Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue, is a common condition that can affect confidence, posture, and comfort. It often cannot be corrected through diet or exercise alone. Gynecomastia surgery creates a flatter, more masculine chest by removing excess glandular tissue, fat, and sometimes excess skin.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue caused by hormonal imbalance, genetics, medication effects, or weight fluctuations. Unlike fat alone, glandular breast tissue cannot be reduced with exercise. Gynecomastia surgery—also known as male breast reduction—removes this excess tissue and reshapes the chest for a firmer, smoother, more athletic appearance.
How Is a Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or light sedation, depending on complexity. The procedure often combines liposuction to remove excess fat with direct excision to remove firm glandular tissue beneath the nipple. Incisions are usually placed discreetly along the lower areola or natural chest creases. For patients with significant skin laxity (often after major weight loss), excess skin may also be removed. Layered sutures support the new contour, and a compression vest is placed to minimize swelling and promote optimal chest definition.
A Flatter, More Masculine Chest
Removing excess glandular tissue and fat restores a naturally contoured, athletic-looking chest that aligns with your body frame.
More Comfort and Confidence
Many patients feel significantly more confident wearing fitted shirts, going shirtless, or exercising without feeling self-conscious.
Long-Lasting, Defined Results
Once glandular tissue is removed, results are typically permanent—especially when combined with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Good Candidates for a Gynecomastia Surgery
You may be a strong candidate for gynecomastia surgery if you have:
Enlarged breast tissue that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise
Puffy or protruding nipples
Chest asymmetry or fullness
Good skin elasticity (or willingness to address loose skin if needed)
Stable weight and good overall health
Realistic expectations about scars and healing
During your consultation, Dr. Franck assesses the type of gynecomastia—fatty, glandular, or mixed—to determine the ideal surgical approach.
Why Choose Dr. Franck for Your
Gynecomastia Surgery?
Dr. Philipp Franck is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialized experience in male chest contouring. His approach prioritizes natural, balanced, masculine results tailored to each patient’s frame.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
New York Times Magazine Rising Star Surgeon
Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine
Expertise in liposuction-assisted and glandular excision techniques
Dr. Franck’s meticulous technique ensures smooth transitions, symmetric contours, and long-term definition.
Surgical Expertise & Recognition
Dr. Franck combines advanced technique with deep anatomical knowledge, earning recognition as one of NYC’s rising stars in plastic surgery.
Refined, Natural Aesthetics
Dr. Franck’s approach to male body contouring focuses on balance and natural results.
Boutique Experience in Manhattan
Every consultation and procedure is tailored to you, with the highest level of privacy, comfort, and personalized care in an elegant Manhattan setting.
Gynecomastia Surgery Timeline
1. Private Consultation
Dr. Franck evaluates your chest anatomy, glandular vs. fatty components, and skin elasticity to determine the most effective surgical plan.
2. Surgery
On surgery day, markings identify glandular tissue areas, liposuction zones, and incision placement to achieve balanced, masculine contouring.
3. Early Recovery (Week 1)
Expect swelling, tightness, and mild soreness. A compression vest supports the chest and helps refine definition. Most patients return to light activities within a few days.
4. Settling Phase (Weeks 2–6)
Bruising resolves, swelling decreases, and the chest shape becomes more defined. Many patients resume exercise gradually during this phase, avoiding heavy chest workouts until cleared.
5. Final Results (Months 3–12)
Final chest contour appears as tissues soften and settle. Scars fade, definition improves, and results remain stable long-term with healthy lifestyle habits.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia
FAQs
Results are typically permanent, especially once glandular tissue is removed. Weight stability and avoiding hormone-affecting substances help maintain results.
Liposuction can remove fat but cannot remove glandular tissue. Most patients require a combination of both for optimal results.
Scars are usually small and placed discreetly along the areola or chest crease. They typically fade well over time.
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and feels more like tightness or bruising. Medication and compression garments help significantly.
Recurrence is uncommon but possible with significant weight gain, steroid use, hormonal imbalance, or certain medications.
Most patients maintain normal nipple sensation after gynecomastia surgery. Temporary changes in sensation—such as numbness, tingling, or increased sensitivity—are common in the early healing phase and usually improve over several weeks to months. Permanent changes are uncommon, especially when glandular excision is performed meticulously and the nipple’s blood and nerve supply are preserved.
Insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery varies and is often limited. Many insurance plans consider the procedure cosmetic unless strict medical criteria are met—such as documented pain, functional limitations, or failure of conservative treatments. Even in these cases, approval can be inconsistent. It’s important to review your specific policy and understand that most patients elect to proceed on a self-pay basis. Dr. Franck’s office can guide you through the process and help determine whether your insurance may consider partial or full coverage.
Real Patient Reviews
“As soon as we met with Dr. Franck we knew he was extremely knowledgeable and skilled. He has a trained eye and is an artist. We have had experience with other plastic surgeons in the past and he has been the absolute most professional, knowledgeable, skilled and has an amazing bedside manner.”
“When I had my first consultation with him, I felt very welcomed and comfortable. After sharing the trauma and lack of confidence I was battling, he immediately put himself in my shoes and helped me come up with the best solution (which indeed was the procedure). Being that he was so confident, passionate, and professional; I knew that I could trust him.”
“As soon as we met with Dr. Franck we knew he was extremely knowledgeable and skilled. He has a trained eye and is an artist. We have had experience with other plastic surgeons in the past and he has been the absolute most professional, knowledgeable, skilled and has an amazing bedside manner.”
Schedule Your Private Consultation
Discover how a lip lift can refine your proportions and naturally enhance your smile. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Philipp Franck, one of the best lip lift surgeons in New York, to create your personalized plan today.