Gynecomastia

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery) in Long Island, NY

Excess breast tissue in men is called gynecomastia. Though this condition is very common, men often find it highly distressing and embarrassing. Gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Meredith Vandegrift can remove this excess breast tissue and create a more masculine chest contour. From a small bit of puffiness to significantly developed breasts, gynecomastia surgery can help male patients achieve their desired chest appearance and feel more confident, with and without clothing. 

Gynecomastia is very treatable. Explore your options for male breast reduction Long Island at a consultation with Dr. Vandegrift. Call (631) 935-0303 with your questions.

What Is Gynecomastia? Why Does it Occur?

Both men and women have breast tissue. Due to hormones, women typically develop more pronounced breast tissue than men. However, hormonal imbalances, some medications, and weight gain can lead to the development of enlarged breast tissue in men, a condition called gynecomastia. 

Most men will experience some form of gynecomastia during their lifetime. This condition is most common during infancy, puberty, and older ages, but it can occur at any age. Gynecomastia will often resolve itself, but in some men the condition is lasting. 

Gynecomastia usually results from a hormonal imbalance. When men have higher levels of hormones like estrogen and lower levels of testosterone, it can cause breast tissue to swell with excess glandular tissue. Hormonal imbalance can come from some medical conditions, alcohol and drug use, genetics, herbal products, medications, and natural hormonal fluctuations. Increased fat stores in the chest area can also contribute to the appearance of gynecomastia.

Meet Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast and body rejuvenation that restores a youthful, supple appearance after pregnancy or weight loss.

While offering a full complement of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures including breast lift, tummy tuck, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, Dr. Vandegrift also has a special interest and expertise in both invasive and non-invasive facial rejuvenation. With a focus on keeping your look natural, she provides a holistic approach to each patient, specifically tailoring a treatment regimen that will leave you looking and feeling your absolute best.

Treating Gynecomastia: What Are the Options?

Gynecomastia is very treatable, either with lifestyle modifications or plastic surgery. Work with your doctor to explore potential causes of the problem. In some cases, men can resolve gynecomastia with changes to medications or their lifestyle. If lifestyle changes do not resolve the problem, male breast reduction surgery can usually remove the excess breast tissue and create a flatter chest contour. 

Surgical treatment for gynecomastia typically involves liposuction or surgical excision. 

  • Liposuction: Liposuction removes fat cells. Dr. Vandegrift makes small incisions near the chest and inserts a thin metal tube called a cannula into the treatment area. Then, she uses suction to loosen and remove fat cells. Liposuction usually works well for treating mild gynecomastia caused primarily by excess fat. 
  • Surgical excision: Surgical excision can remove fat and breast tissue from the chest area. By creating a small incision on or near the chest (often around the areola) and removes excess tissue can then be removed. After achieving the desired chest appearance, Dr. Vandegrift sutures the incision closed. Some patients with extensive breast development will require skin removal in combination with tissue removal. 

Liposuction and surgical excision pair well together. Surgical excision can remove breast tissue, while liposuction contours the chest and surrounding areas.

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery in Long Island

Recovery after gynecomastia surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. A small amount of liposuction requires minimal downtime, while a more extensive surgical excision with skin removal may require one to two weeks off from work. Dr. Vandegrift can provide a personalized estimation for downtime and missed work after your procedure. 

Most patients recover quickly after gynecomastia. Side effects during recovery are typically minimal and may include tenderness, bruising, and swelling. 

Limit strenuous physical activity until Dr. Vandegrift has cleared you to resume these activities.

The Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery in Long Island

Gynecomastia often adversely affects the quality of life for patients with this condition. Though many men struggle with excess breast tissue, men with gynecomastia often feel alone and embarrassed by their condition. They may struggle to remove their shirt in public, avoiding activities like swimming. Some men develop poor posture or wear oversized clothing to camouflage and hide their chest appearance.  Men with gynecomastia may also experience hesitation and embarrassment in sexual situations.

Removing extra breast tissue can help men feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.

Contact Dr. Meredith Vandegrift to Schedule Your Gynecomastia Consultation

If you’re ready to learn more about male breast reduction in Long Island, contact Dr. Vandegrift to schedule a consultation. Dr. Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures for the face and body.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery in Long Island

The amount of scarring you’ll experience after your gynecomastia surgery will depend on the amount of breast tissue present and the methods for removal. With liposuction, small incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations. These incisions are usually hard to see after healing. Incisions for surgical excision are placed to minimize the appearance of scarring as well. Often incisions are placed around the areola as the color transition hides scarring well. Most patients have minimal to no visible scarring and find that the improvement in their chest contours far exceeds any scarring that occurs. 

The cost of gynecomastia surgery varies. Dr. Vandegrift provides detailed pricing information to each patient during their consultation. 

Plan on taking one to two weeks off from work for your male breast reduction procedure. Additional time may be necessary for patients who work in physically demanding or strenuous jobs. 

From a medical standpoint, breast development in men is no cause for concern. However, men tend to find the condition acutely embarrassing. Gynecomastia surgery can help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their appearance. 

While diet and exercise are excellent options for improving your health and appearance, they may fall short in addressing gynecomastia. Gynecomastia doesn’t result from excess weight. The culprit is a hormonal imbalance that leads to breast tissue development. Surgery is one of the most effective options to quickly and permanently remove this tissue and improve the chest contours. 

Dr. Vandegrift typically performs gynecomastia surgery as an outpatient procedure. Most patients return home on the same day as their surgery and do not need an overnight stay in the hospital. We will provide you with all the details needed to have a successful male breast reduction recovery.