Male Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia
While it’s not uncommon for men to have enlarged breasts, most don’t talk about it or do anything to correct it. It can affect the way you look at yourself and the way you feel about your appearance. It’s always on your mind when choosing clothing. You dread having to take off your shirt at the beach. Simply put, you’re embarrassed. Male breast reduction surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group can give you a renewed sense of confidence by helping you have a more natural, masculine-looking chest.
IS MALE BREAST REDUCTION RIGHT FOR ME?
Male breast reduction improves the appearance of enlarged male breasts, also called gynecomastia. Our Albany plastic surgeons understand the self-consciousness many men and teenage boys feel because of enlarged breasts and nipples. This procedure is performed to provide a variety of improvements including:
- Reducing enlarged breasts
- Reshaping puffy, enlarged nipples
- Balancing size between uneven breasts or nipples
- Improving the appearance of large, sagging breasts after massive weight loss
- Increasing confidence while clothed and while shirtless
HOW IS MALE BREAST REDUCTION PERFORMED?
Male breast reduction is performed on an outpatient basis and is usually complete in just an hour or 2 at the surgery center near our office or, in some more limited cases, in the office. General or local anesthetic will be used depending on the type and extent of surgery your plastic surgeon has planned for you. This will be discussed in detail with you during your private consultation.
Your surgeon will make small incisions in areas that are not noticeable, such as around the nipples or in the armpits. If excess fat is the primary cause of your enlarged breasts, liposuction alone may be used to give you a more masculine look. In other cases, excess skin and breast tissue may need to be surgically excised.
HOW MUCH DOES MALE BREAST REDUCTION COST?
The cost for male breast reduction surgery is about $6,500 and will vary with the complexity of your procedure. We offer financing options to help the cost fit within most patients’ financial situations. For the most positive surgical outcome, we recommend considering your surgeon’s credentials over issues of cost.
WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
After male breast reduction surgery, it’s normal to feel sore and have some bruising and swelling. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication that will help you feel more comfortable during the first day or 2 following your surgery. Wearing a prescribed elasticized bandage will help alleviate swelling. You’ll be advised to wear this for a couple of weeks, particularly at night when sleeping. Your plastic surgeon will give you detailed postoperative instructions that will help you feel comfortable and enhance the healing process. Here’s what you can expect in general, but keep in mind that your experience may vary.
FIRST WEEK
The downtime following male breast reduction surgery is generally short. You’ll be up and walking around on the day of your procedure. Many men return to work within a couple of days.
1 TO 2 WEEKS
If stitches were placed during the surgery, they will most likely be removed in 1 to 2 weeks. If drains were used, they will be removed after a week.
2 TO 3 WEEKS
It’s important to avoid strenuous activities, heavy exercise, and contact sports for 2 to 3 weeks following your surgery.
FIRST MONTH
You will need about a month to completely recuperate before returning to your regular activities.
ABOUT SCARRING
Sunlight can affect the pigmentation of your skin, especially around the area of the incisions, and make the scars much darker than they would be if not exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, it’s important to keep a shirt on whenever you’re out in the sun for at least the first 6 weeks. If you do go swimming or otherwise expose your chest to the sun, wear sunblock and limit your exposure time.
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Why Choose The Plastic Surgery Group?
When it comes to gynecomastia surgery, experience and precision matter. Dr. Susan M. Gannon is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, having completed her residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital and a fellowship at the internationally recognized Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Institute. She approaches every procedure with a commitment to natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique body type and goals.
The Plastic Surgery Group brings together a team with decades of collective medical training and experience, offering patients the benefit of a truly collaborative practice. Surgical procedures are typically performed in our fully equipped outpatient ambulatory surgery center adjacent to our Albany office, staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists and experienced nursing personnel — combining hospital-level safety with a more personal, comfortable environment.
For men dealing with the self-consciousness that comes with gynecomastia, choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you can make. Dr. Gannon takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns and aesthetic goals, developing a personalized surgical plan designed to deliver a flatter, more masculine chest and the renewed confidence that comes with it.
Gynecomastia FAQs
What are the potential risks and complications?
Male breast reduction surgery is a safe and relatively risk-free procedure that can greatly enhance a man’s self-confidence. All surgery carries some chance of infection or an adverse reaction to anesthesia, but these conditions are very rare and, if necessary, can be effectively treated with prescribed medication.
What causes enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia)?
Enlarged male breasts can be the result of fatty or glandular tissue beneath the breasts or of excess skin tissue around the breasts. This is a relatively common condition in men and can be easily corrected through male breast reduction surgery. Causes include hormone imbalances, steroids, and certain medications, but for many patients, there is no known cause.
Does insurance cover male breast reduction surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, so it’s usually not covered by insurance. However, you should check with your insurance provider and discuss coverage in more detail with our team at The Plastic Surgery Group.
Can gynecomastia surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes, male breast reduction surgery is commonly combined with liposuction to address unnecessary fat tissue. Gynecomastia surgery can also be performed as part of a broader body contouring plan that includes procedures like a tummy tuck or arm lift. Dr. Gannon will evaluate your individual goals during your consultation and recommend the combination of procedures that will deliver the most balanced, comprehensive result.
How long will the results last?
Male breast reduction surgery produces long-lasting results, as the removed glandular tissue and excess skin do not grow back on their own. However, significant weight gain, steroid use, or hormonal changes can cause new breast tissue to develop over time, so maintaining a stable, healthy lifestyle helps preserve your outcome.
Just one of my breasts appears too large. Is this normal?
Unilateral gynecomastia — where only one breast is enlarged — is actually quite common and can result from localized hormone fluctuations, asymmetric glandular tissue development, or differences in how each breast responds to certain medications or substances. Male breast reduction surgery can be performed on one or both sides to address the asymmetry and restore a more balanced, masculine chest contour.
Will I be in the hospital?
In most cases, male breast reduction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and you’ll return home the same day of your procedure. In more complex cases, a brief hospital stay may be required.
Regain Your Confidence With Male Breast Reduction in Albany, NY
If you’re considering male breast reduction surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group invites you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Gannon to discuss your concerns and explore your options. Contact our office today to get started on the path toward a more confident, masculine appearance.
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