Body Contouring

Male Breast Reduction in Montclair, NJ with Dr. Caroline Szpalski

Gynecomastia affects over 70% of men, including adolescent males. It’s a condition that can cause enlarged or feminine-looking breast tissue in males. Typically, gynecomastia affects young men during puberty but quickly resolves. However, for many men, surgical intervention is required to restore a masculine chest contour.

Male breast reduction surgery (known as gynecomastia correction) aims to reduce excess fat and glandular tissues to reshape the upper body shape, improving confidence and self-image. Gynecomastia correction has tremendous psychological benefits, and can significantly improve a man’s quality of life.

Fellowship-trained female plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Szpalski and her team want to help you feel comfortable in your skin and identity. Together, you will develop a customized gynecomastia treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic vision, making her your choice as one of the best male breast reduction surgeons in the tri-state area of NJ.

Contact us today at (646) 777-0170 or complete our online form to schedule your male breast reduction consultation!

What Is a New Jersey Male Breast Reduction?

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure to address gynecomastia, the condition responsible for enlarged or feminine-looking male breast tissue. The physical effects of gynecomastia can cause men to become self-conscious or embarrassed about the appearance of their chests. The condition doesn’t affect men’s physical health. However, it can cause physical discomfort or pain, negatively impact body image and confidence, and cause emotional distress. Gynecomastia can be a source of shame or embarrassment for men and hinder many physical or intimate activities. With male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Szpalski can support you in achieving a more masculine-looking chest to help reclaim your self-image and confidence.

How Can You Treat a NJ Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can have many causes, and as such, it requires multiple approaches to restore a masculine chest contour. Weight fluctuations and obesity, hormonal changes like puberty, drugs like steroids or marijuana, or certain prescription medications may cause gynecomastia to develop.

This procedure is designed to remove excess breast (glandular) tissue and fat from the chest area of men, creating a smoother, firmer contour. Occasionally, removal of excess skin is also required, depending on the degree of gynecomastia and the amount of breast droop. Indeed, if your gynecomastia is caused by excess fat tissues, liposuction may be the solution. However, if glandular tissue or excess skin is the cause, it will require a different approach, such as surgical excision. However, all approaches to male breast reduction surgery aim to reduce breast size and produce a flatter, more masculine-looking chest contour by addressing:

Localized fat affecting the breasts
Glandular tissue development
Breast skin

Benefits of Gynecomastia in New Jersey

The benefits of male breast reduction are both physical and psychological, including:

Addressing feminine-looking breasts
Restoring a more masculine chest contour
Creating more definition in the pectoral muscles

Enhancing appearance in clothing
Restoring a sense of masculinity
Increasing self-image and confidence

What Causes Gynecomastia in ?

Gynecomastia is quite common and can affect one or both breasts. It can generate self-consciousness or embarrassment for a man. Although gynecomastia can result from obesity, some medical problems, hormone imbalances, medication or drug use (marijuana), in the majority of cases the cause is unknown.

Choosing Dr. Caroline Szpalski as Your NJ Male Breast Reduction Provider

Fellowship trained in microsurgery and the most complex cases in the world at MD Anderson, Dr. Caroline Szpalski is a female plastic surgeon born into a family of medical professionals and caregivers. Growing up in Africa and Europe, Dr. Szpalski brings an international flair and sophisticated European sense of style to her practice. With her distinct multicultural perspective and unique Ethnic identity, Dr. Szpalski recognizes that there are many standards of beauty, identity, color, and culture, so she offers a customized approach for every patient, making her your choice as the best male breast reduction surgeon in the Tri-State area.

As a busy surgeon, wife, mother, and New Yorker, Dr. Szpalski understands the diverse challenges many of her patients face. With a less is more philosophy, Dr. Szpalski tailors her approach to each patient’s needs with meticulous detailing to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results for a sense of timeless elegance.

Meet Caroline Szpalski, MD

Female Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey

Rediscover your identity with the help of Dr. Caroline Szpalski, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in New Jersey. With a unique multicultural upbringing and a European flair, Dr. Szpalski crafts elegant sophistication into every natural-looking patient transformation. Dr. Szpalski takes a less-is-more approach to plastic surgery to help patients maintain and appreciate their unique appearance and cultural beauty. No matter your aesthetic goals, start your journey toward a more confident you by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Szpalski and her expert team today!

Your NJ Male Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Szpalski

Patient consultations are a critical element of Dr. Szpalski’s practice. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will take the time to identify your goals for male breast reduction and review your realistic expectations to ensure she is the right surgeon for you. With a focus on providing exemplary care for all patients, Dr. Szpalski has created a warm, welcoming, nonjudgmental environment that is safe for sharing your concerns.

During your male breast reduction consultation, Dr. Szpalski will conduct a thorough physical assessment to determine the appropriate method of treating your gynecomastia, including reviewing your current medications and supplements.

What Are The Different Types of Gynecomastia Correction Surgery in New Jersey?

Male breast tissue is usually a combination of excess glandular (breast) tissue and adipose tissue (fat). Occasionally, there is also excess or droopy skin. Correction of gynecomastia therefore addresses these issues as they occur on an individualized basis. Outpatient surgery can take an hour or two to perform or sometimes longer if more extensive surgery is required.

Excision of Excess Male Breast Tissue

Surgical removal of excess breast tissue is usually approached by way of an inconspicuous incision underneath the areola at its junction with the chest skin. Glandular tissue and/or fat are removed beneath the areola and in the breast region. Surgical excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction.

Liposuction Correction of Gynecomastia

Liposuction is often used to remove both fatty tissue and some glandular tissue from the male chest. Often, a special type of liposuction that uses ultrasound is employed. Small incisions a few millimeters in diameter are made at the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. Please see our section on Liposuction to learn more about this procedure. If there is also a firm “button” of glandular tissue beneath the nipple and areola, surgical excision of this region may also be required.

Extended Male Breast Reduction

For the extremely enlarged and droopy male breast, a more significant breast reduction may be indicated. Extended male breast reduction involves removal of considerable breast tissue, fat, and skin. This procedure may require larger incisions and create more conspicuous scars, as for female breast reduction surgeries. If liposuction is also used to remove excess fat in these cases, the cannula is usually inserted through the incisions used for reduction. Occasionally, a drain is inserted through a separate incision to remove excess wound fluid during healing. Men with the most severe degree of gynecomastia are usually candidates for this type of surgery.

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Male Breast Reduction in NJ?

Tri-State area candidates for male breast reduction include patients who want to improve the masculine contours of their chest and increase their confidence by correcting gynecomastia. Candidates interested in male breast reduction should:

Be in good physical and mental health, living a healthy lifestyle
Not smoke, or be willing to quit at least six weeks before and after surgery
Be at or near their healthy, ideal weight

Have no conditions that impair healing
Have realistic expectations
Understand the surgical risks and benefits

Preparing for Male Breast Reduction Surgery in New Jersey

Before your male breast reduction, it is essential to be in good overall health. While every procedure will be unique, here is some general information to help you prepare.

Before surgery is not a good time to diet. Maintain your stable weight and avoid crash dieting or weight fluctuations. Commit to a consistent exercise routine before any surgery.
Eat a well-rounded diet with healthy, balanced meals with plenty of lean proteins to optimize results and recovery.
Stay well-hydrated before and after your procedure.
See your primary physician for a full examination and appropriate testing, such as bloodwork or an EKG, to ensure you are medically fit for surgery.
For two weeks before and after surgery, refrain from medications, vitamins, and supplements that may increase bleeding or bruising risks.
If you currently smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, you should quit. As smoking is detrimental to your health, especially during surgery recovery, patients should stop smoking at least six weeks before and after surgery. Dr. Szpalski orders a nicotine test for all patients who smoke to help avoid complications caused by smoking or the use of nicotine products.
Prepare your home and schedule for recovery. Take time off work, purchase necessary supplies, fill pain medication prescriptions, freeze meals for easy preparation, and arrange a clean, comfortable place to rest.
Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure and assist you with household management or childcare.

Male Breast Reduction in NJ Procedure Overview

Dr. Szpalski performs male breast reduction surgeries in fully accredited facilities at Freedom Surgical Center, St. Joseph’s Health University Medical Center, or Hudson Regional Hospital. On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive approximately an hour before your scheduled surgery to meet with Dr. Szpalski and your anesthesia provider. Dr. Szpalski will review the details of your surgery and answer any final questions you have. Dr. Szpalski will begin your male breast reduction by using the appropriate technique for your anatomy as determined during your consultation.

If your gynecomastia is caused by excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques are used. Dr. Szpalski will create several small incisions to insert a cannula to extract the excess fat. If your gynecomastia is caused by glandular breast tissue or excess skin, Dr. Szpalski will use excision techniques to reduce redundant tissue and skin. If necessary, Dr. Szpalski can reduce the size of the areola and reposition the nipple for a more natural-looking male chest contour.

In some cases, a combination of techniques is used to correct gynecomastia. Depending on the extent of your procedure, a male breast reduction surgery may take one to three hours.

Male Breast Reduction Recovery in Glen Ridge, NJ

Male breast reduction procedures are typically performed as outpatient procedures, so you will need someone to drive you home from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours.

Following your male breast reduction, incision sites will be dressed and bandaged, and you may be fitted with a compression garment to minimize swelling. Expect swelling, bruising, or tenderness for one to two weeks. You will be seen at the office for your first dressing change a few days after surgery. At this visit, your drains will be removed (if drains were placed) and you will be encouraged to continue wearing compression for up to six few weeks to facilitate the best chest contour. We usually provide your necessary postoperative garments after surgery. You do not need to specifically purchase any special garments unless your surgeon specially instructs you to do so.

Male breast reduction recovery depends upon the extent of your procedure. Most patients need three to five days off work for the initial recovery and rest. During recovery, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities like exercise and heavy lifting. However, walking can promote circulation and healing. Most patients can resume normal activities in four to six weeks. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Szpalski will help you navigate when to resume all activities.

How Soon Will I See NJ My Male Breast Reduction Results?

In many cases, patients will notice dramatic results to their physique immediately following male breast reduction surgery. However, you should expect swelling and bruising that may temporarily obscure results. You will continue to see improved results as your body adjusts to its contours. Wearing your compressive garment under your clothing will facilitate resolution of swelling, known as “edema.” It can take three months, up to a full year for you to fully appreciate the effects of your surgery. Be patient, and allow your body to recover at its own pace.

Typically, patients experience permanent results from male breast reduction surgery. Depending on the cause of your gynecomastia, you may need to make lifestyle adjustments to maintain your results, including sustaining your stable weight through diet and exercise. You may need to avoid certain prescription drugs and supplements, including steroids. Dr. Szpalski will provide thorough post-operative instructions following your procedure. You should avoid exposing your incisions directly to the sun for at least six months, sometimes up to a year. Tanning of the scars can cause “hyperpigmentation,” or semi-permanent darkening of the incisions. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a sunblock of at least SPF 30 on your incisions, even under light clothing.

How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost in the Tri-State Area?

Male breast reduction in Glen Ridge, NJ costs vary by patient, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s anatomical needs and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will determine the scope of your procedure and estimate your New Jersey male breast reduction cost.

Renew Your Masculine Identity with Glen Ridge, NJ Male Breast Reduction

Restoring the masculine contours of your chest can help boost your confidence. Renew your identity when you partner with Dr. Caroline Szpalski, one of the best male breast reduction surgeons in the Tri-State area! Learn about male breast reduction near me options in Glen Ridge, NJ by calling (646) 777-0170 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today!