Frequently Asked Questions

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Get answers to the most common questions about gynecomastia surgery, recovery, cost, and what to expect as a patient at the Connecticut Gynecomastia Center.

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FAQs About Gynecomastia

Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery

You probably have a lot of questions about gynecomastia surgery, and that’s completely normal. This page covers the most common concerns men have when considering the procedure. If you don’t see your specific question answered here, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Reilly during your consultation.

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Gynecomastia FAQs

About the Procedure

Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for men, and most patients say it was easier than they expected. If you’re thinking about it, you probably have a lot of questions about how it works, what recovery looks like, and what kind of results you can expect. Here are the answers to the ones we hear most.

Gynecomastia surgery removes excess breast tissue and fat from the male chest to create a flatter, more masculine appearance. The procedure typically combines glandular tissue excision through small incisions around the areola with liposuction to remove excess fat. The specific approach depends on how much tissue you have and whether you need skin removal.

Most gynecomastia procedures take one to three hours depending on the complexity of your case. Straightforward cases with minimal tissue can be quicker, while more extensive cases requiring skin excision take longer. Dr. Reilly focuses on achieving the best results rather than rushing through the procedure.

Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure. For simpler cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be an option. Dr. Reilly will recommend the best approach based on your specific treatment plan.

Incisions are typically placed along the lower border of the areola where they blend with the natural color change between the areola and chest skin. These scars fade significantly over time and become barely visible for most men. If you need skin excision for severe gynecomastia, longer incisions may be necessary, but Dr. Reilly places them as discreetly as possible.

The glandular tissue that’s removed during surgery won’t grow back. Your results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and avoid substances that trigger gynecomastia like anabolic steroids. Significant weight gain can cause new fat accumulation in the chest, but the firm breast tissue itself is gone for good.

Candidacy and Timing

Not everyone needs surgery, and the right time to move forward depends on your age, health, and what’s causing the condition. These questions can help you figure out if you’re a good candidate and when it makes sense to take the next step.

Good candidates are men with enlarged breast tissue that hasn’t responded to diet or exercise. You should be in good overall health, at or near a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

Surgery can be performed on teenagers, but it’s best to wait until puberty is complete and the breast tissue has remained stable for at least a year or two. Many teenage cases resolve on their own within the first few years after development. Dr. Reilly evaluates each teenage patient individually to determine if surgery is appropriate or if waiting makes more sense.

You should be at or near a stable, healthy weight before surgery. Significant weight loss after gynecomastia surgery can affect your results, and gaining weight can cause new fat accumulation. If you’re planning to lose more than 20-30 pounds, it’s better to reach your goal weight first and then have surgery.

If medication triggered your gynecomastia, discuss alternatives with your prescribing doctor before surgery if possible. However, if you need to stay on the medication for health reasons, you can still have surgery. The breast tissue that’s already developed typically won’t go away even if you stop the medication.

Yes, Dr. Reilly treats many bodybuilders and athletes with gynecomastia caused by steroid use or hormonal imbalances from training. You should be off anabolic steroids before surgery and understand that future steroid use could potentially cause new tissue growth.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from gynecomastia surgery is easier than most patients expect. Here are answers to the most common questions about pain, downtime, getting back to your routine, and when you’ll see your final results.

Most men describe the discomfort as tightness and soreness rather than severe pain during gynecomastia recovery. Pain medication prescribed by Dr. Reilly keeps discomfort manageable during the first few days. The worst pain typically occurs in the first 48-72 hours and then improves significantly. Many men stop needing prescription pain medication after the first week.

Most men return to desk jobs within a week. Physical jobs requiring heavy lifting or overhead work typically need two to three weeks off. The exact timeline depends on your job’s physical demands and how quickly you heal. Dr. Reilly provides specific guidance based on what you do for work.

Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery. You can typically resume light cardio like walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bike around four weeks. Lower body weight training is usually fine at four to six weeks. Upper body exercises and heavy lifting typically wait until six to eight weeks. Always get clearance from Dr. Reilly before returning to strenuous activity.

You’ll notice significant improvement once initial swelling goes down after the first week or two. Your chest continues to refine over the next several months as residual swelling resolves. Final results are typically visible around six months, though subtle improvements can continue for up to a year as scars fade and tissues fully settle.

The goal is creating a natural, masculine chest that looks like it developed that way on its own. Most people won’t notice you’ve had surgery unless you tell them. Your chest will simply look proportionate and masculine rather than obviously altered. Scars fade significantly and become barely visible over time.

Costs and Logistics

Cost is one of the first things most patients want to know about. Here are answers to common questions about pricing, financing options, insurance, and how to plan for your procedure.

The cost for gynecomastia surgery varies based on the complexity of your case and what techniques are needed. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote that includes the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and any other associated costs. The team can discuss financing options if you’re interested in payment plans.

Insurance rarely covers male breast reduction because most companies classify it as cosmetic. Some exceptions exist if you can document physical pain, skin irritation, or severe psychological distress with supporting medical documentation. The team can provide documentation to submit to your insurance, though most men plan to pay out of pocket.

Yes, the practice works with financing companies such as CareCredit, Cherry, and Alphaeon that offer payment plans to make gynecomastia surgery more affordable. The team will explain your financing options during your consultation so you can choose what works best for your budget.

Dr. Reilly performs gynecomastia surgery at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT. This is a fully accredited hospital operating room with board-certified anesthesiologists. For minor surgeries, in-office procedures can be done, too.

Call the Connecticut Gynecomastia Center at (203) 680-3818 or use the online scheduling form to request a consultation. Consultations are complimentary. You’ll meet with Dr. Reilly to discuss your concerns, undergo a physical examination, and receive personalized recommendations for your case.

About Dr. Reilly

The gynecomastia surgeon you choose makes a big difference in your results. Here are answers to common questions about Dr. Reilly’s background, experience, and what it’s like to work with him.

Dr. Reilly is a highly rated board-certified plastic surgeon who received board of medical specialty certifications in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, a distinction achieved by less than 1% of all physicians. He completed his medical degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, followed by a General Surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus, and a Plastic Surgery residency at Nassau University Medical Center in New York.

Yes, Dr. Reilly has extensive experience treating gynecomastia in men of all ages, from teenagers to adults, bodybuilders, and revision cases. He understands both the technical aspects of the surgery and the emotional impact the condition has on men’s lives. His specialization allows him to handle straightforward cases efficiently and navigate complex situations with confidence.

Dr. Reilly has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Connecticut Magazine (2021-2025), New York Magazine (2021-2025), and Top Doctors New York Metro Area (2020-2023). These honors are based on peer nominations from other physicians who are asked which doctors they would trust with their own family members’ care.

Yes, consultations at the Connecticut Gynecomastia Center are complimentary. You’ll meet with Dr. Reilly to discuss your concerns, undergo a physical examination, learn about your surgical options, and receive a personalized treatment plan. There’s no obligation to schedule surgery, and you won’t be pressured to make a decision during your visit.

Yes, Dr. Reilly can show you before and after photos of previous gynecomastia cases during your consultation. These photos help you understand what kind of results are achievable and see how different types of gynecomastia respond to treatment. Each case is unique, but the photos provide helpful context for setting realistic expectations.

Still Have Questions?

These FAQs cover the most common concerns, but every case is unique. The best way to get answers specific to your situation is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Reilly. He’ll take the time to address all your questions and make sure you feel completely informed before making any decisions.

Ready to learn more? Contact the Connecticut Gynecomastia Center today to schedule your free consultation.

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Dr. Reilly Gynecomastia Surgeon