What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men that is caused by a hormone imbalance as a result of puberty, aging, or as a side effect of medication. It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from enlarged male breasts at some point in their life, often resulting in physical and emotional discomfort.
If you are affected by gynecomastia and would like to learn more about male breast reduction in New York City, visit renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz has a track record of providing excellent body contouring results, and over the years he has helped countless male patients safely enjoy a flatter, firmer chest.
Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
Candidates for gynecomastia surgery have excessive fat and/or glandular tissue on the chest. This may be caused by one of the following factors:
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal imbalance
- Drug use (e.g., marijuana, steroids)
Gynecomastia is typically not caused by a serious medical issue, although these are assessed during your initial consultation. Dr. Schwartz takes down a detailed medical history, including chronic conditions and current medications, to ensure all patients are healthy.
In addition to physical health, psychological stability is important. Ideally, candidates should understand the risks of surgery and have reasonable expectations. These topics are discussed during consultation.
How Male Breast Reduction Surgery is Performed
Gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at Dr. Mark Schwartz’s NYC cosmetic surgery facility. Anesthesia is used for patient comfort and safety.
If the patient’s breasts are mostly fatty tissue, liposuction alone provides sufficient results. Dr. Schwartz makes several small incisions on the edge of the areola and underarm and uses a slender tube called a cannula to break up the fat. Then, he uses gentle suction to remove the fat from the chest.
If the patient’s breasts have excess glandular tissue, Dr. Schwartz uses surgical excision techniques in addition to liposuction. He makes a small incision around the edge of the areola (darkly colored skin surrounding the nipple). Through the incision, he excises the glandular tissue.
In extreme cases where Dr. Schwartz must remove large amounts of fat and/or glandular tissue, the patient is often left with excess saggy skin. Dr. Schwartz removes this excess skin over the new chest contours. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and covered with a surgical dressing.
Regardless of the technique, a compression garment is placed around the chest to help control post-operative swelling. It is typically worn two to three weeks.
Recovering from Gynecomastia Surgery
The chest area may be sore, swollen and bruised immediately following surgery. These side effects are temporary and subside within a week of surgery. Oral medication can be taken as prescribed to alleviate any pain.
Gynecomastia surgery patients are advised to limit their activity level and rest as much as possible during recovery. Short walks are encouraged to promote blood circulation. Bending, heavy lifting and straining must be avoided.
Every patient recovers at their own pace, and it is important to refrain from rushing back to work, exercise and other normal activities. Dr. Schwartz follows up with the patient periodically during the recovery period to check the healing progress and advise when it is safe to return to regular activities.
Patients notice results almost immediately after surgery. Results continue to improve as the swelling subsides and the area heals. Scarring fades over time until it is hardly noticeable.
Why Choose Dr. Mark Schwartz
If you need male breast reduction in New York City, visit Dr. Mark Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz is an experienced cosmetic surgeon that can provide immediate results for patients seeking gynecomastia treatment. Dr. Schwartz is an active member of prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York County Medical Society, allowing him to continually educate himself on the latest male breast reduction techniques and technological developments. Visit his patients reviews to see why Manhattan gynecomastia patients choose Dr. Schwartz for their procedure.
