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PROCEDURES / BREAST
Gynecomastia
on Long Island
Breast reduction surgery isn’t just for women—men can also suffer from excessive breast tissue growth that affects their self-esteem and causes physical pain and frustration.
At Harris Plastic Surgery, we help many men with gynecomastia on Long Island. It’s not an uncommon condition, and surgical intervention can resolve it.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which a man develops excess breast tissue in one or both breasts. While it most commonly occurs in older men or adolescents with hormonal imbalances caused by puberty, it can affect men of all ages.
Males with gynecomastia don’t just suffer from low self-esteem or emotional distress related to their condition—they may also have physical discomfort in their chests as well as in their necks and backs due to the weight. Sometimes, they may restrict their physical activities to avoid discomfort.
Some men may try to tackle the issue with exercise and diet changes. However, gynecomastia is marked by the growth of fat and breast tissue, and no calorie deficit or exercise can eliminate tissue. Additionally, lifestyle changes don’t always address the root cause of the condition.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is usually a result of a hormonal imbalance—specifically, the individual has a spike in their estrogen levels when compared to their testosterone levels. While gynecomastia can happen at any time, we typically see it occur in the following scenarios:
Aging
As men age, their testosterone levels may decrease, leading to an increase in estrogen relative to testosterone.
Medications
Certain medications, including some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and steroids, can cause gynecomastia.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to gynecomastia.
Puberty
Hormonal changes during puberty can cause temporary gynecomastia in some boys. This usually resolves itself.
Treatment for Gynecomastia on Long Island
Male breast reduction surgery is a safe and effective solution for men who are struggling with gynecomastia. The procedure involves the surgical removal of excess breast tissue. It can be completed under general anesthetic on an outpatient basis, meaning there’s no overnight hospital stay.
The surgeon will make small incisions around either your areola or under your arm to access the tissue. It’s then removed using a combination of surgical excision techniques and liposuction. If there is a significant amount of skin excess, more skin excision and repositioning of the nipple may be required to create a more natural-looking chest contour.
The incisions are closed with internal dissolving sutures, and the patient is given a compression garment to wear to support healing and reduce swelling. While recovery time will vary depending on your age and physical health, most patients are able to return to work after one to two weeks.
Why Choose Harris Plastic Surgery for Male Breast Reduction?
At Harris Plastic Surgery, we understand that gynecomastia can be a sensitive issue for many men, and we take a compassionate and personalized approach to our patients’ care. We work closely with each patient to understand their unique concerns and goals, and we create a customized breast reduction treatment plan to help them achieve the best possible results.
If you are struggling with gynecomastia on Long Island, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Harris today to schedule a consultation. With his extensive experience and compassionate bedside manner, he can help you achieve the results you deserve with male breast reduction surgery.