What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of male breasts, which affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be the result of hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs, or heredity. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts.
All human beings, including men, have breast tissue. Men and boys sometimes experience abnormal development of the breast tissue, producing an appearance that is embarrassing in social situations. Although this condition most often occurs during puberty and in late middle age, it can develop at any age. When it occurs in pubertal boys, it often resolves with maturity.
If resolution does not occur or when gynecomastia develops later in life, male breast reduction in Bergen County and Englewood, New Jersey with Dr. Richard D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola may be necessary to give the chest a more ideal male shape.
What are the benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia is not a medical concern. However, this condition can have a profoundly detrimental effect on a man’s sense of self-esteem. Men with excess breast tissue may believe that fat is to blame and may develop unhealthy habits in an effort to reduce breast size. Men may hide their shape with clothing or with compression garments, leading them to worry about what may happen if someone were to see their real physique. Ultimately, the benefit of male breast reduction is that a man can finally feel like himself.
Male Breast Reduction Candidates
Ideal candidates for male breast reduction are otherwise healthy and have had an evaluation by their family doctor to exclude hormonal causes of abnormal breast development.
Dr. D’Amico Discusses Gynecomastia
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Several factors may contribute to the development of gynecomastia. These include:
- An imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. All men and women have both sex hormones and can experience the dominance of either. Estrogen dominance is a relatively common factor in gynecomastia.
- Adrenal or pituitary tumors or conditions.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Liver or kidney disease
- Radiation therapy of the testicles
- Hyperthyroidism
- Medications and supplements, such as some antibiotics, anabolic steroids, and tricyclic antidepressants
A thorough consultation and medical history is an integral part of understanding the cause of gynecomastia and how best to resolve its cosmetic consequences.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Depending on the severity of the problem, and the patient’s anatomy, Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola can perform a variety of solutions to achieve the best outcome. The male breast reduction procedure often requires a small incision along the nipple area, through which the breast tissue can be accessed and the appropriate segment removed.
The surgery may include liposuction, skin tightening, or a combination of both. Many men who have breast reduction also consider other cosmetic surgery procedures at the same time. Read more about all the male cosmetic surgery procedures Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola performs.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Take?
The outpatient procedure takes an average of 2 ½ hours. However, this can vary based on the surgical techniques involved. In some cases, liposuction alone can sufficiently reshape the chest. There are cases in which liposuction must be combined with glandular excision and nipple repositioning, all requiring a bit more time. During your consultation, you will learn which technique or combination thereof would be most appropriate for your gynecomastia.
Why Choose Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola?
Dr. D’Amico is a renowned expert in procedures for the breast and body, including male breast reduction.
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- Experience in thousands of breast and body surgeries
- Knowledge of variety and techniques including liposuction and direct excision
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Dr. Ferrauiola brings with her high leveled credentials, along with a younger & female perspective. They work collaboratively together on their consultations so that together they can bring you the best of both worlds.
Is gynecomastia surgery painful?
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under anesthesia so is not painful. The effects of anesthesia can also inhibit post-operative pain. Soon after the procedure, patients begin taking prescription pain medication to prevent unnecessary discomfort. This typically keeps pain to a mild soreness.
Is gynecomastia surgery safe?
Gynecomastia procedures are considered both safe and effective. It is important to obtain care from a board-certified plastic surgeon to achieve the best outcome from this treatment. Without proper attention to detail and anatomy, gynecomastia surgery can lead to asymmetry or poor chest contouring.
Does gynecomastia Surgery Increase the Risk of Male Breast Cancer?
Studies indicate that there is no association between gynecomastia and breast cancer risk in men.
Can Breast Tissue Grow Back After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Fatty breast tissue can grow back after any liposuction procedure, including that which is performed for gynecomastia. However, this typically only happens if a significant amount of weight is gained. Fat does not grow back spontaneously. Furthermore, puffiness created by breast gland tissue should not recur after gynecomastia surgery that removes the gland.
Gynecomastia Treatment Before & After
What to Expect Following My Gynecomastia Surgery
Recovery from gynecomastia surgery is usually uneventful and rapid. Most patients return to non-strenuous activities of daily living within a few days. Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola will instruct you to wear a supportive vest for compression for several weeks after surgery. This is to encourage skin tightening and prevent fluid collection. Dr. D’Amico will advise you to avoid upper body exercise for the same time period. Lower body exercise, however, is acceptable as soon as you are comfortable.*
When Can I Go Back to Work After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Patients typically feel well enough to begin resuming light activities within two to three days after gynecomastia surgery. This may depend on the extensiveness of the procedure (liposuction vs. combination techniques and nipple repositioning). By one-week post-op, enough healing should have taken place to return to work. If an occupation requires heavy lifting or other strenuous activity, more time off may be needed.
What Are The Side Effects of Gynecomastia Surgery?
The side effects of gynecomastia surgery are typically limited to swelling, redness, and possibly bruising. Patients can expect to feel sore or tender for a week to 10 days. Some patients experience numbness around the nipple area that gradually improves as nerves recover. Easing back into normal activities can decrease the risk of extended discomfort.
Gynecomastia surgery also carries similar risks to other surgical procedures, including infection, bleeding, and fluid accumulation in the surgical area. Contour irregularities and damage to deeper structures is possible, which is why male breast reduction should only be conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What Our Patients Have to Say
“Very professional staff. Dr. D’Amico explains everything in great detail and plans your outcome to look natural and realistic. I’m only a few days post op and so far so good. No real pain, just a little sore. I will post an update after I’m completely healed. I definitely feel I was in the best hands possible.” – Jeanne G.
Can Gynecomastia Surgery be Covered By Insurance?
Because gynecomastia is not considered a medical condition, most insurance companies do not cover its correction. However, the cost of the procedure is generally affordable and can be made more manageable with financing.
What Alternatives are There For Gynecomastia Surgery?
It is important to undergo a thorough examination from an experienced physician to know the cause of excess breast tissue. If the breast gland is involved, nonsurgical treatment will not be successful. Nonsurgical treatment also cannot reposition the nipple or reduce nipple puffiness related to a swollen breast gland.
Schedule a Consultation
The first step in achieving your cosmetic goals is to request a consultation with Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola, serving the New York metro area. He enjoys spending time with you one-on-one to understand your objectives and give his professional opinion about the procedures that are best for you. You will never feel pressured to choose surgery and you will even have a second consultation visit (included with your fee) to bring along family or loved ones and ask follow-up questions. The consultation fee is applied to any surgical procedure you choose. We are also happy to schedule appointments by phone by calling (201) 567-9595.
* = Results may vary
