graft. Most scars will fade over time.
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Because it is often considered a cosmetic procedure, gynecomastia surgery is usually not covered by insurance. However, financing options may be available.
Schedule Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation Now!
Gynecomastia is not something you have to live with. If you are struggling with enlarged male breasts and want to feel confident in your chest again, male breast reduction surgery may be the right solution. Contact New York Plastic Surgical Group today to schedule a confidential consultation at one of our convenient New York City locations. Discover how our experienced team can help you regain a more masculine chest and renewed self-confidence.
1 Johnson RE, Murad MH. Gynecomastia: pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(11):1010-1015. doi:10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60671-X. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2770912/. Accessed May 12, 2025.
2 Mayo Clinic. Gynecomastia. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gynecomastia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351793 Accessed May 12, 2025.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gynecomastia Surgery Candidates. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/candidates. Accessed May 12, 2025.
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/recovery. Accessed May 12, 2025.
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