What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia is a non-cancerous condition that causes the breasts of males to enlarge due to an imbalance of hormones.
Introduction
Introduction to Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery corrects enlarged male breasts, providing them with a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest. At Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, Dr. Sotirios Papafragkou, Dr. Susie Rhee and their experienced team provide a comprehensive approach to treating gynecomastia, addressing not only the appearance but also the functional and emotional concerns associated with the condition.
Many men live with gynecomastia for years, attempting diet, exercise, or lifestyle modifications with little to no improvement. Surgical intervention offers a lasting solution that restores a natural chest contour, improves proportion, and enhances self-confidence.
Our team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island (PSAOLI) proudly serves patients throughout Long Island, including Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Garden City, and Manhasset, NY.
Before & After Gallery
Breasts may appear larger than normal, feel sore, or the nipples may appear swollen. One or both breasts may be affected.
Gynecomastia can occur due to a number of reasons, including:
- Hormonal changes during puberty, adolescence, or old age
- Certain medications, such as cimetidine, digoxin, finasteride, ketoconazole, spironolactone, thiazides, phenothiazines, theophylline, methotrexate, and imatinib
- Obesity
- Steroid use
- Medical conditions such as hypogonadism, liver failure, and kidney failure
- Medical conditions like hypogonadism, liver failure, and kidney failure.
Gynecomastia can cause psychological distress or unease due to social stigma.
- Observation
- Treatment of the underlying cause
- Liposuction
- Surgical excision
- Combination of liposuction and surgical excision
Gynecomastia is often confused with pseudo-gynaecomastia, which is an excess of adipose tissue.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Ideal candidates for our gynecomastia surgery are males in good overall health who are bothered by the appearance of enlarged breasts.
Any man who has undergone significant weight loss or experienced hormonal imbalances is often an excellent candidate.
A consultation with Dr. Papafragkou or Dr. Rhee at PSAOLI enables a thorough evaluation to determine whether gynecomastia surgery is appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?
One of the most immediate improvements is a flatter, more masculine chest contour that is proportionate to the rest of the body. The procedure can also correct asymmetry, ensuring both sides of the chest are balanced in appearance.
Surgery can also alleviate physical discomfort, including tenderness and chafing caused by excess breast tissue.
For patients who have struggled with gynecomastia for years, surgery often has a profound psychological impact, helping to restore self-esteem and overall quality of life.
What’s the First Step?
The first step is a private consultation with Dr. P at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island. During this appointment, Dr. P will review your medical history, assess the degree of breast enlargement, and examine the quality of your skin and underlying tissue.
Measurements and photographs may be taken to plan the surgical approach and track results. He will also explain the recovery process, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Our patients are encouraged to ask any questions and discuss their goals in detail. If you decide to proceed, preoperative instructions will be provided.
To schedule your consultation for gynecomastia surgery, call the office today!
What to Expect on the Day of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or IV sedation. On the day of surgery, patients are prepped and given anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety.
The procedure begins with small incisions, often around the areola or in natural creases of the chest. Excess glandular tissue and fat will be removed, and the remaining tissue will be carefully sculpted to create a smooth, natural contour. Liposuction may be used to refine the chest and improve definition.
Your incisions will then be closed with absorbable sutures, and a dressing will be applied.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Your Guide to Post-Gynecomastia Care
You will experience some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications, as well as some swelling and bruising.
Dr. P’s patients are required to wear their compression garments for at least four to six weeks to support their healing and minimize any swelling. Your normal activities can usually resume within a few days, but any other activity should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
Most Long Island patients are able to resume exercise and other physical activities after clearance from Dr. P.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Long Island, NY?
The cost of gynecomastia surgery in the Long Island area will depend on the complexity of the procedure, whether liposuction is combined, anesthesia fees, and facility costs.
At Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, each surgery is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, and a detailed cost estimate is provided during the consultation. Financing options are often available to make surgery more accessible.
To schedule your gynecomastia surgery, call the office today!
Can My Insurance Cover Gynecomastia Surgery?
Yes, insurance coverage may be possible when excess skin causes documented functional problems or health issues, such as pain, recurrent skin irritation, rashes, infections (e.g., intertrigo or dermatitis) that haven’t responded to conservative treatments like topical medications, chronic discomfort, hygiene difficulties, or restricted mobility/interference with daily activities.
Each insurance provider has its own criteria, and approval often requires detailed documentation, photos, a letter of medical necessity from your surgeon, and, in some cases, prior authorization. The best next step is to consult us so we can evaluate your situation, review your insurance policy, and help determine if pre-authorization is worth pursuing.
We work with NYSHIP, Anthem BC/BS, Aetna, Cigna, 1199, UHC, Emblem Health, and many others.
Why Choose Us?
At Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, we combine our expertise, experience, and personalized approach to deliver exceptional gynecomastia results for each client. Dr. Sotirios Papafragkou Dr. Susie Rhee and their team focus on creating a natural, masculine chest contour that enhances your overall appearance.
Dr. P’s commitment to each patient’s safety, individualized treatment plans, and aesthetic excellence has made PSAOLI a trusted choice for gynecomastia surgery on Long Island.
Dr. Susie Rhee, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients throughout Long Island, NY. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Aesthetic Society, and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), Dr. Rhee is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, education, and surgical excellence. She brings extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, as well as in non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments that deliver natural, long-lasting results.
Gynecomastia FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
Personalized Care from Two Dedicated Surgeons
If you are concerned about enlarged male breasts and want to explore your options with gynecomastia surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sotirios Papafragkou or Dr. Susie Rhee at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island. The consultation will allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion of your goals, treatment options, and expected outcomes.
Call the office or book your appointment online to take the first step toward a flatter, more defined chest.