Breast Reduction for men (Gynecomastia) Surgery in NYC
Luqman Ali
Breast reduction for men?
Gynecomastia is a medical term used for men with enlarged breasts. The urban dictionary calls it ‘man boobs’, however, unless your aim is to offend, don’t use that term with a sufferer.
In most cases, the condition is a result of hormonal imbalance due to puberty, age, and/or as a side effect of specific medications. The most prevalent cause of gynecomastia is hormonal imbalances of estrogen and testosterone. Experts claim that 40 – 60 % of men suffer from the condition at some point in their life. For some men, the condition disappears by itself while for others, cosmetic surgery has to be performed.
Gynecomastia usually leads to a psychological effect of physical and emotional stigma. If you are not confident going shirtless in public because of male breasts, then consider getting breast reduction gynecomastia surgery in Manhattan NYC. Or if you are forced to avoid certain activities that expose your chest. The surgery is an outpatient procedure by a qualified plastic surgeon. The patients are given anesthesia to minimize discomfort and require rest for some days as well.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Besides hormonal changes, age factors, and obesity, gynecomastia can be a result of medications that include the hormone estrogen or anti-androgens. These type of medications block the body’s use of testosterone that can cause enlarged breasts. The medicines include those used in the treatment of prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, antidepressants, and chemotherapy.
Many men also use steroids to build muscle mass and enhance their physique. Unfortunately, sometimes these drugs cause unwanted consequences such as gynecomastia.
Excessive use of alcohol and drugs such as marijuana can also cause the male breast to gain significantly.
Tests to Establish Gynecomastia
Most gynecomastia specialists require a comprehensive medical checkup of their patients before performing any operation. The first thing the doctor will want to establish is whether the breast swelling is gynecomastia. Other health conditions that result in breasts swellings in men include mastitis, breast cancer, or pseudo-gynecomastia (fatty breast tissue). Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history, which involves asking questions about drug history and any health conditions that that run in your family. Also, physical examinations will follow on your genitals, abdomen, and breast tissue. The doctor will do the following tests to determine the cause of your breast swelling, namely mammograms and other additional tests if need be.
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
Usually, the doctor will try to establish the cause of the gynecomastia. Sometimes gynecomastia is caused by medications, and in such a case, the doctor will recommend substituting the drugs with medications with fewer side effects. For some cases, the doctor may want to do a periodic assessment over some time.
The doctor will set up appointments with the patient every three or six months to see if there is any improvement in the condition. Some men with gynecomastia recover over time without any treatment with the condition disappearing after a period of two years. If the condition persists or the patient experiences pain or too much embarrassment, then cosmetic surgery options have to be considered.
Evaluations to Establish Your Health Condition
The cosmetic surgeon will want to establish if you are in optimal health for the breast reduction procedures. Some health situations may see the doctor postponing or refusing to perform breast reduction procedures altogether. Individuals who are above the age of fifty, have significant sun damage, or are below the normal BMI are usually denied the operation.
The things the doctor will check to know if the operation can be performed include:-
• If you are recovering from another medical procedure
• If you are taking medications that are blood thinners that prevent clotting
• If your medications have steroids
• If you are a heavy smoker or alcoholic
• If you are dealing with a serious medical condition like cancer
• Your age
Consult a Gynecomastia surgeon in Manhattan NYC
Gynecomastia should not put you down. If you have gynecomastia, the first thing you should do is to consult a certified cosmetic surgeon. You can restore your natural appearance within a short time.
Doctors normally require interested individuals to lose weight through diet, exercise, and other methods to reach the average BMI before the surgery. It is also important to have a sufficient amount of skin elasticity to ensure skin contracts adequately post-operation.
To find out if you are a suitable candidate, consult with a reputable and qualified expert for breast reduction gynecomastia surgery in Manhattan. The plastic surgeon will discuss your lifestyle, including drinking and substance abuse habits and check your skin elasticity during the initial consultation to assess your candidacy.
How is the surgery performed?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction. Advanced techniques have made it possible to have short surgeries, quick recovery periods, and invisible scars.
There are two main ways of dealing with gynecomastia, either through liposuction or breast reduction with tissue excision. Sometime both procedures may be performed. It is only after consulting a qualified doctor is when you will know how your particular condition will be treated.
Liposuction
As we mentioned above, the surgery is an outpatient process that is performed under general anesthesia. If the breast contains mainly fatty tissues, the plastic surgeon makes several small incisions and uses a slender tube called the cannula to break up the fat. Gentle suction is then applied to remove the fat from the chest. Traditionally, this method is called liposuction and is effective in removing the fat from a specific area.
Consult with a surgeon and see if this is the right fit for you. Your Dr may have some ideas and suggestions to make sure this is what you need.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is another procedure that at first glance looks liposuction, but CoolSculpting is a noninvasive option where the fat is frozen and dies, eventually passing through your digestive system and out your body.
CoolSculpting is much more effective if the man’s breasts are actually formed of fat tissue.
Remember, the chest will be left with saggy skin if no exercise regime is followed.
Male Breast Reduction with Tissue Excision
If the breast of the patient contains an excessive amount of glandular tissues, the performing doctor will apply surgical techniques besides liposuction. It is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat, excess skin, and glandular tissue. During this procedure, he or she would make cuts around the areola or the darker part of the breast and excise the tissue.
Once the desired results of the surgery are exhibited, the doctor will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures and surgical dressing.
Most men who undergo the male breast reduction notice dramatic improvements, and modern advancements are making it possible to have minimal scarring. The procedures are performed on teenagers and adults alike.
Recovering from the operation
Although, the patient is usually allowed to go home after 4 – 6 hours, adequate post-operative care is necessary after the breast reduction surgery.
Initially, the treated area will feel sore and swollen following the surgery. However, these are side effects of the surgery and usually go away within a week or two. The doctor will also prescribe oral painkillers and antibiotics to help in the healing process.
The patients are also restricted from excessive physical activity. The more the rest, the better! However, small walks are encouraged to promote healthy blood flow along with a healthy diet intake. It is also essential to refrain from rushing back to work and consult with the doctor to check the healing process before resuming regular activities.
However, the results of the surgery are immediately visible and continue to improve as the swelling subsides. Moreover, scarring from the surgery fades over time until it is hardly visible.
What are the risks involved with the operation?
Breast reduction (gynecomastia) surgery in NYC is considered a safe procedure with minimal to none adverse effects. However, as with all surgeries, the risk involved with removing fatty acids from the breast include:
• Reaction to the surgical agents, including the injection tools, bandage, etc.
• Bleeding risks or blood clots
• Anesthesia risks
• Breast shape irregularities
• Asymmetrical breast
• Infection
• Damage to deeper vessels of the body, such as nerves, muscles, and lungs
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor healing
• Scarring
• Any requirement of revision surgery
Your doctor will discuss all the risks involved in the surgery and take consent from you before the operation.
Maintaining your new chest contour
Male breast reduction operations yield permanent results – and any excess fat and tissue removed are gone for good. However, it is important that the patient maintain a healthy lifestyle that encompasses a nutrition-filled diet and adequate physical activity for optimal long-term results.
The patients are also advised against the use of steroids and drugs that enhance testosterone levels. Excessive amounts of alcohol are restricted, and post-op patients are prohibited from the use of marijuana.
Above all, it is important that weight gain is avoided as it can reverse the positive results from the gynecomastia surgery.
Costs of Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
Although the cost involved with the surgery depends on your unique situation and the doctor you choose, the statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that the average cost can be around $3,900.
Besides the fees of the surgeon, the overall cost of the operation includes anesthesia fees, surgical department costs, lab tests, medicines, and post-surgery garments.
In most cases, the breast reduction gynecomastia surgery is not covered by insurance. However, the factors vary. Some plastic surgeons also offer financing plans, so make sure to consult with your chosen facility regarding your payment options.
Get Psychological Support
Enlarged breasts can be quite embarrassing especially if it cannot be hidden. It can be very stressful for men in romantic relationships. It is also stressful for men who have to expose their breasts in public, for example during swimming or for teenagers who have to change in a locker room. It doesn’t matter how old you are; it is important that you find ways of coping with the psychological effects of gynecomastia by first talking and sharing about your condition with your loved ones.
It is essential that you overcome the stigma associated with enlarged male breasts. Remember that you are not alone, as mentioned earlier, about 40 to 60% of men have suffered from the condition at some point in their life.
Then it is advisable to get counseling to help with coping with the situation. You can also connect with other gynecomastia individuals through social media platform groups for support and encouragement.
Breast Reduction Gynecomastia Surgery In Manhattan NYC
Luckily Manhattan and NYC, in general, has more than a generous helping of the finest plastic surgeons. A bit of research online (If you want local specific, search Google for “gynecomastia surgeon in NYC” which should yield only results in your area.
A breast reduction surgery may be the answer to your physical and emotional issues occurred as a result of the enlarged breast. Before going for the procedure, make sure you address all concerns and questions you may have regarding the operation with your doctor and talk to them in detail of the approach they will use for your unique situation to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
References and citations
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Liposuction&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19542812/causes-of-man-boobs/