Gynecomastia surgery, or a male breast reduction, is a procedure that reduces enlarged male breasts and sculpts a more confident and masculine chest in men. Gynecomastia is the condition of enlarged breast tissue in men. It often arises as a result of hormonal imbalances, but it may also stem from genetic predispositions, obesity, or as a side effect of medication. When hormonal treatments or medication adjustments fail to address the condition, this procedure provides an effective path toward a flatter chest and enhanced confidence and masculinity.
Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founder of New York Surgical Arts, dedicated to helping each patient feel comfortable in their own skin. He focuses on creating natural-looking results that enhance your anatomy, avoiding an “overdone” or “worked on” appearance.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a strong, masculine chest, we encourage you to schedule your personal consultation by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or wish to schedule your personal consultation over the phone, call our Manhattan or Garden City offices at (516) 746-0155.
Contents
About Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that is characterized by the enlargement of glandular and fatty breast tissue in men. This condition can affect men at any stage in life, with prevalence ranging from 90% in newborns to 50% to 70% in adolescents and elderly men. (1) Gynecomastia can arise from several factors, such as medications, obesity, underlying health conditions, and more, but it primarily results from an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. (2) When gynecomastia is a result of excess fat, it may also be referred to as pseudogynecomastia. (3)
At New York Surgical Arts, we offer gynecomastia surgery to restore balance to your physique by eliminating excess breast tissue. More and more men choose to address this concern, with more than 26,400 gynecomastia procedures performed in the U.S. in 2024 alone. (4)
Benefits
Gynecomastia treatment offers a variety of advantages for patients. Several notable benefits include:
- Improved Chest Sculpt: This procedure creates a flatter, more defined, and masculine chest, enhancing overall appearance and figure.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Male breast reduction can eliminate the embarrassment of enlarged breasts, boosting your self-esteem and mental well-being.
- Enhanced Clothing Options: You will be able to wear more fitted shirts and swimwear without feeling self-conscious.
- Greater Comfort: For many, reducing breast tissue can lead to greater physical comfort, especially during physical activities.
- Long-Lasting Results: With the proper maintenance and lifestyle habits, the results of gynecomastia treatment can be permanent.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Dr. Andan will tailor your gynecomastia treatment to address your unique case, ensuring individualized results that meet your aesthetic goals.
Candidates
You may be a candidate for our gynecomastia treatments if you have enlarged breasts that persist despite dieting, regular exercise, or medications. If you have recently undergone a significant weight transformation, you will need to maintain a stable weight for several months before treatment. Candidates should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations about what this procedure can accomplish. After evaluating your medical history and breast tissue, Dr. Andan will determine whether or not you are a candidate.
Personal Consultation
The first step to recontouring your chest and reclaiming your masculinity is attending a consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Andan will discuss what gynecomastia treatment entails and how it can sculpt your chest. He will review your medical history and discuss your goals and concerns. He will also evaluate the condition and overall anatomy of your chest. Throughout the consultation, Dr. Andan will answer any questions you may have about your procedure.
Using this information, he will craft your personalized treatment plan, recommending the best techniques to help you achieve a flatter, more proportionate chest. He will also provide preparation and recovery instructions so you know what to expect in advance.
If you are ready to start recontouring your chest, we ask that you submit our online contact form or call our office directly at (516) 746-0155.
Preparation
When preparing for your gynecomastia treatment, Dr. Andan may ask you to undergo a medical evaluation or lab testing to gain medical clearance. He will also ask you to refrain from taking blood-thinning medications or supplements in the days leading up to your appointment. You will need to stop using nicotine at least six weeks before your procedure, and avoid alcohol for several days before and after the appointment. We also strongly recommend arranging for a trusted friend or family member to attend your appointment alongside you or to arrange transportation home.
Procedure
Dr. Andan’s main gynecomastia treatment method is surgical excision, especially in cases where there is more glandular breast tissue than fatty breast tissue. Gynecomastia surgery often begins with the administration of general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to keep you comfortably asleep throughout treatment.
Once you are comfortable, Dr. Andan will place incisions around the chest. As he places incisions, he keeps them in places where they will hide within the natural contours of your chest, often around the areola. After placing incisions, he will remove excess skin and glandular tissue. Once he achieves your desired chest sculpt, he will close the incisions and allow you to rest.
Sculpting a more masculine chest is not always a one-and-done procedure, and Dr. Andan may perform additional procedures to help you achieve a more confident appearance, such as reshaping or repositioning your nipple-areolar complex or performing liposuction of the chest.
Recovery
Each individual’s recovery timeline will vary depending on the details of their treatment plan. After a male breast reduction, you will need to take time away from work and social commitments to focus on resting and recovering. Dr. Andan will provide you with a compression garment to help minimize any potential swelling and to maintain the shape of your newly contoured chest. You may experience bruising or tenderness, and Dr. Andan may prescribe medications to manage discomfort. Most patients can return to work within 1–2 weeks, but they must avoid high-impact and physical activities until Dr. Andan approves. You will receive a set of personalized recovery instructions.
Results
You will likely notice immediate improvements after your surgery; however, the full results will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. You will be able to enjoy a flatter, smoother, and more masculine appearance that aligns more closely with your ideal physique. Many men report improvements in their self-esteem after their procedure, even when they are going shirtless at the beach or pool or wearing more fitted shirts. Any scarring will remain minimal, often fading significantly over time. Alongside healthy lifestyle habits, the results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent, allowing you to enjoy your newfound confidence for years to come.
Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in New York City
The cost of your gynecomastia surgery will depend on the extent of treatment, desired results, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and a handful of other factors. Dr. Andan will discuss the cost of your treatment with you during your consultation. We accept several different payment methods for your convenience. New York Surgical Arts also offers flexible financing options to help you achieve your goals without a burden.
To learn more about the cost of your personalized gynecomastia procedure, we encourage you to schedule a personal consultation online or call our office directly at (516) 746-0155.
FAQ
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue.
What causes the enlargement of male breasts?
Several factors can lead to gynecomastia, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and genetic traits. A thorough evaluation will help determine the cause in individual cases.
Can gynecomastia be treated without surgical intervention?
Yes, some non-surgical treatments exist, including hormonal imbalance treatments. However, these are not always effective for all patients, and surgery is often the best option for lasting results.
How long will my gynecomastia surgery recovery take?
Most patients experience a return to regular activities within a week, while complete healing may take several months, with ongoing improvements noticeable during this period.
Are there risks involved with gynecomastia treatment?
As with any surgical procedure, risks do exist, including infection, scarring, or changes in nipple sensation. However, these can often be minimized with proper surgical techniques and care.
References
- Bailey SH, Guenther D, Constantine F, Rohrich RJ. Gynecomastia Management: An Evolution and Refinement in Technique at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2016;4(6):e734-e734. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000000675
- Vandeven HA, Pensler JM. Gynecomastia. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2023. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/#article-37489.s9
- Polat S, Cuhaci N, Evranos B, Ersoy R, Cakir B. Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;18(2):150. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.129104
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published June 2025. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf