Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Today, gynecomastia affects roughly half of all men at some point during their lives. Most of the time it resolves without treatment but in about 15%, gynecomastia remains present. It has many causes and is not always a cause for health concerns, but the presence of male breasts can lead to emotional, mental, and psychological strain, as well as physical discomfort. While some men achieve their desired results with liposuction alone, some find that both liposuction and tissue removal is necessary for a natural look. Rarely skin removal is needed.
Dr. William J. Koenig is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 26 years of experience. He specializes in breast and body procedures and has performed over 6,000 breast augmentations throughout his years of practice.
Dr. Ashley N. Amalfi is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast and body. With her experience and innate attention to detail, Dr. Amalfi achieves personalized surgical outcomes that help patients look and feel their best.
Our plastic surgeons review a variety of factors to ensure plastic surgery is a safe choice for you.
Removing fatty tissue from the chest area can improve a man’s self-confidence and self-image. Many male breast reduction patients find they are more comfortable participating in athletic activities and feel more confident in situations where their chest is exposed. Many men who have had breast reduction surgery report that they wish they had done it sooner.
During a typical male breast reduction consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will meet with the patient one-on-one to discuss his concerns and his reasons for seeking the procedure. The patient’s medical history, current health concerns, previous surgical experiences, and current medications and supplements will be discussed to determine a patient’s eligibility for male breast reduction.
Our plastic surgeons will also perform a physical examination to determine if solely liposuction will achieve the patient’s best results or if excess skin will also need to be removed. It is common for our plastic surgeons to use liposuction in conjunction with male breast reduction. Each procedure is customized to ensure optimum results are achieved for each patient.
To be considered eligible for the procedure, all candidates for male breast reduction surgery must be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their surgical results. Additionally, prospective male breast reduction patients should have excess breast tissue, causing the appearance of breasts. Ideal candidates for male breast reduction will also be willing to work together with one of our plastic surgeons to create a surgical plan and schedule that permits enough time for proper healing from the surgery.
Our surgeons perform male breast reduction surgery under general or sedation anesthesia. On average, the procedure may last around two hours. Male breast reduction surgery includes the removal of fatty tissue, breast tissue, and rarely loose skin from the area in order to create a flatter chest.
Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to return home within hours of surgery to begin their recovery process at home. Patients are required to wear a compression vest for 3 weeks following the procedure which applies gentle pressure to the area treated to assist with healing. When worn under a shirt, this garment is not noticeable to others. Some male patients may have drainage tubes for the first 2 to 3 days after surgery, as a way to alleviate the buildup of excess fluids around the surgical area. Pain medication, cold compresses, and rest will ease pain and discomfort as the body heals. Bruising, swelling, and soreness are all typical side effects of the surgery which typically improve rapidly within the first 24 to 48 hours. Many male breast reduction patients are able to return to work within a few days of the procedure, although other physical activities may be restricted for two full weeks or more.
At Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons are specialists in breast and body procedures who provide male breast reduction patients with individualized care to deliver optimum results. They provide patients with the experience and expertise required to create natural, long-lasting results.
As a destination practice offering world-class care, the Quatela Center attracts patients from around the globe. Our virtual consultations and support program take the effort out of travelling for surgery.
Our surgeons perform all surgeries on an outpatient basis at the Lindsay House Surgery Center, a fully licensed multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center located at the Quatela Center in Rochester, New York.
Typically, the male breast reduction procedure lasts around two hours. The surgical timeframe may vary based on the measures taken to reduce the excess fatty tissue.
Most male breast reduction patients can return to work within 2 to 3 days after surgery, although individual experiences vary. You will need to wear a compression garment for the first 3 weeks after surgery. Only about 10% of patients will need drains. Based on your specific needs, your surgeon let you know when he/she expects you to be ready to return to work.
Exercise is not permitted for 1 week, but after that time you may resume lower body workouts. After 3 weeks, there are no activity restrictions so you may exercise your upper body as well. Speak with your surgeon before resuming exercise or other strenuous activities.
Breast and fatty tissue removed during a male breast reduction may return if the underlying cause of the patient’s gynecomastia is not addressed. Certain medications, health concerns, hormone fluctuations, and weight gain may cause additional trouble with male breasts in the future.
The Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester is proud to serve patients from throughout Upstate NY. We are honored to be the area’s premier plastic surgery center, and give every patient our undivided attention and the quality of care they deserve. Learn more about how we support our New York patients on their surgical journeys:
Following male breast reduction, most patients have 2 small scars, approximately ½ inch, on each side of the chest and/or in the underarm region. These scars typically fade nicely and are quickly unnoticeable.
No. While exercise can reduce fatty tissue, it will not remove any excess skin or breast tissue.
The cost of a male breast reduction varies, depending on your specific needs and goals. All prices quoted from the Quatela Center are all-inclusive and include pre and postoperative appointments, surgeon’s fees, surgery center fees, and anesthesia costs. For more information, see our page on Plastic Surgery Costs.
People who live in Buffalo, Syracuse, and other areas of New York travel to the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery for gynecomastia surgery and other breast enhancement procedures. Request your consultation using the online form to meet personally with one of our breast enhancement plastic surgeons or give our office a call at (585) 244-1000 to schedule an appointment.
