Gynecomastia in New Jersey

This condition can occur in men at any age, but it’s most common in these populations:

Birth: About 50% of male infants have enlarged breasts, but they usually go away after the first month.
Puberty: More than 50% of adolescent boys have enlarged breasts to some degree. Changing hormone levels, including increases in estrogen and decreases in testosterone, can make the breasts grow. However, the problem usually goes away as the boy’s hormones level out in six months to two years.
Adults: Enlarged male breasts occur more often in men over 50. As they age, the body produces less testosterone, and it may have more fat that boosts estrogen production.

There are many reasons men get gynecomastia, but imbalances of estrogen and testosterone are most common. Some conditions that cause breast enlargement in men are:

Alcoholism
Adrenal tumors
Kidney failure or kidney disease
Thyroid disease
Liver disease

Some men also get gynecomastia from taking steroids, and the problem may disappear once the patient stops taking these medications.

Your doctor will perform a medical evaluation to determine if you have gynecomastia and check your medical and family history. Blood tests, a breast ultrasound, and a mammogram may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who can improve the appearance of your chest with gynecomastia. She also can perform many other related procedures in the New Jersey.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, a condition characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue, is frequently attributed to an hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. In addition to hormonal factors, certain medications and medical conditions can also contribute to the swelling and enlargement of male breasts. It is worth noting that in many cases, enlarged breasts in boys and men may improve on their own without any treatment.

However, if the condition causes self-consciousness and impacts one’s confidence, the option of breast reduction surgery may be considered as a potential solution.

SMITA R. RAMANADHAM, M.D. – Female Plastic Surgeon

Smita R. Ramanadham, M.D.– Female Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Smita Ramanadham, originally from New Jersey, possesses an in-depth understanding of the unique objectives of both women and men in the New Jersey Area. After achieving a successful academic career at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, she is delighted to return to her home state.

Dr. Ramanadham completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the renowned University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX, which ranks first nationally in plastic surgery programs, according to Doximity. During her training, she had the invaluable opportunity to learn directly from the world’s foremost experts.

She actively contributes as a dedicated member of The Aesthetic Society, a highly respected organization representing the most qualified group of aesthetic plastic surgeons. Furthermore, she actively participates as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and values the chance to enhance the field of plastic surgery on a larger scale. Within the ASPS, she serves on multiple national committees, including Women Plastic Surgeons, Young Plastic Surgeons Steering Committee, Curriculum Committee, Social Media Subcommittee, Wellness Task Force, and Coding and Payment Policy Committee.

Gynecomastia Procedure

The procedure may vary somewhat by the patient, but gynecomastia usually involves these steps:

Anesthesia

Dr. Smita will administer general or local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Liposuction

If the gynecomastia is from extra fatty tissue in the breasts, your surgeon may use liposuction. This procedure involves inserting a thin cannula through several incisions.

The surgeon moves the cannula back and forth to break up the fat, which is then sucked out.

There are several liposuction methods the surgeon can use, but the most common is tumescent liposuction. This popular procedure involves injecting lidocaine and epinephrine in the target area to reduce bleeding and swelling.

Then, the surgeon inserts the cannula to remove the fat and injected fluids.

Excision

Excision may be needed if extra skin and breast tissue need to be taken out to correct the problem.

Your surgeon also may need to perform excision if the areola is being reduced or the nipples moved to a higher position.

Many gynecomastia procedures involve liposuction and excision, but Dr. Smita will review your anatomy and let you know.

Gynecomastia surgery before and after

Benefits Of Gynecomastia Treatment

Men with enlarged breasts may feel they don’t look masculine enough. Gynecomastia can change the appearance of the chest to offer these benefits;

Improve self-confidence: Diet and exercise help but may not make the breasts smaller on their own. Many men can only get a more masculine chest with surgery. This procedure allows them to wear tighter clothing and not be shy about going to the beach without a shirt, which increases self-esteem.
More masculine physique: This procedure makes the chest more sculpted and aesthetically attractive.
Better posture: Many don’t know that the size and shape of one’s chest can affect posture; it can make the upper spine curve and cause serious problems, such as a humpback. And some men even hunch over to hide their chests and this can deform the spine over time.
Lose weight: Extra weight in the chest can make exercise uncomfortable, so men with gynecomastia may avoid working out. This can interfere with weight loss and good health.
Reduce back pain: Women with big breasts aren’t the only ones that can have back pain. Men with enlarged breasts can have severe back pain from this condition, especially those who have weak back muscles.
Long-term results: When the fat and glandular tissue is removed from the chest, they won’t return. As long as you eat a healthy diet and exercise, you shouldn’t have additional problems in this body area.

Ideal Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is major surgery and not everyone is an ideal candidate. Dr. Smita will perform a medical evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. She may recommend gynecomastia if you fit these guidelines:

Your condition cannot be corrected with diet, exercise, and drug treatments
You don’t have a severe medical condition that can hamper healing
You don’t smoke or use drugs
You have an optimistic outlook and specific goals to improve your condition
You’re in good overall health and aren’t overweight
Your breast development is stable
You feel as if your breasts are large or unattractive

Some adolescents may qualify for this procedure, but they could need other surgeries if the breasts continue to develop.

Surgery Preparation

Preparing for gynecomastia surgery means you should be sure you don’t take medications that may cause bleeding.

Also, you shouldn’t smoke several weeks before and after surgery, and eat a healthy diet to speed healing and recovery.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgery, gynecomastia has some degree of risk. But a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Smita will reduce the risks if you follow her guidelines in a committed way.

Serious complications are unusual in this procedure, but some of the most common are:

Infection
Poor response to general anesthesia
Blood clots
Slow healing
Exessive scarring
Excessive fluid and blood loss
Fluid accumulation under the skin
Numbness near incisions

Some plastic surgeons may be more aggressive in removing fat from the breasts. If too much liposuction is done in one session, there can be excessive loss of bodily fluids and blood that can lead to complications.

Removal of extra glandular tissue also may create an uneven result that requires revision surgery.

It’s important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon for this procedure for best results and minimal risks.

Gynecomastia Recovery

Most gynecomastia patients recover well. The first two weeks are the most uncomfortable, and you may have some soreness and swelling in the breasts. It’s essential to rest and avoid intense exercise to prevent complications.

Your surgeon may give you a compression garment to wear around the chest to make the skin mold to your slimmer contours. The garment also will prevent excessive swelling that can complicate recovery.

After the first two weeks, you can go back to work and do light exercise. But you may experience some swelling and bruising for several weeks.

Some patients become impatient with seeing their final gynecomastia surgery results, but it takes time. You will continue to have residual swelling for a few months in many cases, and final results can take six months to appear.

you with a compression garment to wear. It’s important to wear it so your skin adheres to your new shape.

You can expect a moderate level of pain and swelling in the first week. Dr. Smita will prescribe pain medication if needed for the first week.

You should limit your activities for at least a week, but it’s good for recovery to go for a walk every day.

It could take up to three months for all swelling to fade, and up to a year before you see the final results.

To have a faster recovery:

Eat a healthy diet: Even if you are in the best health, surgery is tough on the body. Healing properly requires good, healthy food every day. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to speed recovery and reduce inflammation.
Rest: Remember to rest for the first week after surgery gets a full night’s sleep. Doing both will give your body time to heal.
Go for a walk: While you should avoid strenuous exercise at first, going for a walk every day can improve the healing process.
Get help if you need it: You should talk to friends or family if you are having trouble cleaning, caring for children or doing errands. It may be difficult to lift children for a week or two, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost New Jersey

The ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) estimates a patient’s New Jersey gynecomastia cost to be around $5,000. However, this is a baseline price and does not include necessary charges for operating room facilities, anesthesia, postoperative out-of-pocket costs, etc.

Therefore, the gynecomastia cost New Jersey patients pay will generally be somewhat higher than $5,000.

New Jersey Gynecomastia Cost Factors

Various factors will influence the cost of gynecomastia surgery. These include:

The Location of the Surgery: Geographical location plays an important role in the cost of any surgery, including gynecomastia surgery. Furthermore, every surgical facility (whether you’re undergoing a procedure in the operating room of a plastic surgeon’s office, a hospital, or elsewhere) will charge a different amount for the use of their space and equipment.
The Extent of the Procedure: every patient will require a different surgery. Some gynecomastia patients will only need liposuction to correct their concerns while others will require liposuction as well as the excision of glandular tissue. These factors will influence the overall cost of surgery.
Surgeon Expertise: The more experienced and skilled a surgeon is with gynecomastia surgery, the more they will typically charge. This is certainly a factor influencing gynecomastia cost, however, this should not encourage you to choose a surgeon that charges a low amount for their services as this may indicate inexperience and lack of skill.

Complementary Procedures

Patients undergoing gynecomastia may want to have other procedures simultaneously. Having more than one procedure at a time is more cost-effective and condenses your recovery time.

Some popular procedures patients have with gynecomastia include liposuction, tummy tuck, and after weight loss surgery (skin removal).

Dr. Smita will do a medical evaluation before scheduling your gynecomastia procedure to discuss other procedures you may want.

Gynecomastia Surgery FAQ

Below are some of the most frequent questions about gynecomastia surgery:

What Causes The Male Breasts To Enlarge?

There are several possible causes of this condition, including hormone levels and whether he takes medications that affect hormones.

Some men have gynecomastia from their genetics, but others may have the condition from using steroids or drinking too much alcohol. If you engage in either of these habits, you should stop right away, and the problem may go away after a few months.

How Can I Get Rid Of My Enlarged Male Breasts?

Before considering surgery, you should try traditional methods to eliminate this condition, including diet and exercise. Eating healthy foods and getting exercise can correct a hormone imbalance and burn extra fat.

Also, if you drink too much alcohol or take steroids, stop immediately. Both habits will increase the chances of gynecomastia.

Once you have tried these solutions and still have enlarged breasts, you may want to consider surgery.

What are gynecomastia symptoms?

Gynecomastia is characterized by the presence of a button-sized growth beneath the nipple. This can be observed as a breast lump or detected by applying pressure to the area. The lump typically moves easily within the breast tissue and may exhibit tenderness upon touch. It is important to note that breast lumps and enlargement can occur in one or both breasts in cases of gynecomastia.

Is Gynecomastia A Serious Problem?

Gynecomastia isn’t usually a serious medical condition, but it can cause men to be embarrassed and self-conscious. As a result, people with this condition may avoid socializing and exercising, which affects their mental and physical health.

That’s why many patients who have had surgery report a high satisfaction level with their results. In addition, having a more masculine-looking chest improves self-esteem and self-confidence.

What Exercises Can Help Me Lose Gynecomastia?

You can’t lose weight in a specific area by doing exercises. However, you can lose fat that may affect the size of the male breasts by doing cardio to lose weight.

Also, consider doing chest workouts to boost the size of your pectoral muscles.

How Long Will My Gynecomastia Surgery Last?

Surgical results are permanent because the removed glandular and fat tissue can’t grow back. However, the condition can return if you gain a lot of weight or take medications that may cause gynecomastia, such as steroids.

Are there gynecomastia self-care measures?

Dieting and exercising
Stopping the use of drugs or steroids
Reducing alcohol intake
Hormone treatments
Losing weight

What Foods Can Cause Enlarged Male Breasts?

If you want to improve the appearance of your chest on your own, you should avoid eating processed foods, soy products, beer, eggs, and dairy products.

Many doctors recommend avoiding chicken and eggs because they both contain hormones that can enlarge the male breasts.

It also helps if you consume more fruits and vegetables and reduce your consumption of simple carbohydrates.

How Can I Check If I Have Gynecomastia?

Glandular tissue usually develops in the breasts of men with gynecomastia. You can check for enlarged breast tissue by feeling the breast with your fingers. If you have this condition, you may feel a rubbery, soft lump in the breasts.

If you don’t feel this kind of lump, your breasts may simply have too much fat, which can be removed with liposuction. But it will help to lose weight before having surgery.

Will My Gynecomastia Go Away By Itself?

It’s not easy to say if this condition will go away on its own. But it generally does resolve by itself in newborns and adolescents.

However, older men with this condition probably shouldn’t assume it will disappear by itself; once the breast tissue has developed, it can only be fixed with surgery.

Also, if prescription or illegal drug use caused the condition, it will come back after surgery if the patient doesn’t stop taking them.

How Can I Eliminate ‘Man Boobs’ Fast?

You should first try a diet and exercise program to lose weight and reduce the breasts’ size. This program should include eating more fruits and vegetables, not eating processed foods, and avoid consuming grains and soy products.

Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about gynecomastia surgery if these options don’t produce the results you want.

Do I Need Anesthesia For Gynecomastia Surgery?

Most plastic surgeons use general anesthesia for this procedure, but it also can be done with local anesthesia.

Your surgeon will talk to you about whether she will use local or general anesthesia. Some patients have anesthesia allergies, so a local anesthetic may be the best choice.

Will I have gynecomastia surgery scars?

Scarring occurs with any plastic surgery, and gynecomastia surgery is no exception. The amount of scarring with this procedure depends on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed.

Some patients only need incisions around the areola, and the scars are almost invisible. Others may require skin removal, and you will have scars on the sides of the chest. But surgeons typically make these incisions under the pectoral muscles, so it’s hard to see.

Your amount of scarring also depends on how well your body heals; some patients scar more than others. Talk to your plastic surgeon about how you’ve scarred in the past and what you can expect with this procedure.

Gynecomastia surgery is an attractive option for men who cannot reduce the size of their breasts with only diet and exercise. So, talk to Dr. Smita today about whether this procedure is a good fit for your needs.

Contact Us

If you are frustrated with the side effects of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we invite you to contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramanadham to learn about our male breast reduction procedure at our facility.

Once you have had gynecomastia treatment, you will not have to keep hiding your chest when you go to the gym and beach. We have helped many New Jersey men and have enjoyed helping them regain their self-confidence.