Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly is gynecomastia and how do I know if I have it?
- Can I determine if I have gynecomastia simply by feeling my chest?
- Can I treat my gynecomastia with diet and exercise?
- At what age can surgery be done? Can a youngster or a teenager qualify for surgery? Is there an upper age limit for surgery?
- Are there any other methods of treatment of gynecomastia?
- Do I have an increased risk of cancer if I have gynecomastia?
- What should I know about male breast cancer?
- Is gynecomastia more common in any particular race or ethnic group?
- I have only one enlarged breast — what can be done?
- Is there a relationship between gynecomastia and drugs or medications?
- Is a complete hormonal workup by an endocrinologist required prior to surgery?
- I have an underlying medical condition (HIV positive, prostate cancer, heart disease, etc.). Can surgery for gynecomastia still be done?
- What are “bitch tits” in body builders?
- I am taking Propecia (Finasteride) to prevent hair loss. What are the implications of this?
- Does insurance cover the cost of gynecomastia surgery?
- What do the scars look like after surgery?
- What are drains and when are they used?
- What are the most common complications after gynecomastia surgery?
- If surgery is performed, will the results be permanent? What if I gain weight after the surgery?
- Can liposuction be performed on other areas of the body (for example, abdomen or love handles) at the same time as the gynecomastia surgery?
- I have very large areolas — what can be done to reduce the size?
- What can be done for “puffy nipples?
- What can be done for very large, female-type nipples (not the areolas)?
- I have very long, narrow, pendulous breasts. What can be done for this?
- What can be done for scarred nipples after nipple rings have been removed?
- Why do I have post-operative diminished feeling of the skin and nipples?
- Why is it necessary to wear a compression garment after surgery?
- Will my chest be symmetric after surgery?
- When should I massage my chest after surgery?
- What is done with the tissue removed during surgery?
- When can I return to my usual exercise routine after gynecomastia surgery?
- What will happen to my chest if I lose weight after surgery?
- Will the presence of chest acne affect my eligibility for gynecomastia surgery?
- What is skin elasticity and why is it so important in consideration for gynecomastia surgery?
- Am I more prone to develop gynecomastia if I am overweight?
- How will I view myself after gynecomastia surgery?
- I have had prior surgery for gynecomastia by another surgeon and I am not pleased with the results. Can anything be done?
- What is a prolactinoma?
- Should I lose weight in preparation for surgery?
- I am a vegetarian – am I still eligible for gynecomastia surgery?
- Should I work out and build up my chest muscles prior to surgery?
- How does smoking affect gynecomastia surgery?
- I have gynecomastia but am afraid of surgery. What can I do?
- What exactly is gynecomastia and how do I know if I have it?
- Can I determine if I have gynecomastia simply by feeling my chest?
- Can I treat my gynecomastia with diet and exercise?
- At what age can surgery be done? Can a youngster or a teenager qualify for surgery? Is there an upper age limit for surgery?
- Are there any other methods of treatment of gynecomastia?
- Do I have an increased risk of cancer if I have gynecomastia?
Are you a teenager or under the age of 18 with Gynecomastia? Dr. Lebowitz highly suggest waiting 1-2 years to see if it goes away. If it does NOT, then your only option would be to get the surgery. Please speak with your pediatrician and parents about your concerns. *With your parents approval*, you may call the Long Island Gynecomastia Center at 631-424-0101 to schedule your free Skype or FaceTime consultation.