Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction) in NYC

Gynecomastia refers to enlarged male breasts, resulting in a feminine-appearing chest in boys or men. There may be excess breast tissue in one or both breasts.

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The condition is sometimes related to hormones, occurring in babies due to estrogen from their mother’s milk or in teenagers due to fluctuating hormones. In these cases, gynecomastia usually resolves on its own once the individual reaches adulthood.  

Adult men can also have gynecomastia unrelated to hormones. It is usually a result of an individual having more breast tissue or more fat in the chest. Gynecomastia is not a disease – some men just naturally have larger breasts than other men. Certain medical conditions and medications may also contribute to gynecomastia, however.

Though it is typically a harmless condition, gynecomastia can cause much frustration and embarrassment. Men with enlarged breasts may feel self-conscious in social situations when one is expected to go shirtless, such as at the beach, locker room, or gym. For men frustrated with gynecomastia, Dr. David Rapaport is a board-certified surgeon in NYC who works with a talented team, specializing in body contouring to help you achieve a more masculine body.

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*Individual results may vary.

A Pioneer In Plastic Surgery

Why Choose Dr. Rapaport for Gynecomastia in NYC?

To have your male breast reduction procedure performed by a seasoned professional, choose double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rapaport. Dr. Rapaport, the top gynecomastia surgeon in NYC, regularly performs male body-contouring procedures to restore masculine contours.

For over 30 years, Dr. Rapaport has helped patients safely and effectively address excess male breast tissue. He has won numerous awards and has been a guest speaker at medical conventions.

Before becoming the best gynecomastia surgeon in New York City, Dr. Rapaport began his medical training at Boston University, completing a six-year medical program. He graduated from Tel Aviv University with his MD.

Dr. Rapaport then completed surgical residencies at Harvard’s Beth Israel Hospital and New York University Medical Center’s Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. He followed this with a specialized Microsurgery fellowship. He has been in private practice serving NYC patients since 1998.

Meet Dr. Rapaport

Learn More About Gynecomastia

Dr. Rapaport has been treating gynecomastia for more than 30 years and knows that treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to treat gynecomastia depends on a variety of factors, including the diagnosis and how much of the problem is fat versus breast tissue. During a detailed, one-on-one consultation, we will evaluate your condition to determine the best treatment for your gynecomastia.

Most men with gynecomastia will be a candidates for some form of treatment. A good candidate for gynecomastia treatment is someone who:

  • Suffers from enlarged breasts that cause discomfort
  • Experiences self-consciousness as a result of their anatomy
  • Is in good physical and mental health with no major medical issues
  • Is a healthy weight for their frame
  • Has found dieting and exercise do not remove the problem
  • Has reasonable expectations for their results based on consultation

Since gynecomastia can be related to excess breast tissue or excess chest fat, different patients require different techniques. Stubborn chest fat can be reduced with treatments like liposuction or CoolSculpting®, whereas breast tissue may require breast reduction surgery. We take a personalized approach based on your unique needs and goals. He will most likely recommend one of the following treatment options for gynecomastia.

Liposuction

Liposuction is the gold-standard treatment for fat reduction. Dr. Rapaport and his team offer multiple types and technologies of this popular treatment, all of which involve using a cannula to suction out unwanted fat. Strategic liposuction of the chest area can significantly reduce fat for a more sculpted, masculine appearance. While liposuction does not remove breast tissue, it can reduce overall breast size to improve gynecomastia.

CoolSculpting®

For those seeking a non-surgical fat reduction, Dr. Rapaport and his team are NYC’s leading medical providers of CoolSculpting®. This innovative technology uses cryolipolysis to freeze unwanted fat cells, which the body then eliminates. CoolSculpting® requires no needles, anesthesia, or downtime.

Gynecomastia Surgery

When enlarged breast tissue is the problem and fat removal won’t help, Dr. Rapaport or another of his plastic surgeon providers may perform gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction). This involves an incision at the lower border of the areola, allowing an open procedure to remove tissue. When there is significant skin excess, another incision in the fold under the breast may be necessary.

The technique and details of your gynecomastia treatment will be determined during your consultation. The procedure, anesthesia, and recovery time will vary depending on the methods used.

Liposuction

Dr. Rapaport and his team of plastic surgeons perform tumescent liposuction, sometimes with additional technologies like BodyTite or VASER® Lipo. Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a local anesthetic and epinephrine solution into the treatment area, reducing bruising and recovery time. Dr. Rapaport and his team of plastic surgeons then use a thin tube called a cannula to break apart and suction out fat. 

Liposuction typically only requires IV sedation and local anesthesia. The procedure may take a couple of hours, depending on how many areas are treated.

CoolSculpting®

Patients whose primary concern is excess fat in the chest and who are comfortable with moderate, gradual improvements may benefit most from CoolSculpting® as a non-surgical option. CoolSculpting® is painless, requiring no sedation or anesthesia. Patients can have multiple areas treated simultaneously with CoolSculpting® Elite. Other common treatment areas include the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs.

Depending on the size and number of treatment areas, a CoolSculpting® session takes 30 minutes to two hours. Patients may need two or more sessions for optimal results, with up to 25% fat reduction in the treated area a few months after each CoolSculpting® treatment.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Breast reduction is the most invasive treatment for gynecomastia. The procedure typically requires general anesthesia and may take a few hours. Dr. Rapaport and his team of plastic surgeons will make incisions under the areola and sometimes under the breast, meaning there may be visible scars. Male breast reduction surgery may offer the best results for significant cases of gynecomastia, allowing Dr. Rapaport and his team of plastic surgeons to remove excess skin, fat, and breast tissue to contour the chest.

Recovery time and aftercare will vary depending on the procedure you undergo to reduce chest size. In the case of surgical excision, drains may be placed to help remove excess fluids, and you may need to wear a compression garment to promote faster healing. Swelling, minor bruising, and discomfort are normal for several days after surgery. You should take a few days off work and avoid strenuous exercise for at least three weeks. 

Body contouring treatments like liposuction and CoolSculpting® typically have less downtime than an open procedure like breast reduction. With liposuction, you should still plan to rest for a few days. Many patients can return to light exercise within a week or two. CoolSculpting® requires no downtime. You may have minor soreness, bruising, or swelling for a few days, but you can resume daily activities immediately.

If you undergo a surgical procedure like liposuction or breast reduction, you’ll see immediate results. The chest will be more contoured and masculine thanks to reduced fat and breast tissue, but these improvements will continue to evolve for up to six months as swelling subsides. Patients who choose a non-surgical treatment like CoolSculpting® may need to wait longer for results. It takes the body several weeks to flush out the destroyed fat cells, with optimal results typically seen a few months after two or three treatments.

Gynecomastia repair is a permanent procedure that is highly effective and has an excellent track record in terms of patient satisfaction. CoolSculpting®, liposuction, and male breast reduction all yield permanent results. However, adhering to a healthy regimen in terms of diet and exercise is an important part of maintaining your results. Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, and overeating can only reverse what you have worked to achieve with treatment.

Take the Next Step

Every patient’s transformation journey at Rapaport Plastic Surgery begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Rapaport. To learn more about gynecomastia treatment and determine if it’s the right choice for you, fill out the form below or call us at (212) 249-9955 to schedule an appointment. Our team is dedicated to providing the best plastic surgery NYC has to offer.

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