Gynecomastia is the enlargement of glandular breast tissue in men and can affect one or both breasts. For some men, the condition causes tenderness or physical discomfort; for others, the primary concern is feeling self-conscious about the appearance of the chest. At Funt Aesthetics, Dr. David K. Funt is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with decades of experience in cosmetic surgery and body contouring.
When enlarged breast tissue does not improve on its own or with treatment of an underlying cause, gynecomastia surgery can create a flatter, firmer chest. The procedure may remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and, when necessary, loose skin.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can develop when changes in hormone balance affect breast tissue. It commonly occurs during puberty and may also develop with aging. Certain medications, anabolic steroids, some medical conditions, and other substances may contribute as well.
Excess chest fat can sometimes resemble gynecomastia without an increase in glandular tissue. Because treatment depends on the cause of the fullness, determining whether the chest contains excess fat, glandular tissue, or both is an important part of planning surgery.
What Can Gynecomastia Surgery Improve?
Men who feel self-conscious or physically uncomfortable because of enlarged breasts may consider male breast reduction surgery. The goal is to reduce unwanted fullness and create a chest contour that looks flatter and better proportioned to the rest of the body.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
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Excess glandular breast tissue
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Localized fat in the chest
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Uneven enlargement between the two sides
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Loose skin associated with more significant enlargement
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Enlarged or stretched areolas in certain cases
The amount of correction required varies, so the surgical approach depends on the type and extent of tissue present.
How Male Breast Reduction Is Performed
Surgical correction of gynecomastia may involve liposuction, direct removal of glandular tissue, or a combination of the two. When excess fat is the primary concern, liposuction can reshape the chest through small incisions.
When firmer glandular tissue is present, an incision is made in a discreet location so Dr. Funt can remove the excess tissue directly. More extensive cases may also require removal of loose skin or adjustment of the areola.
Gynecomastia surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or, in selected cases, with sedation and local anesthesia.
Recovery and Gynecomastia Surgery Results
Swelling, bruising, and soreness are expected during early recovery. A compression garment may be recommended to help control swelling and support the new chest contour as the tissues heal.
Many patients can return to lighter daily activities relatively soon, although strenuous exercise and upper-body lifting need to be limited for longer. The chest begins to look flatter early in recovery, with the contour continuing to improve as swelling resolves over the following weeks and months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes several weeks. Many patients can return to work and light activities within a week or two, depending on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of their job.
Swelling and bruising gradually improve during the first few weeks. More strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and chest exercises, should wait until Dr. Funt determines that healing has progressed sufficiently.
Gynecomastia surgery requires incisions, so some scarring is possible. When liposuction is used alone, the incisions are small. If glandular tissue needs to be removed, an incision may be placed around part of the edge of the areola or another discreet area of the chest.
Scars usually become less noticeable as they mature. Their final appearance depends on the surgical technique, the amount of correction required, and individual healing.
Maintaining a stable weight can help preserve the chest contour after surgery. Regular exercise can strengthen the chest muscles and improve overall definition, although exercise does not remove glandular breast tissue.
Patients should also discuss medications, supplements, or substances associated with gynecomastia with an appropriate medical provider rather than stopping prescribed medication on their own.
In some cases, especially during puberty, gynecomastia may improve on its own as hormone levels stabilize. Treating an underlying medical condition or changing a medication under medical supervision may also improve certain cases.
Persistent glandular breast tissue generally does not disappear through exercise or weight loss alone. When the condition remains bothersome despite addressing other causes, surgery may be considered.
Why Choose Funt Aesthetics for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery requires careful evaluation to determine whether chest fullness is due to fat, glandular tissue, loose skin, or a combination of these factors. Dr. David K. Funt is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, with extensive training in general and plastic surgery. He has decades of experience in cosmetic and body contouring procedures and has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for more than 25 years.
Dr. Funt performs surgery in an AAAASF-accredited facility in Woodmere with support from board-certified anesthesiologists and an experienced clinical team. Each male breast reduction is planned around the patient’s chest anatomy, degree of enlargement, and goals, with attention to proportion, discreet incisions, and a natural-looking contour.
Consider Gynecomastia Surgery in Long Island & Nassau County, NY
Gynecomastia surgery can reduce excess breast tissue and help create a flatter, more defined chest when enlarged male breasts remain a concern. Funt Aesthetics provides individualized male breast reduction planning for patients throughout Long Island and Nassau County, NY. To discuss your concerns and treatment options, call 516-295-0404 to schedule a consultation with Funt Aesthetics.
